Prize(s) Winners in Residential Lighting Design
Company Within Light Studio
Lead Designers Mara Villegas
Other Designer's names Wes Burdett
Client Ansir and Sufia Junaid
Photo Credits Daniel Kelleghan
Other Credits The House of L, Interior Design; Martin Barboza, Construction
Completion Date 2022
Project Location Chicago, Illinois, USA
Entry DescriptionLocated in Chicago's lively Streeterville area, the Junaid Residence is a stunning penthouse featuring panoramic views of the lake and city skyline.
Our lighting design aims to create a sanctuary for the homeowner, a frequent traveler. We focused on aligning the lighting with the client's circadian rhythm to support a smooth recovery from their frequent travels and enhance every activity—be it hosting guests, enjoying movies, or relaxing.
In the living room, large windows overlook the glowing city streets. By utilizing recessed downlights and selectively dimming the lighting on vertical surfaces, we minimized reflections on the floor-to-ceiling windows. When illuminated, the perimeter lighting evokes a cozy atmosphere within the home, while turning it off allows the space to seamlessly merge with the vibrant cityscape beyond.
Our design further accents specific areas like the kitchen and bedrooms, and highlights golden wallpaper in the corridor, elegantly linking public and private spaces.
We tailored unique lighting settings for each area using Ketra technology, offering a lighting program that matches the brightness and color temperature of the sun during the day and dims to a soft warm level at night. This approach promotes the production of melatonin, guiding the homeowner into a restful sleep at the end of a busy day.
Sustainability ApproachIn designing the lighting for the Junaid Residence, sustainability was a key focus. Our approach began with energy efficiency, opting for LED lighting that not only lasts longer but also consumes less electricity. Through collaborating with Ketra and Lutron, we integrated smart home technology that allows for intuitive energy management. The system can be programmed to adapt to natural daylight conditions, reducing energy usage during peak sunlight hours.
Company DescriptionWithin Light Studio is an architectural lighting design firm committed to enhancing how people feel and engage with the built environment.
Established in 2020 by Mara Villegas and Wes Burdett, and with studios in Los Angeles and Chicago, Within Light Studio is the culmination of over a decade spent in luxury hospitality lighting design. Each project in their global portfolio — be it restaurants, bars, or hotels – has shaped their dual roles as both artists and engineers. For Mara and Wes, the design philosophy is clear: lighting and the human experience are inextricably linked.
