Gareth Frankland, Insights

The Future of Architectural and Urban Lighting: Insights from Gareth Frankland

The lighting industry has changed dramatically over the last two decades, and it continues to evolve. Gareth Frankland, UK Sales Director at Filix, shares his thoughts on where the industry is headed, the biggest opportunities, and how Filix is positioned to lead the way.

Key Trends in Architectural and Urban Lighting

“LED efficiency has reached a point where it’s no longer just about making lights brighter,” Gareth explains. “Now, the real focus is on light quality, integration, and how we use technology to improve flexibility and control.”

One major shift he sees is the role of digital beam shaping. “This allows us to offer dynamic, adaptable lighting solutions, giving designers more creative control.” He also highlights the growing importance of connectivity. “Smart lighting isn’t just a buzzword. Technologies like Bluetooth and Casambi control systems are changing how lighting integrates into projects.”

Opportunities for Filix

With a strong foundation in underwater lighting, Filix is now expanding into architectural and urban lighting. “We’re taking that deep technical knowledge and applying it to broader applications,” Gareth says. “We don’t just accept how things are done—we challenge the norm.”

For Filix, the key is simplicity. “We’re developing plug-and-play solutions that make installation easier, improve reliability, and offer more design flexibility. In urban lighting, for example, how luminaires connect to infrastructure is just as important as their performance.”

What Lighting Designers Want

Gareth is clear about one thing: trust is the most valuable currency in the industry. “Lighting designers don’t just want innovative products. They want reliability. They need to know that when they specify a product, it will perform exactly as expected.”

With Filix, he sees a company that not only delivers high-quality engineering but also stands behind its products. “That’s what makes the difference. It’s not just about the technology—it’s about the people behind it.”

Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn – the link is right below.

Gareth Frankland