Iain Macrae CEng FSLL MCIBSE is an independent lighting consultant and Chartered Engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in lighting design, engineering, standards and professional education.
I provide specialist lighting consultancy across the UK, helping architects, developers, engineers, manufacturers and other organisations solve lighting problems, demonstrate compliance and make better technical decisions.
Environmental Lighting Assessments & Planning
I prepare independent Environmental Lighting Assessments and Lighting Impact Assessments to support planning applications and the discharge of planning conditions.
Assessments can include three-dimensional lighting modelling, obtrusive light assessment, consideration of neighbouring properties and identified ecological receptors, and practical recommendations to reduce unnecessary light while still meeting the needs of the development.
Lighting Design
I provide independent architectural and exterior lighting design, calculations, specification and technical design support for buildings, exterior spaces and specialist projects.
Good lighting design is not simply about achieving an illuminance. It requires an understanding of people, the space, the visual task, the equipment and where light is – and is not – needed.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is a life-safety discipline. I provide emergency lighting consultancy, risk assessment, design and technical review, considering the building, its occupants, escape strategy and identified risks alongside the relevant standards and guidance.
Independent Lighting Consultancy
Not every lighting problem requires a complete design. I provide independent lighting consultancy and technical advice, including design and specification review, standards interpretation, lighting calculations, investigation of existing problems and technical support for manufacturers and project teams.
Professional Lighting & DIALux Training
I have taught lighting across four continents and provide professional lighting training covering lighting design, emergency lighting, standards and specialist technical subjects.
I also provide practical DIALux evo training from Foundation through Intermediate and Advanced levels, delivered online or face-to-face.
Experience behind the advice
I am a Chartered Engineer, Fellow and Past President of the Society of Light and Lighting and a Member of CIBSE. My career has included lighting design, product development, technical management, professional guidance, standards and education as well as independent consultancy.
That breadth of experience is particularly useful when a lighting problem crosses the boundaries between design, products, standards and practical application. You can read more about my professional background and industry involvement on the About Iain Macrae page, or explore my lighting articles and technical insights.
Recent projects
Some recent projects show how lighting assessment and technical advice can help resolve very different planning and design challenges.
How can I help?
If you have a lighting project, planning requirement, technical problem or training need, tell me what you are trying to achieve and what information you already have.