Nicolas Pomerleau on Customized Lighting Design

Why is it important to Gabriel Scott to offer customizable design?

At the heart of our brand identity lies customizable design. Having been with Gabriel Scott since its inception, I can attest that it has always been integral to our ethos. While offering bespoke products presents its challenges, they are precisely the projects that invigorate our design team. Like this, custom Kelly chandelier created for the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Customization fosters deeper engagement with our interior design and architect clients, granting us invaluable insight into their evolving requirements for luxurious lighting fixtures and furniture, allowing us to continuously push our creative boundaries. (NP)

How many of pieces can clients customize?

Every one of them! We also offer fully bespoke creations that aren't part of our standard collection. You can tailor everything to your preferences, from the glass to the finishing touches, and even the size and shape of the designs. In essence, there's almost no limit to what we can achieve.

Our design and production teams work together in Montreal to involve clients in customizing every stage of the process. Working closely together helps finish customization projects quickly, but design complexity may affect completion times. Smaller products such as Pendant lighting can finish with shorter lead times, but complex projects may require more time.

How has the studio's contemporary lighting design evolved to offer more custom options?

In our approach to designing new products, we consistently explore the concept of how versatile it is. We ask ourselves: how can this piece adapt and transform? How easily can someone adapt its design?

We have over ten years of experience. During this time, we have developed a unique design style and tools. These tools help us to explore a wide range of ideas.

Recognizing the growing demand for flexible designs, we've responded by expanding our offerings. We introduced new finishes for collections, such as Luna Kaleido, Welles Textured Glass, and the updated Welles Reimagined series. These included different glass textures, colors, shapes, and configurations, providing our clients with a wider range of choices.

What sets us apart is our dedication to engaging directly with interior designers, architects, and customers. These conversations informs the evolution of our existing collections but also allows us to create truly exceptional custom pieces tailored to individual preferences. By staying grounded, we stay attuned to market trends, allowing us to push the boundaries of design innovation.

While working together with designers on the Welles Reimagined series, were the designs easily adaptable for customization?

Working on the Welles Reimagined series was an incredibly rewarding experience. Witnessing professionals from various backgrounds engage with our designs, brainstorm ideas, and immerse themselves in the world of Gabriel Scott was truly exciting.

The process was simple: designers received a brief, and from there, we embarked on a journey of collaboration. We had regular meetings to ensure the seamless development of designs, making it a truly collaborative effort.

As a result of this partnership, designers have chosen pieces for projects, with some even opting for bespoke pieces. We eagerly anticipate the unveiling of these finished projects. Stay tuned for updates!

Has the studio observed a surge in requests for custom designs? If so, what factors do you believe are fueling the demand for increased customization?

Absolutely! As people invest more in their homes, they are constantly in search of something truly unique. This desire for individuality stems from both the designer's creativity and the client's preferences.

The appeal of a completely bespoke fixture elevates unique appeal to new heights. Working with a designer to craft a custom piece allows the entire vision for the project to flourish.

Additionally, we often engage in hotel and leisure projects that necessitate entirely customized designs. These projects typically entail larger-scale specifications compared to residential endeavors. In the recent Gensler project, we built a version of the Welles Chandelier which is 50ft long. It sits stunningly, sprawling through the 64th floor of the One World Trade Center.

Tell us about Gabriel Scott’s newly launched Custom Design Service

Our Custom Design Service is an expansion of our existing product offering curated by Scott Richler himself. This service offers furniture and lighting options for interior designers and architects, allowing for creative freedom in design.

We have spent over a decade collaborating closely with our clients on custom design projects. Whether it involves adapting elements from our core collection or crafting something entirely unique, our commitment to customization has always been unwavering. This has launched with a structured service, enabling clients to seamlessly integrate pieces into their projects.

Our Custom Design Service has already seen diverse utilization. Some designers opt for our four-step fee-based process. This guides their ideas from conception through technical development and prototyping, culminating in Gabriel Scott's expert oversight during manufacture.

Or, clients may present a budget and concept for our studio to bring to life. We partner with design studios to curate "signature" product collections, ensuring brand consistency across various projects or developments.

Can you share anything about current projects or any notable clients you're collaborating with?

Keeping current projects confidential is crucial. Recent collaborations have been with top design studios like Rockwell Group, Studio Munge, and Les Ensembliers. Gabriel Scott works with clients including Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Mandarin Oriental, Gensler, and The Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Our products, crafted by hand and designed to be flexible, enable seamless collaboration with designers, architects, and developers alike.

Whether it's making a one-of-a-kind lighting fixture for a private residence or a members' club. Supplying furniture and lighting for an entire hotel complex. Or creating sculptural lighting as part of a commercial space. We're committed to working closely with you to bring your vision to life.

Read more about our Custom Design Service.