💡 “My ID Already Handles the Lighting” — Do They Really?
We hear this all the time:
“I already have an interior designer, so I don’t need lighting design.”
“Isn’t lighting included in my ID package?”
But here’s the truth:
👉 Most IDs are not trained lighting specialists — and it shows in the final outcome.
Think about it this way:
💰 You’re okay paying a design fee for your renovation — because you believe in the value of good design. So why not pay for proper lighting design, when lighting affects how every single thing in your home looks and feels?
What we often see:
⚠️ IDs focusing on ceiling symmetry, not actual light performance
⚠️ Generic “safe” lighting layouts that miss key moments — like task zones, feature areas, or visual flow
⚠️ Light placement done based on rough estimation or ceiling balance, not real-world function
⚠️ Clients left with spaces that feel flat or harsh the moment the lights are turned on — even if the renovation looks great in photos
⚠️ Lights added for visual effect that don’t actually enhance the space — like 3 spotlights beside the TV console that were meant to look stylish but end up feeling awkward and serve no real purpose
⚠️ Aesthetic choices that overlook practicality — like placing 2 spotlights in the centre of a kid’s room instead of 4 in the corners, missing the chance to provide even, eye-friendly lighting for growing children
Here's the tough part:
Some IDs may discourage their clients from engaging us — not because it isn’t valuable, but because:
🔸 They don’t want to appear like they’re lacking in any area
🔸 They want to keep control of the narrative
🔸 Or they fear it reflects badly if you turn to someone else for lighting
We get it. But at the end of the day — you’re the one living with the lights, not the ID.
Lighting design is an actual profession. In Europe and the US, hiring a lighting designer is considered standard for serious builds and renovations. In Singapore, that mindset hasn’t fully caught on yet — but we believe it should.
Lighting affects mood, colour, comfort, and experience. It deserves more than just being “thrown in” at the end of a reno.
At Host Systems, we offer optional access to our professional lighting designers from our in-house design arm, Illumin8.
📐 This service isn’t included by default — because it’s a paid professional design service, just like your ID’s.
But if you want your space to truly shine (literally), it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.