About
An independent lighting design practice, since 1997.
Lichtvision works at the intersection of architecture and atmosphere. We are designers, not suppliers. Every brief starts with the building.
History
Twenty-nine years of practice.
From a single Berlin studio to six studios on three continents — the same approach, locally delivered.
1997
Founded in Berlin
Lichtvision is established as an independent architectural lighting design studio, free of manufacturer alliances.
2003
First international landmarks
Work on cultural and civic landmarks — including museums on Berlin's Museum Island — establishes the practice's reputation for atmospheric, conservation-grade lighting.
2011
London studio opens
Lichtvision London brings the practice's approach to the UK market and to projects across Europe and the Middle East.
2012
Asia studio opens in Hong Kong
A dedicated team on the ground enables long-term collaborations with regional architects and developers across Greater China and South-East Asia.
2021
Shanghai studio opens
A second mainland-China presence to support a growing portfolio of cultural, mixed-use and urban projects.
2021
Humboldt Forum opens to the public
Completion of one of Europe's most significant cultural projects of the decade — interior, exhibition and facade lighting designed by Lichtvision.
2023
Singapore studio opens
A South-East Asian base for projects across the tropics, working in close coordination with our Hong Kong and Shanghai teams.
2026
Barcelona studio opens — 29 years, six studios, one practice
Lichtvision opens its sixth studio in Barcelona, led by Paolo Cocconi — strengthening our presence across Iberia and Southern Europe. Today the practice operates from Berlin, London, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore: independent, integrated, international.
Company
Founding and corporate structure.
Lichtvision Design was founded by Carla Wilkins, Dr. Karsten Ehling, Raoul Hesse, Dr. Thomas Müller and Dr. Thomas Knoop.
Lichtvision Design is part of Lichtvision Holding, alongside its sister company Lichtvision Engineering. lichtvision-engineering.com
Dr. Thomas Knoop leads Business Development for both Lichtvision Design and Lichtvision Engineering.
Brand compass
Light shapes. Light touches. Light lives.
Three ideas guide our practice — the way light gives form to architecture, moves the people within it, and sustains everyday life.
- Light shapes
- In architecture, playing with light is the key to atmosphere. Used with precision, it defines and highlights spaces, brings out depth and structure, and unites emotion with function. Through the interplay of shadow and light, a captivating mood emerges — an experience that tells stories and creates memorable places.
- Light touches
- Compelling lighting design shapes the quality of a space by placing people at its heart. A precise, detailed design becomes a natural, integral part of the architecture — highlighting its uniqueness and illuminating the hidden. It is the art of creating an atmosphere that embraces and inspires.
- Light lives
- Light is the source of all life. Daylight significantly shapes our quality of life, even indoors; artificial light must meet the highest standards, evaluated in the context of perception and ecological sustainability. A holistic approach embraces light as a life-giving force that shapes and beautifies our everyday lives.
Management
The people leading the practice.
Berlin
Dr. Karsten Ehling
Managing Director
Managing Director of Lichtvision. Doctorate on the use of daylight in architecture (TU Berlin, 1999). Responsible for strategy, marketing and sales; regular lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wismar since 2008.
Berlin
Carla Wilkins
Creative Director, Global
Trained as an architect, Carla has worked as a lighting designer in New York City, Cologne, and Berlin. At Lichtvision she oversees both concept and planning and acts as the global creative head of the company. Board member of the IALD and professional member of Werkbund Berlin.
Expertise
Selected Projects
The Living Tree at the Radisson · Beethoven House in Bonn · Bauhaus Museum Dessau
Hong Kong
Clemens Seipelt
Managing Director, APAC
Trained as a lighting designer in Europe and South America, Clemens has contributed to projects across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including major infrastructure and aviation developments. Joined Lichtvision in 2012 and since 2023 serves as Managing Director for the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore offices.
Expertise
Selected Projects
London
Karen Ihlau
Managing Director, London and Barcelona
Director at Lichtvision, heading up the London studio. Settled in the UK in 2006 with twenty years of experience in lighting design. Extensive experience in retail, commercial, aviation, cruise ships and stadia projects.
Expertise
Selected Projects
Berlin
Philip Rafael
Design Director, Berlin
Director at Lichtvision, heading up the Berlin studio. Based in Berlin since 2015 with over two decades of experience across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Recognised by Lighting Magazine's 40 under 40, co-author of Rethinking Darkness, coordinator of the IALD German Chapter.
Expertise
Hong Kong
Sunnia Cheng
Creative Director, APAC
With a background in stage design, Sunnia joined Lichtvision in 2016, contributing to high-end residential, hospitality, mixed-use developments and bespoke installations. Now Design Director of the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore offices.
Expertise
Selected Projects
Christie's Asia-Pacific HQ · The MixC Chengdu Central Square · Dong'An Lake Sports Park · Tiffany House, Macau
Berlin
Beatrix Braun
Director Human Resources & Finance
At Lichtvision since 2005. Responsible for Finance & Controlling and Human Resources. Plays a central role in internal structuring and organisation, managing financial relationships between offices and coordinating personnel matters.
Barcelona
Paolo Cocconi
Design Director, Barcelona
An architect by training, he combines Mediterranean sensibility with pragmatism and technical rigor across cultural projects, landscape, retail, and hospitality, serving as Lichtvision's point of contact for Southern Europe and internationally.
Expertise
Selected Projects
Team
One practice, six studios.
More than 50 people work across our six studios. Visit a studio page to meet the team and see local work.
More than 50 people across our studios.
See the full team →Awards
Recognised internationally.
Selected honours from recent years. A complete list of nominations and wins is available on request.
See all awards →Responsibility
Designing light with care.
Sustainability, wellbeing and considered practice sit at the heart of how we work — from specification through commissioning.
Our responsibility →