Business Details
28 Years
experience
Architectural Lighting Design Services in Chicago
Founded in 1998 by Peter Hugh, Hugh Lighting Design is a dedicated architectural lighting design and consulting firm with over 25 years of expertise. Our work spans hospitality, mixed-use/residential, and exterior environments, where we collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, engineers, and owners to uphold design integrity throughout all project phases. By prioritizing client intent and balancing functional and aesthetic needs, we transform architectural visions into immersive lighting experiences. Our commitment to long-term client relationships and innovative design solutions has solidified our reputation in the industry. We believe lights transformative power enhances how people experience spaces, achieved through harmonizing dichotomies like light and darkness, form and function, art and science. Our teams affiliations with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) reflect our dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation in lighting design.Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago, we bring both technical precision and creative vision to every project. Our portfolio includes landmark projects across commercial, institutional, and retail sectors, demonstrating our adaptability and depth of experience. Through strategic partnerships and a client-centric approach, we ensure each project meets its unique functional and emotional goals. This philosophy of balance and collaboration continues to drive our success in creating spaces where light elevates human experience.
Services
Architectural Lighting Design
Hospitality Lighting
Mixed-Use Lighting
Residential Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Commercial Lighting
Institutional Lighting
Retail Lighting
Project Consulting
Design Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in architectural lighting design.
- Our team collaborates with architects and engineers to ensure design integrity.
- We specialize in hospitality, mixed-use/residential, and exterior environments.
- Our designs emphasize balance between light and darkness, form and function.
- We are certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of Illinois.
Associations and certifications
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago
Services
Architectural Lighting Design
Our architectural lighting design services focus on transforming spaces through strategic illumination. We balance artistic vision with technical precision to enhance structural features while meeting functional needs. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that create immersive environments for commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
Hospitality Lighting
Hospitality lighting solutions emphasize ambiance and guest experience across hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. We design systems that adapt to different times of day while maintaining energy efficiency and aesthetic cohesion with interior themes.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting designs enhance safety, visibility, and architectural beauty after dark. Our approach integrates landscape features with structural elements to create cohesive nighttime environments for parks, plazas, and commercial properties.
Commercial Lighting
Commercial lighting services optimize workspace functionality while reducing energy consumption. We implement daylight harvesting systems and task-specific illumination strategies that comply with industry standards for productivity and occupant well-being.
Design Coordination
Design coordination ensures seamless integration of lighting systems with architectural and engineering requirements. Our team facilitates communication between stakeholders to maintain design integrity throughout construction phases while addressing technical challenges proactively.
People
Peter Hugh
President
With 35 years in lighting design, Peter Hugh applies philosophy and biophilia principles to architectural projects. He leads industry initiatives for DEIR advancement and holds leadership roles in the Illuminating Engineering Society.
Mahalia Santiago-Wajda
Vice President
Mahalia brings 18 years of experience in balancing decorative and functional lighting needs. Her interior architecture background ensures human-centric designs for mixed-use and residential projects while maintaining affiliations with major lighting organizations.
Questions
What services does Hugh Lighting Design offer?
We specialize in architectural lighting design for hospitality, mixed-use/residential, exterior, commercial, institutional, and retail projects, focusing on balancing aesthetics and functionality.
How long has Hugh Lighting Design been in business?
Founded in 1998 by Peter Hugh, we have over 25 years of experience in architectural lighting design and consulting.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Chicago, we work on projects nationwide, including Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and more, with a focus on collaborative, client-driven solutions.
Are you certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago.
How do you approach lighting design?
We prioritize client intent and balance dichotomies like light/darkness and form/function to create spaces where light enhances human experience and architectural vision.
Can you collaborate with other design professionals?
Yes, we work closely with architects, engineers, and interior designers to ensure seamless integration of lighting solutions that align with overall project goals.
Reviews (2)
John Salopek
Nov 10, 2018
Report
Peter created a great design for exterior line voltage lights that is working out great. It was great to work with him and his staff.
Ksenija Glusac
Oct 15, 2018
Report
This company sucks!!!! We hired them to work on the lighting of our condo and they screwed up everything! Of course, at a significant hourly charge!
