Lighting design is more than simply illuminating a space; it’s an art form that sculpts architecture, creates atmosphere and subtly shapes our experience of a home. This is the heart of Robert Singer’s approach, principal of the award-winning firm Robert Singer & Associates. With a philosophy rooted in thoughtful, understated design, he believes that exceptional lighting design is more than just fixtures and placement; it’s about creating an environment where light enhances the architecture without drawing attention to itself.
Singer says he strives for subtle elegance, an integration where the lighting becomes an intrinsic part of the home’s character. He explains, “Our approach is always geared towards enhancing the architecture with a quiet, thoughtful design that is felt and not seen.” This means carefully considering every aspect of the lighting plan, from the selection of fixtures to the precise angles of luster, all to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. It’s about layering light in a way that reveals the beauty of the materials, highlights architectural details, and, ultimately, creates a space that feels luxurious and comfortable.
"We look at lighting as an art form and every project as a sculpture" - Robert Singer
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ARTIST ROBERT SINGER PAINTS WITH HOME LIGHTING DESIGN
One of his latest projects, a contemporary residence in Beverly Hills, exemplifies this approach, showcasing the transformative power of integrated lighting design. The home’s open floor plan, designed to frame the breathtaking views of Los Angeles, is accentuated by disappearing glass walls, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. This architectural transparency demanded a lighting strategy that complemented the clean lines and natural flow of the space.
The interplay of materials—board-form concrete, warm wood and soft plaster—presented an opportunity for the lighting to further enhance the home’s bones. The linear lighting echoes the architectural forms, emphasizing the long wall surfaces. Flangeless downlights are integrated into the ceilings to minimize their visual presence, allowing the focus to remain on the architecture and the curated decorative lighting. These strategically placed fixtures act as bold accents, amplifying their impact on the overall design.
“These direct and indirect lighting slots were an integral part of creating this beautiful aesthetic throughout the home,” Singer explains.
For Singer, lighting design transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about crafting an experience. “The quality of the product we use and how we apply it into the design to layer the lighting within a home and integrate it into the architecture is crucial,” he explains. A key component is the control system, allowing for carefully programmed light levels and layers, which create a fluid environment, to shift throughout the day and night. The dynamic of direct and indirect lighting facilitates varied moods, from bright and energizing to warm and intimate and everything in between.
This approach extends to the home’s pool spaces and al fresco dining areas as well. Similar lighting concepts across indoor and outdoor spaces enhance cohesion between the indoors and out. Thoughtful placement of lighting elements ensures a fluid transition between areas, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection. Custom details, like the handrail and floor-and-step lighting elevate the residence’s luxurious feel and reinforce elegance and refinement throughout the property. This organic flow between interior and exterior spaces is a hallmark of the Beverly Hills residence, where the pool and dining areas extend the living space beyond the home’s walls.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: COME TO THE LIGHT | CREATIVE DESIGNS IN LIGHTING
And while you would never guess by looking at the finished product, integrating lighting into a home of this caliber is not without its challenges. “In many areas of the home where we preferred to hide linear LED products and have wall material visually penetrate the ceiling, there were mechanical and structural issues that prevented us from doing these details.” Faced with these constraints, Singer and his team adapted their design and while effective, was not their initial intent. This ability to adapt and find solutions without compromising design integrity is a testament to Singer’s work.
The lighting designer views lighting as a sculptural element that shapes and enhances the spaces it inhabits. “We look at lighting as an art form and every project as a sculpture,” he says. This philosophy is evident here, and in every project his team takes on, where lighting becomes an integral part of the design rather than an afterthought.
Singer’s work on this Beverly Hills residence demonstrates the transformative power of well-executed lighting. He creates sophisticated and inviting environments by carefully considering the interaction between light, materials and space. His expertise ensures that each project not only meets but exceeds client expectations, delivering homes that are as breathtaking by night as they are by day.
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"*" indicates required fields
