Get exclusive firsthand expert advice from the core members of the Sol Luminaire team. Our Sales Manager Edmund Ho, Assistant Sales Manager Gerald Hu and Gallery Manager Kai let us in on their respective roles, the evolution of lighting trends, myths and what new homeowners should look out for in light planning.
What is your role at Sol Luminaire?
Edmund Ho (E): I'm the Sales Manager in Sol luminaire but apart from doing sales, I oversee the backend logistics and operations of the company. I also ensure that the team is in tune with light layering techniques and are knowledgeable in lighting installation.
Gerald Hu (G): I am the Assistant Sales Manager, developing and implementing new strategies for the indoor and outdoor sales teams. I also spearhead the Tunable White range that was just launched early last year.
Kai (K): As the Gallery Manager of Sol luminaire, the LAB2.1 and Galerie 5's showrooms, I am in charge of the overall in-store experience. We work with vendors to create a seamless online and offline lighting experience for the user, one that engages all 5 senses. With the 'new normal', retail stores have to pivot to the changing consumer behaviour, a personalised experience is what we take pride in.
How has your role evolved over the years?
E: My role has grown tremendously since the beginning – we neither had delivery, maintenance nor customer service teams back then, but now, the team has grown to specialise in specific roles within the company and we learn to trust and grow as a team.
G: I started as a lighting consultant going to site visits, to gaining technical skills such as learning AutoCAD and DIALux softwares to offer my clients better accuracy in light planning.
K: Having been in Sol luminaire for about 6 years, my role has definitely evolved over the years — my responsibilities grew from being the only sales person to now leading and managing the direction of the sales team to ensure client expectations are met.
What are some common misconceptions about lighting?
E: Most clients come in wanting to buy the brightest light with the assumption that maximum brightness equates to good lighting. However, the brightest lights can also be the flattest lights, they do not necessarily create a homely essence for their family and loved ones.
G: When homeowners do not invest in lighting as much as they do in their interior design. Good lighting helps to achieve the mood that they see in aesthetic interiors on Pinterest boards.
K: I would say light layering is often neglected when it comes to light planing. Incorporating light layering into their spaces is a key factor in achieving mood and ambience. Another way is to install dimmers to control brightness.
How have lights changed in recent years?
E: Lighting technology has improved greatly, thanks to advancements such as Dim-to-Warm & Tunable White technologies, which we always recommend clients to experience in our showrooms to know the difference.
G: Apart from energy-saving lights, contemporary lights are becoming smaller, sleeker and more functional. Homeowners are intrigued with new technologies as they are looking to create spaces for multipurpose functions.
K: Design and technology have changed. Primary lighting source such as ceiling lights are now prod"With the 'new normal', retail stores have to pivot to the changing consumer behaviour." - Kai, Gallery Manager of Sol Luminaireuced in mini sizes to keep up with interior trends. New ways of plotting lights such as triplet and duplet lighting placements are introduced to give a more unique and neater lighting plan for interiors. "With the 'new normal', retail stores have to pivot to the changing consumer behaviour." - Kai, Gallery Manager of Sol Luminaire
"The brightest lights can also be the flattest lights, they do not necessarily create a homely essence for their family and loved ones." -Edmund Ho, Sales Manager of Sol Luminaire
"The brightest lights can also be the flattest lights, they do not necessarily create a homely essence for their family and loved ones." -Edmund Ho, Sales Manager of Sol Luminaire
What should new homeowners look for when they are shopping for lights?
E: Firstly, all clients have to purchase lights that have safety marks as we have seen cases in the past years where house fires happened. Secondly, for homeowners who are considering smart home appliances or dimmable lights, do have the habit to check in on device compatibility before your purchase. You can check in with our lighting specialists on the compatible brands.
G: Safety requirements and authentic certifications are some of the key aspects homeowners must consider. It is better for products to have safety indicators to avoid risks.
K: Having a lighting specialist to plan a tailored interior lighting proposal according to their requirements is as important as getting the right interior designer or contractors to build your space.
What are some trends that you foresee in the coming years?
E: I foresee lights getting smaller and more powerful in terms of performance output to accommodate the design and layout of new properties in Singapore. Having an efficient lighting plan will result in the home layout to be more purposeful, as compared to a templated, generic plan.
G: Mass adoption for s"Mass adoption for smart home technologies. Homeowners will be looking for convenience and versatility in lighting products." - Gerald Hu, Assistant Sales Manager of Sol Luminairemart home technologies. Homeowners will be looking for convenience and versatility in lighting products. "Mass adoption for smart home technologies. Homeowners will be looking for convenience and versatility in lighting products." - Gerald Hu, Assistant Sales Manager of Sol Luminaire
K: Design outlook is key, as it has to always evolve with the changing interior trends. An example would be our AEON in-house range of luminaires, the products you first saw 5 years ago look very different from the products you see today.
