Dwaal Architectural Lighting Design is known for research, alongside thoughtful creative design. We will try to discover the essence of the space and find ways to express this through lighting. We consider first and foremost the people who will be using, occupying or wandering through the spaces.
Dwaal has a reputation for advocating for the end-user while considering the broader goals of the project. Our goal is to design lighting that will make a positive difference.
Founder/Principle Kate Sweater holds a Master of Science in Architectural Sciences (Lighting) from the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Bachelors of Fine Art (Furniture) from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She is Lighting Certified by the NCQLP and is an Associate Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). She is a member of the IES Museum and Gallery Lighting Committee as well as the Brightness Committee.
Kate Sweater has extensive experience with human perception of lighting, lighting for art, and lighting for spaces ranging from high-end homes and hospitality to low-income housing and public spaces.
Lighting Research Center at RPI, Troy, NY, US, Senior Research Specialist
Research in the field of lighting - from technologies to applications and energy use, from design to health and vision. Research and testing of solid-state lighting systems and technologies, as well as supporting the application of lighting technologies through education and design.
Moooi, Breda, NL, Lighting Product Research Advisor
Contract advisor on lighting product related research and development
Baldinger Architectural Lighting, Astoria, NY, US, Design Engineer
Custom design and engineering of chandeliers and lighting fixutres (built on premises). Used AutoCAD (3D) and Solidworks to fully realize the design and purchasing of fixtures.
Focus Lighting, New York, NY, US, Junior Architectural Lighting Designer
Design, research and mock-ups in order to provide architectural lighting solutions. Lighting design for hospitality, restaurants and residences. Creating lighting plans, layouts, fixture schedules, fixture specifying. Working directly with architects and on the job site.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, US, Masters, Architectural Sciences (Lighting)
Master's of Science in Lighting. Lighting research focused on human factors in lighting, lighting technologies, policy, and design.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, Bachelors, Furniture
Fine arts degree, with a focus in Furniture.
Robert Bruce Thompson Light Fixture Design Competition, 2nd Place
Second Place Winner and Citation for Technical Achievement, Robert Bruce Thompson Light Fixture Design Competition 2011
Faculty Graduate Recognition Award, 1st Place
From RPI Architecture department for Excellence in the Study of
Architecture and General Academic Achievement by a Lighting Research Graduate
Bailey Scholarship Award Winne, 1st Place
Bailey Scholarship Award Winner 2010: Award for entrepreneurialism in lighting
