Of the several companies who considered the design brief only Brent showed the understanding and creative ideas which I was seeking and an empathy for the building and its users. He carried out detailed surveys of light levels and dark areas, considered appropriate locations for spot lighting units to avoid being obtrusive, noted features to be highlighted and visited both during the day and evening to get a feel of the building during hours of daylight and dark. Brent attended several meetings bringing ideas and options and provided 3D computer images which greatly enhanced the understanding and impact of his proposals. After all of this preparatory work in which he constantly revised his ideas to accommodate some of our own thoughts, he presented three options for detailed consideration. Being a church undertaking a total refurbishment funding was an issue and it was greatly appreciated that each of the options presented was fully costed and gave us considerable choice in price and Brent had negotiated very good discounts with the suppliers. The most costly scheme was agreed upon and accepted because it addressed all aspects of our lighting brief.
Brent was a delightful person to work with for not only did he have wonderfully creative ideas, he was also realistic in the interpretation of our requirements, mindful of the delights of the building and its further enhancement through lighting and was technically well founded and extremely knowledgeable about available lighting products. He did not attempt to force his ideas on me but allowed the design to emerge through a combination of our requirements and thoughts and his knowledge and expertise. This made for a very productive experience.
The congregation, our ministers and visitors to the Church, without exception, have been inspired by the new lighting which has totally transformed the atmosphere in the building. We now have a brightly lit and welcoming venue were as necessary we can dim the lights or focus on specific zones and where the beauty of the beamed roof has been greatly enhanced. He more than fulfilled our design brief and expectations.
It was a pleasure working with Brent and, unreservedly, I would recommend him to others “.
“As property manager for Gresford Methodist Church, Wrexham, I undertook the complete refurbishment of this large church in 2015. A very important part of the plan was the re-lighting of the Church and from a short list Brent Sansom selected to provide the advisory service. He was given a brief to replace the old fluorescent lighting with imaginative and creative lighting units which would have a striking visual impact, double the light level and ensure an even spread of light. Further, the system was to be economic in use, capable of zoned usage in different parts of the church, and dimmable to meet the needs of user groups (from church services to drama and concerts). A final constraint was the new lighting, whilst modern in its appearance and technology, should be entirely within keeping in a church and should enhance and highlight the extensive roof beams which are a feature of the building.