Multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy Ridge has recruited two new experts to join its growing lighting discipline, enhancing its capabilities in architectural and entertainment lighting, digital design and parametric modelling.

Paul Johnson joins Ridge as an Associate, bringing over 15 years of lighting and experiential design experience. Paul joins from Satore Studio where he led on projects including the Madison Square Garden Spheres in London and Las Vegas, and the OVG Arena in Manchester. Paul has pioneered LED lighting technology, integrating it into theatres and venues across the world. At Ridge, he will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support clients from concept design to delivery.

Joining from Cundall, Kenny Cliffe brings expertise in product and digital design to his role as Lighting Designer. His experience covers lighting projects across lifestyle, workplace and light art entertainment, including a lighting scheme for the Dubai Hills rollercoaster. At Ridge, Kenny will deliver innovative design, collaborating with clients and presenting options in real time to find the best solution for their spaces. Kenny recently made it into the last four finalists of the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL)’s Young Lighter of the Year competition.

The pair join Andrew Bissell, Partner at Ridge and president of the Society of Light and Lighting, in a new lighting design team. They will work across Ridge to bring lighting schemes to life in an environment that integrates design, cost management, quantity surveying and sustainability.

Speaking of his appointment, Paul said:

“Light is only interesting with dark. Our experience of dark skies, combined with entertainment and architectural lighting, all under the same roof as our mechanical and electrical, architectural and QS teams, gives us a unique proposition in the market. Not many other companies have this diverse mix of skill sets.”

Also commenting on his appointment, Kenny said:

“I am excited to be working with Andrew and Paul to deliver innovative solutions for clients. By combining technology and design, we can manipulate designs to show a range of options in real time, adding value to projects and ensuring lighting is considered at the earliest stages of development.”

Andrew Bissell, Partner at Ridge, said:

“It’s fantastic to welcome Paul and Kenny to Ridge. Both bring specialist skills that can be applied across the sectors that we work in. Where we add the greatest value is when we can be part of the design team from day one, hearing the client’s ambition and goals. Exploring the possible at that early stage also helps manage the budget, programme and stake holder expectations. Being part of a multidisciplinary team means we can input into projects quickly, boosting feasibility and increasing quality. For me, every design we do needs to be unique to the client, backed by a reason for what we’ve done. By bringing on board these talented designers, we can create impactful schemes that leave a legacy.”

Learn more about our lighting expertise here ➔

Photo L-R: Paul Johnson, Kenny Cliffe and Andrew Bissell