Why Lighting Design Is the Invisible Creator of Atmosphere

Light is omnipresent, yet it often remains invisible. We only notice it when it is missing or used incorrectly. And yet it influences how we feel, how we work, and how we connect with a space. For us as lighting designers in Berlin, one thing is clear: atmospheric lighting design is not just a detail – it is the invisible force that creates identity and makes spaces come alive.

💡 Independent Lighting Design in Berlin
At Studio De Schutter, we work independently. That means: we don’t sell products and we don’t follow short-lived trends. Instead, we look closely – sometimes we recommend less light, sometimes intentional darkness, or the reuse of existing elements. Because for us, good lighting design in Berlin means finding the right balance between beauty, function, and sustainability.

🔎 From Attitude to Practice
Our approach is based on curiosity, experience, and a strong network of manufacturers and craftsmen. But how does this philosophy translate into actual design? Here are five principles we apply in every project:

  1. Define zones
    Spaces feel alive when they include different lighting areas. Clear lighting at the workplace, warm light in the lounge, accents for special details – the interplay creates atmosphere.

  2. Choose color temperature consciously
    Warm white light (2700–3000 K) creates a sense of comfort, more neutral tones (3500–4000 K) support concentration. The mix defines mood and function.

  3. Work with darkness
    Not everything has to be bright. Shadows and intentionally dark zones give spaces depth and calmness, making the light more tangible.

  4. Plan for dimmability
    A space changes with the time of day. Flexible scenes ensure that lighting creates the right atmosphere – for meetings, presentations, or relaxation.

  5. Include sustainability
    Atmospheric lighting design is always also a matter of responsibility. We focus on durable products, modular systems, and European manufacturers. This way, we combine atmosphere with efficiency.

Other factors such as material staging or smart control systems intensify this effect – we integrate them selectively depending on the project.

🌍 Atmosphere Creates Identity
Whether office, hotel, or public space – atmospheric lighting design is more than function. It gives places their emotional signature, connects people, and enhances well-being. For us as lighting designers in Berlin, this means making spaces not only visible but tangible.

👉 Curious?
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Sabine de Schutter at work as a Lighting Designer in Berlin.png
Light Design in Berlin (Roof)
Sabine De Schutter

Founded in Berlin in 2015 by Belgian born Sabine De Schutter, Studio De Schutter reflects the strong belief that architectural lighting design is much more than just lighting up the built environment.

As independent lighting designers, the studio's focus is on user-centred design, because design is about creating meaningful spaces that positively affect people's lives. Studio De Schutter work focuses on creative lighting for working spaces, custom fixtures for heritage buildings to workshops and installations for public space.The studio's motto = #creativityisourcurrency

Sabine teaches at the HPI d.school, Hochschule Wismar, is an IALD member and the ambassador for Women in Lightingin Germany.

Studio De Schutter wurde 2015 von der in Belgien geborenen Sabine De Schutter (*1984) in Berlin gegründet. Die in Berlin lebende Designerin studierte Innenarchitektur in Antwerpen und Barcelona, hat einen zweiten Master-Abschluss in architektonischem Lichtdesign (HS Wismar) und studierte Design Thinking an der HPI d.school in Potsdam.

Das Studio De Schutter zeigt, dass es beim architektonischen Lichtdesign darum geht, Wahrnehmung zu formen und Erfahrungen zu schaffen. Für Studio De Schutter geht es beim Lichtdesign darum, eindrucksvolle Umgebungen zu schaffen, die das Leben der Menschen positiv beeinflussen. Der Benutzer steht im Mittelpunkt ihres Ansatzes und deshalb lassen sie und ihr Team sich nicht durch konventionelle Beleuchtungsstandards einschränken. Sie arbeiten eng mit ihren Kunden zusammen, um die Vision des Projekts und die Nutzerbedürfnisse zu verstehen und sie mit Licht zu akzentuieren. Das Studio De Schutter hat kreative Lichtlösungen für Arbeitsumgebungen, Lichtkunstinstallationen und kundenspezifische Leuchten in seinem Portfolio. Heute ist es ein vierköpfiges Team von internationalen Power-Frauen, die sich alle leidenschaftlich damit, wie Licht den Raum, die Erfahrungen und Emotionen formt, beschäftigt.

Sabine De Schutter lehrt an der Hochschule Wismar und ist Botschafterin für Women in Lighting (https://womeninlighting.com) in Deutschland.

https://www.studiodeschutter.com
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Office Lighting – Spaces That Connect People Sustainably