Lighting is one of the most important elements to designing a space. When I start a project I use lighting as a fist step. Depending on the spaces itself, the size of the room and the colors that are to be chosen I check out what lighting is needed first! When I am with a client in the showroom I always get samples of what we are going to use in the space before we make the purchase. Why? I once had a client who insisted on a certain color and was so sure that they had to have it. I tried to explain that is was not the right choice and even though they went with the suggestions I had for that particular space they had to have a certain color. 24 hours after the walls were painted I got a phone call and they said they were sorry they did not go with the choice I had suggested. The next day I had my workers come in and re-paint the walls. Walls are so easy to change. It was an extra expense but it did not break the budget. However, the main reason I choose lighting first is because light changes everything! It was easy to re-paint, but if they had already chosen fabric that would not at all be easy to change if already purchased. My training in lighting has prevented many design errors. When I design a space I take into consideration first and foremost my clients ideas. I then do a serious calculation of how the room will look at the end of the project by making proper design preparation including: the size of the room, the furniture space planning, what is the use of this room and how it will be set up, colors, fabric choices, windows, outlets, floors, and then I make professional lighting decisions that will show all the true colors of the room and by doing this we avoid errors and unwanted expenses to the budget.