Architectural Lighting Designer

Light Rhythm
& Motion

Hospitality Civic Multi Residential Commercial Workplace F&B

Wellness-focused lighting design — shaping atmosphere, well-being, and the human experience of every space.

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Mai Shonnar — Architectural Lighting Designer

A decade of
light & vision

With more than a decade of experience in lighting design, what truly excites me about lighting is its quiet, ethereal quality — often overlooked yet incredibly powerful. It's not only a dynamic medium for artistic expression, but also vital for human health and the well-being of both plant and animal life.

With international and local experience spanning hospitality, civic, master planning, landscape, façade, workplace, urban, and residential sectors, I believe in the crucial role of thoughtful architectural lighting design. Lighting not only sets the tone of a space, but also deeply impacts the emotions and behaviours of its occupants.

My passion lies in designing architectural lighting that shapes a space's atmosphere, highlighting the features and elements that define its identity. Through visual cues, I tell the story of a place and guide the visual journey. I see lighting design as a harmonious blend of art, science, and well-being.

Master of Arts in Architectural Lighting Design & Design Management
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Vocational training in electronics; background in computer, mobile device & network maintenance
MIES IES QLD Chapter — Convening Memberships, Marketing & Education
15+
Years Experience
Int'l
Experience
6
Sectors Served

Health & Well-Being

We dedicate our time envisioning the occupant's experience — crafting lighting that aligns with your functional, aesthetic, and environmental vision.

Comfortable

Glare-free lighting with appropriate distribution prevents eye fatigue, headaches, and discomfort — allowing people to focus for longer, especially in work or study environments.

Aesthetic

Lighting that complements the architecture creates a visually harmonious atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting enhances the aesthetic and fosters a welcoming, cosy environment.

Connected with Nature

Biophilic lighting elements that mimic natural daylight patterns reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the occupant's sense of connection to the natural world.

Dynamic — Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythmic lighting mimics the natural progression of sunlight throughout the day, greatly enhancing sleep quality, productivity, stress resilience, and mental health.

Improved Functionality

Ensuring adequate task illumination, proper visibility, and safe, accessible lighting for all users — meeting the true functional needs of the space and its occupants.

Property Value

Well-planned lighting elevates the luxury feel of your project, increases property value, and reduces future costs for maintenance and renovation.

How We Work

From concept to commission

We guide every phase of the lighting journey — from the first brief to the final adjustment of a fixture on site.
Each stage is approached with the same rigour, artistry, and commitment to your vision.
01

Concept Design

  • Review the architectural brief and project requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance lighting impact.
  • Coordinate and finalize lighting concepts with the team.
  • Present design ideas with visuals and details.
  • Provide an initial lighting equipment budget estimate.
02

Planning & Documentation

  • Create detailed plans, elevations, sections, and integration details.
  • Provide preliminary lighting equipment specification.
  • Conduct mock-ups to test material and form interactions with lighting.
  • Develop a lighting control philosophy tailored to the space's operational and functional needs.
  • Prepare electrical circuit plans and perform load calculations.
  • Attend meetings and workshops to stay updated on project developments and coordinate lighting design with other disciplines.
  • Submit updated lighting calculations and reports to the design team.
  • Provide preliminary lighting calculations.
03

Construction & Commissioning

  • Review the lighting documentation to include any necessary construction details.
  • Assess samples and explore alternative luminaires.
  • Address contractor inquiries related to installation, integration, wiring, and control systems.
  • Conduct site visits to ensure design compliance.
  • Perform a site visit after installation for a final check and defect report.
  • Visit the site to adjust lighting dimming settings and tilt adjustable fixtures.

Light in every dimension

41 George Street — Facade View
View Gallery ↗
Plaza Steps
Tree Lighting
Street View
Pseudo Colour Light Analysis
P240510 Commercial · Civic 2025

41 George Street

Facade and plaza lighting concept for a mixed-use commercial tower in Brisbane CBD. The design highlights the building's vertical elements for strong nighttime presence, while the plaza strategy draws inspiration from Kangaroo Point's natural stone formations — creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the stepped public spaces.

Facade Lighting Plaza Lighting Concept Design Brisbane CBD
ClientHutchinson Builders & Marquette Properties
ArchitectM3architecture
Entry View 1
Entry View 2
Entry View 3
1 / 3
Hospitality · Residential 2024

8-14 Maud Street

Entry lighting concept for The Federal — a considered sequence of warm uplighting, planted canopy illumination, and signage lighting that creates a welcoming arrival experience. The design layers ambient, accent, and feature lighting to reveal the architecture progressively as occupants approach.

Entry Lighting Façade Lighting Landscape Concept Design
The Federal — Driveway
View Gallery ↗
Entry — 3000K
Entry — 2700K
Façade — 2700K
Multi Residential 2024

Interior and amenity lighting across the driveway, entry lobby, façade, signage, and car park of The Federal at 8-14 Maud Street. A considered warm palette creates a cohesive arrival journey from street to residence, with carefully calibrated colour temperatures across each space.

Driveway Entry Lobby Signage Car Park 2700K / 3000K

Level 1 — Lighting Integrated in Planters Edge

Get in touch

"As lighting designers, we dedicate our time envisioning the occupant's experience within a space."

Phone 0420 494 548
Studio Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Hours Monday – Friday  ·  9:00am – 5:00pm