B E A U T I F U L
A N D
I N T E L L I G E N T
L I G H T I N G
S O L U T I O N S
3300 Irvine Avenue, Suite 103 | Newport Beach, CA 92660 | 949.681.0500 | info@firstcircledesign.com | www.firstcircledesign.com
beautiful
and
intelligent
Shore Hotel
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
lighting
solutions
HIGH END DESIGN
• Create design vision capturing ambiance and desired
experience.
• Experience, track record and strong focus in finding
highly creative solutions.
• Design experience in a broad range of markets and
project types.
gua r anteed p e r fo r m an c e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
• Energy code compliance integrated into the design.
• Prototypes testing to reassure performance.
• Experience achieving LEED accreditation on a variety
of projects.
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
• Track record on completing projects within budget and
on time.
te c hnolog y integ r ation
• In-depth knowledge of latest products, design, and
collaboration technologies.
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
• Focus research process.
• Experience in identifying and combining the right
products and technologies.
• Experts in 100% LED solutions with decades of
experience.
p r o v en s y ste m and
design m ethodolog y
• Successful track record completing complex project in
time and in budget.
• In-­depth documentation and specifications that
minimize project RFI’s.
• Proactive approach to support integration and
installation
3300 Irvine Avenue, Suite 103
Newport Beach, CA 92660
info@firstcircledesign.com
www.firstcircledesign.com
Project: Wynn Macau and Las VegasClient: Wynn Design Development
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
The Challenge that First Circle Design
faced working on the Wynn projects was
that the designs had to be exercised
extensively on paper while the building
was under construction. The in-­depth
specifications of the documents submitted
and product research as well as tight
coordination with the Wynn Design team
were instrumental in making the project
successful.
Wynn Vegas Spa
Wynn Macau Golden Flower Michelin Star Restaurant
In-­depth layering of the lighting elements
makes this project successful and the
perfect integration with the interior design
of the spaces make it seem effortless. The
lighting design combines a polished, quality
illumination of a museum with the hospitality
experience of a restaurant. Every sculpture,
every feature in the wall is illuminated
creating special effects that add to the
overall experience.
Every table in the main dining hall is
illuminated using down lights that are
completely hidden. The First Circle team
carried out section studies on every bulb
used in the restaurant to make sure that
every light hit the specific targeted area and
nothing else.
The lighting is so well adapted to the overall
experience that the only language spoken at
the restaurant and spa is that of the interior
designer. Every lighting element accentuates
the overall brand of Wynn without any
obstruction or intrusion.
Wynn Vegas Spa
Wynn Macau Golden Flower Michelin Star Restaurant
Project: California Academy of Sciences | Exhibit Hall and Tusher African Hall of DioramasFabricator: Cinnabar
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
Hall of Dioramas is a historic exhibit
within an environmentally renowned
Academy. The lighting challenge was
complex due to the following criteria: to
re-­create the essence of the original exhibit
using modern technologies, to minimize
required maintenance due to limited access,
and to conceal lighting from potential guest
sight lines.
To reinforce the architectural and
environmental design of each Diorama,
a combination of energy-­efficient lighting
sources and closely coordinated mounting
locations were chosen. This use of
energy-efficient luminaries minimized
required maintenance as well as wattage
consumption, saving valuable energy
allowance. Fluorescent luminaries, located
above the chamber to provide access,
are sleeved with subtle variations of color
according to the specified environment,
providing soft yet dynamic illumination
within the dioramas.
A sense of vibrancy in the specimens is
conveyed with the integration of low-­wattage
and maintenance friendly small scale LED
up-­lights, evoking specimen interaction.
Power supplies are located above for access.
MR16 lamps with UV protective lenses are
used with discretion, dimmed to extend
lamp life and maximize efficiency; and
programmed to evoke the natural
progression of the sun.
Budget restrictions necessitated extremely
precise design pre-­planning to make the
most of limited resources. Each Diorama
and Specimen was reviewed at every phase
of development to determine and refine the
most advantageous lighting scenario for all.
Lighting sources and mounting locations were
specifically chosen and designed to maximize
viewing comfort, minimize glare, and provide
the best possible contrast ratios according
to each Diorama environment, all tailored to
increase the guest experience.
IESNA – Section Awards
Project: Westin Kierland Lighting DesignArchitect: Gensler
The First Circle team designed the lighting
for the ballroom and external courtyard while
working with Gensler – a leading global
architecture, design, planning, and strategic
consulting firm.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
The project had extremely stringent energy
code requirements. The First Circle team
specified the right LED technology products,
making it possible for the lighting design to
comply with these codes. All the ballroom
lighting – except for the chandeliers – is LED.
The ballroom is used in a number of different
ways, including whole, for large corporate
events or social events like marriage
receptions, or partitioned off for conference
rooms and small events. The lighting design
has an intelligent control system, making it
adaptable according to the desired ambiance
and experience.
The design has been in place for four years,
and none of the products has required
changes or replacement.
Project: California Natural History Museum / Age of Mammals ExhibitClient: Natural History Museum, Los Angeles
The myriad lighting challenges for this educational
museum exhibit included providing dynamic visual interest
while maintaining educational clarity and specimen
preservation standards. Working within existing lighting
positions, limited budget and electrical infrastructure, and pre-­
determined energy allowances added complexity.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
To achieve a visually dynamic educational environment, each
specimen was illuminated 360 degrees, distinguishing each
form and graphic display. Special consideration of lighting
levels and UV protective lenses ensured preservation of
these delicate specimens.
Limitations imposed by existing track-­lighting fixtures and
locations and dimming restrictions were overcome using
lower-­wattage IR lamps, specific beam angles, and precise
luminaire placement. These also ensured compliance with
more restrictive Title 24 codes for energy consumption.
Viewing comfort and specimen preservation were achieved
through extensive pre-­planning and angle studies, providing
reduced glare and balanced, dynamic contrast ratios.
Engaging shadow-play, produced with light, enhanced the
skeletal drama. Careful angle and light level-­studies ensured
safety for the specimens while providing dynamic illumination
from all viewing angles.
Smaller specimens located within protective casework are
enhanced with linear warm white LED accents concealed
inside the casing. Local dimmers hidden behind wall
coverings provided adjustability, balancing the incandescent
accents.
The specification of high-­output, low-­wattage lamps allowed
dimmability, extending halogen lamp-­life expectancy. Long-­
life lamping solutions and thoughtful luminaire placement
ensured aesthetic longevity and sustained ease of
maintenance.
Programmatic flexibility shaped the space into distinct
lighting looks for day, night, and special event functions.
This versatility enhanced both the educational identity of the
exhibit and the visual charisma of the specimens.
Lighting for each specimen was considered independently
as well as part of the overall exhibit presentation. In this
way, the lighting design was successful in providing dynamic
visual interest for educational and museum sponsorship
events, while remaining within pre-­determined limitations and
enhancing the inherent beauty of this vibrant experience.
IESNA Award of Excellence for Age of Mammals
Project: Ashes & Snow ExhibitLocation: Mexico City
This lighting design project is an elegant
solution for a theatrical design.
Ashes and Snow is a touring exhibit that
shows work of Gregory Colbert.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
“I think of my life’s work as a celebration
of all of nature, an orchestra that plays not
the sounds of one musician, the music of
one species, but rather an expression of all
of nature’s songs.” Gregory Colbert on his
website: http://gregorycolbert.com
The touring exhibit has a life of its own.
The structure was built in the Mexico using
bamboo.
The First Circle Design team adopted the
visual language of the artist in the lighting
design.
Project: Caino Morongo | Exterior Design while at Visual Terrain Inc,Architect: Jerde Partnership
This project was designed in 2004.
Matt Levesque, the founder of First Circle
Design used LED technology way back
then to help architect realize the design
vision of spectacular color.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
The tower of the casino is designed
to dominate the urban context and to
captivate the audience. The top of the
tower has LED fixtures mounted on the
aluminum window mullions to prevent
any clashing with the façade design. One
of the unique aspects of this project is
the use of theatrical lighting to create the
effects of color changing in the façade.
The design is accomplished using exterior
architectural lights that are engineered
specifically to address exterior conditions
such as wind loads and façade / building
movement.
The lighting on sides of the tower uses
a tightly controlled RGB color mixing
to create a palette that blends with the
natural ambient light. The lighting design
on the tower transforms the building
completely during the night.
The entryway to the casino had carefully
chosen low-­level lighting to keep the
predominance of the tower and porte
cochere, a critical issue to the success of
the design vision.
The team also redesigned the parking lot
lighting so that it would create a safe and
secure environment for the guests leaving
the Casino as well as the neutral white
color rendering to offset the grand building
design at night.
Best Use of Color: Architectural Lighting Magazine
IESNA Award of Excellence
Project: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Grand OpeningClient: Sequoia Productions
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
project entailed the design of the
lighting and programing for a live event
celebrating the grand opening of the
building overlapping three city blocks.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
Due to limited permitted time on the
street night of only one night First Circle
designed and prototyped the event
lighting on WYSISWYG 3-­D software
weeks prior with the client on story
board format to MIDI time code per the
client’s selected custom soundtrack.
This process allowed full integration
with the soundtrack frame-­by-­frame
and on site editing time to just 6 hours
before the day of the big event. The
show to celebrate and showcase the
building lasted 4 minutes.
The room windows portrayed a
pixelated rhythmic image that would
make the building façade dance with
the music. The lights created hand
images that represented the theme
and symbol of the Children’s Hospital
moving up and down the façade at
different intervals. Seven skytrackers
were placed on the roof to extend the
magnificence of the building.
Copy and paste the following
link to watch a live video of the
event: http:// www.youtube.com/
watch?v=MwFJtmLWpRI
Project: Shore HotelFabricator: Gensler
LEED GOLD PROJECT
Located adjacent to the famous Santa
Monica Pier, the hotel is knows for its
boutique appearance and visually poetic
character. A combination of high efficacy
LED luminaire technology and fluorescent
lighting blend to create the dramatic signature
expression of the Shore Hotel.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
The exterior lighting colors of rich blue shades
and soft candle amber extend the West Coast
sunrise palette. Daylight harvesting controls
interface seamlessly as it transitions from
day to night, conserving energy and reducing
costs.
Lobby
Exterior Façade
The porte cochere is illuminated in an
unorthodox manner via up lighting. To
enhance the sense of arrival, LED lights are
buried in the vehicle path in a line formation
of color that reciprocates the glass canopy
above while providing ample amount of light
for guest’s comfort and meeting lighting code
requirements.
The private pool is illuminated with vertical
lights creating the warmth of a candlestick
lighting effect. The frosted glass partitions
separating the pool deck from the busy street
is up-­lit with cool lights simulating the horizon
line in the distance. This design creates
a sense of curiosity for the passer-­by and
enhances the privacy of the guests enjoying
the poolside experience. The surrounding
perimeter is enhanced with romantic blue
hues and rich ambers creating a relaxing
environment.
Porte Cochere
The property’s courtyard was tasked with the
challenge of creating an atmosphere at night
that was quiet and romantic. The introduction
of warm textured lights from the roof top
parapets soIens the modern architecture
creating soI interesting patterns throughout the
court. The LED blue colors in the fountain, in
combination with the warm LED candlesticks
on the façade, reinforce a character of
tranquility.
Pool
Courtyard
Project: MGM Macau – Grand Praca
MGM Macau Grande Praca encompasses activity on all sides, creating
challenges of perspective, viewing comfort, and guest experience.
With a skylight comprising the entire ceiling structure, a severely
restricted budget, limited power and compressed installation, this
lighting challenge was indeed multifaceted.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
Overhead LED-­RGBWA luminaries attached to existing skylight via a
quick-­release clamping system provide the guests an uninterrupted
skylight vista. Integrating illuminated features within the facades and
using multiple angles from front and sides for general illumination gives
the architecture added depth and clarity. Replacing inefficient cathode,
incandescent and theatrical sources with lower-­wattage LED luminaries
successfully met stylistic requirements and significantly reduced energy
consumption.
Previously, an unreasonable 345 amps of theatrical lighting had been
used 24 hours/day for ambient lighting, requiring costly bi-­monthly
maintenance and exorbitant energy costs. The final design provides
lower maintenance costs and energy savings that allow the use of a
theatrical system during live events without adding generators.
The project required a lighting control system with capabilities to
manage everything from standard daily operations to live performances.
A creative combination of control components provides the ownership
the required flexibility. DMX ports throughout provide capability for
theatrical consoles to override the time clock operations. Photocells
automatically compensate for overcast daytime conditions.
Touch-­screens allow personnel to adjust all or part of the environment.
Embedded reference photos add ease and clarity to the selection
process. A password-­protected web-­interface allows users to login
remotely to review status or modify as needed.
An inspired blend of ingenuity, highly detailed specifications and
efficient coordination successfully provided an accomplished high
performing energy design and a graceful environment.
Client: MGM Macau
IESNA Award of Excellence for Design Control and Energy
Project: California Natural History Museum / Becoming Los Angeles ExhibitClient: Natural History Museum, Los Angeles
Becoming Los Angeles is a 14,000 square feet exhibit at the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles. It tells stories in six major sections: Los Angeles and
the region at the time of Spanish contact; the Spanish Mission Era; the Mexican
Rancho Era; the early American Period; the emergence of a new American city in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the Great Depression and World War II, to
the present.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
In order to showcase its biological, geographical and cultural vibe, the First Circle
team utilized energy efficient LED technology with specific lenses and filters. The
lighting effects seamlessly blend with the exhibits developing the 500 years of story
line of Los Angeles.
To evoke that sweep of time, First Circle’s fully dimmable led lighting system
changes from warm incandescent to natural daylight to the bright light of modernity.
Visitors are guided through a suite of four neighboring galleries in the museum’s
newly-renovated 1913 and 1920s buildings under the ebb and flow of a subtly
illuminated canopy’s steel ribbons. The canopy touches down on four key moments
in history to explore how changes have influenced the way people impact the land,
which, in turn, changes the landscape — and vice-versa.
Illuminated using creative techniques are:
•Pathe camera, circa 1910, that was used by early Hollywood producer Mack
h ig h e n d
d e sign
Sennett to film popular silent movie comedies featuring the Keystone Kops.
•One of Charlie Chaplin’s tramp suits.
•The animation stand, circa 1923, that Walt Disney himself built from an old
packing crate and second-hand Pathe camera. There’s even a handwritten note
to his animators tacked onto the stand.
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
Project: First Congregational Church Lighting
The complex lighting challenges of upgrading this dark and archaically
lit space were both technical and aesthetic. The lighting needed to
support not only the primary reverence and function of a holy space,
but also an energetic and dynamic event capacity. Existing conditions
provided severely limited electrical capacity, restricted potential mounting
locations, and non-existent lighting control infrastructure.
BEAUTIFUL AND
INTELLIGENT
LIGHTING
SOLUTIONS
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
To illuminate the congregation more adequately while retaining the
aesthetic form of the chandeliers, existing lamps were replaced with LED
Par lamps, reducing power consumption and dramatically increasing light
levels in the space.
Further energy-reduction was achieved by replacing antiquated theatrical
front-light luminaires with updated LED technology. Through the
thoughtful use of LED lighting systems, the overall energy usage of the
space was reduced by eighty percent.
To conserve infrastructural penetrations in this historic space, the
upgraded lighting system is controlled via wireless DMX, allowing
programmatic flexibility from a reverent service, to a wedding celebration,
to a live event - all with the press of a touch-screen icon.
Providing adequate illumination for the choir, as well as enhancing
the stunning woodwork and craftsmanship of the church, linear LED
luminaires were hidden within the existing architecture. The variablewhite color-mixing allowed the warm white light to be dialed-in precisely,
accentuating both the richness of the wood treatment and the brilliance
of the Christ Light.
To celebrate the magnificence of the historic pipe organ - without
additional power service - LED color-mixing luminaires were strategically
concealed, and the focus and programming carefully addressed to
maximize flexibility. By employing color-mixing LED technology, not only
does the organ have the ability to evoke reverence through the glow of
warm-white light, this glorious musical icon also sings with richness and
color.
Outside the Sanctuary, antiquated fluorescent luminaires were replaced
with innovative linear LED technology, smoothly illuminating resplendent
wood carvings and creating a balance between the visual comfort of a
transition passage and the celebration of exquisite works of art. Energysaving occupancy sensors were located in auxiliary areas to further
reduce energy consumption.
Through the specification of innovative LED technology combined with
careful consideration for the grandeur of the space, this unique approach
to chapel lighting design was successful in not only addressing the
complex programmatic issues of a flexible and dynamic environment, but
also in enhancing the majesty of this historic architectural form.
beautiful
and
intelligent
lighting
solutions
Natural History Museum
G u a r an t e e d
p e r f o r m anc e
h ig h e n d
d e sign
technology
in t e g r a t i o n
proven system
an d d e sign
methodology
3300 Irvine Avenue, Suite 103
Newport Beach, CA 92660
info@firstcircledesign.com
www.firstcircledesign.com