At SATTLER, we see special luminaires or project luminaires as individual lighting solutions that are perfectly tailored to the needs and wishes of our customers. We have developed a clearly structured process to ensure that each luminaire not only meets the highest technical and aesthetic standards, but is also seamlessly integrated into your architecture.
In several precisely coordinated steps - from the initial idea to feasibility analysis and production - we work closely with our customers to turn their visions into reality. On this page, we present all the phases of our process and show you how a unique lighting concept is created from an idea.
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This is how your bespoke luminaire is created
A fully developed plan is not required for the initial enquiry. Often, an idea, a sketch or a floor plan is enough for us to assess the brief and work with you to determine the best course of action.
Phase 1: Concept and requirements
It all starts with your vision: a unique shape, a specific lighting effect, an architectural challenge, or a luminaire that doesn’t yet exist.
Together, we’ll clarify the key details. These include, amongst other things, dimensions, installation requirements, lighting effects, quantity, timetable, budget and the desired scope of work.
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Alexander Strifler
Phase 2: Feasibility and cost analysis
During our regular specialist lighting meetings, experts from the design, electronics, lighting technology, manufacturing and assembly departments assess whether and how the desired solution can be implemented.
You will receive a clear assessment of feasibility and, if requested, an initial cost estimate. Should an idea not be feasible exactly as envisaged, we will, where possible, develop a technically and economically viable alternative.
Phase 3: Development and Sampling
Depending on the project, this involves producing sketches, lighting calculations, 3D visualisations, material samples or a prototype. This allows the form, lighting effect, surface finish and technical details to be assessed at an early stage.
Your feedback is incorporated directly into the further development. Proportions, light colour, control systems, suspension and installation are fine-tuned until the solution is perfectly suited to the project.
Phase 4: Quotation, detailed planning and approval
Once the relevant requirements have been finalised, we draw up a robust quotation. If requested, this can also include installation by our own installation team.
Once the contract has been awarded, detailed technical planning begins. We usually produce CAD design drawings, which are submitted for approval before production commences. This provides all parties involved with a binding basis for implementation.
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Alexander Strifler
Phase 5: Manufacturing at our company
Once approved, the bespoke luminaire is manufactured at our production facility in Göppingen – as a one-off, in small batches or in larger quantities for projects.
Design & construction, electronics, surface finishing, assembly preparation and quality assurance are closely interlinked throughout this process. This enables technical details to be coordinated directly and project-specific adaptations to be implemented with precision.
Phase 6: Packaging, transport and installation
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Due to their dimensions, finishes or components, bespoke luminaires often require customised packaging. That is why we take transport, delivery and accessibility into account right from the planning stage.
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On request, our in-house installation team can carry out professional installation on site. This ensures that planning, manufacture and installation remain under one roof, particularly for large-format luminaires, bespoke designs or complex ceiling connections.
Information required for an initial appraisal
A small amount of information is often sufficient for an initial assessment:
- a brief description of the idea or requirement
- sketches, plans, renderings or reference images
- desired measurements or approximate dimensions
- Installation context and mounting method
- Quantity
- Desired lighting effect or light colour
- Timetable and project phase
- Rough budget, if available
The earlier we are involved, the better we can coordinate the design, technology and implementation.
How long does it take to create a customized luminaire?
The project duration depends on the complexity, the amount of coordination required, the quantity and the desired scope of work. Adapting an existing luminaire range can usually be achieved more quickly than a completely new development.
As a rough guide, following technical approval, it often takes around eight to ten weeks for minor modifications and around twelve to fourteen weeks for complex new developments. The specific timetable is agreed on a case-by-case basis for each project.
In addition to production, feasibility studies, development, prototyping, approval, packaging and assembly should also be taken into account at an early stage.
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Alexander Strifler
Frequently asked questions about the special lighting process
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Ideally, as early as possible. The sooner the requirements, installation conditions and design concept are known, the better the design, lighting effects, installation and budget can be coordinated.
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No. Often, a sketch, a plan, a rendering or a rough concept is enough. We’ll help you turn that idea into a workable custom light fitting.
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Yes. The factibility check is a key part of our bespoke lighting process. We consider design, construction, electronics, lighting technology, manufacturing, assembly and packaging.
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Not always. For simple modifications, drawings or visualisations are often sufficient. For complex new developments, a prototype may be useful or necessary in order to test the lighting effect, design or assembly.
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Yes. On request, our own team will provide the installation. In the case of highly complex bespoke luminaires, having SATTLER carry out the installation can be particularly beneficial, as development, manufacture and installation are closely interlinked.
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That depends on the project. Minor modifications often take around 8 to 10 weeks after approval, whilst complex new developments tend to take 12 to 14 weeks. Additional time should be allowed for consultation, quotations, approvals and any prototypes.
Are you planning a bespoke luminaire?
Whether it’s adapting an existing luminaire, developing a completely new design or creating a complex lighting installation: we’ll assess your idea and show you which approach makes the most sense from a design, technical and economic perspective.
For an initial discussion, just a little information about your project is often all that’s needed.
Enquire about the project now
Author: Alexander Strifler
