Supporting Role: Lilker Group Part 2
Lilker Associates Founded in 1985, by Bruce Lilker. Today, Lilker Associates is an award-winning, 100-member MEP engineering and energy firm. Headquartered in NY, the company provides services for new and renovated commercial, institutional, retailand luxury residential buildings.
Some history: Do you remember who stitched the first flag? Mary Pickersgill, of course...I am sure that you knew this from your American History class! She stitched it from a combination of cotton and dyed English wool bunting. She was assisted by her daughter, two nieces and an African American indentured servant. The flag has 15 horizontal red and white stripes, as well as 15 white stars in the blue field The local flag maker received a government commission in 1813 at a cost of $405.90 (equivalent to $4,960.00 in 2015). Not a bad commission, right? George Armistead, the commander of Fort McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor specified, "a flag so large that the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance". In preparation for a naval attack, Fort McHenry was made ready to defend the city. This flag did the job and today, miraculously, is on display for all to enjoy.
David's goal, not unlike that of flagmaker Mary Pickersgill, was to display this magnificent flag with drama. With low light levels for conservation, David's challenge was to visually enable all viewers to experience this breath-taking moment. With a flag that measures 30'-0" high by 35'-0" wide, this proved to be his most ambitious project to date. The lighting was accomplished with a digital video projector (typically used for AV ). This frames the flag, gives even light (uniform and consistent) and tightly conforms to the shape of this mammoth flag. This feat sets David apart as a world class lighting designer.
Credit: George Sexton AssociatesFront View: Display of the American Flag Smithsonian National Museum of American History - National Mall (Washington, D.C.)
Credit: George Sexton Associates A view from behind the scene. This is one LARGE climate controlled display case.. Remember this flag is an overwhelming 30'-0" x 35'-0".
The Keys to Successfully Hiring A Lighting Designer
Research- retain a lighting designer in the early stages of a project, creating the vision together. A lighting designer helps you get to know your space and create the space in ways you may not have thought possible.
Hands On- visit as many projects, showrooms as possible. See different light fixtures, how they work and remember seeing color is always based on the context of the lighting.
Communication- ask lots of questions and retain a lighting designer that you feel understands your goals and vision .... be open to suggestions.
Humor- keep a positive attitude despite the numerous mishaps and challenges. Remember to enjoy a few laughs along the way!