ethos

We believe that exceptional lighting holds the power to transform lives

informative

Impartial

Light First

conscientious

We prioritise client goals and objectives, using our expertise to create their dream space with a lasting impact. Every detail is designed with care, focusing on how clients will feel in their home long after completion.

Integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our practice. We provide impartial, expert advice tailored to the unique requirements and preferences of each client. Free from manufacturer influence, our guidance is solely dedicated to delivering the best possible solutions for your projects.

Our work centres on light as an art form, using fittings as tools to evoke emotion and create atmosphere. We prioritise light quality, focusing on how it enhances spaces, supports well-being, and transforms experiences—capturing the true essence of exceptional lighting design.

Quality of light goes hand in hand with sustainability. We prioritise energy-efficient solutions that minimise environmental impact while upholding high standards. Our designs are both beautiful and responsible, committed to ethical practices that support long-term sustainability and environmental well-being.

about marcus steffen

founder

Marcus Steffen studied Mechatronics at Kings College London before becoming a lighting designer. He has over ten years' experience in the residential lighting design field, as well as undertaking various hospitality and commercial projects. In this time he has dealt with a huge variety of projects ranging from tiny extensions to large mansions. A grounding in the technical side of electrics allows him to deal with all sides of a project, from the initial concepts through to implementation and final commissioning. Many of the projects that Marcus has produced designs for have been featured in magazines or won awards. In addition to being a lighting designer, Marcus also lectures at the Inchbald School of Design in London, teaching classes on lighting design to interior designers.

Marcus is also the author of Residential Lighting Design, a book which introduces the tools of the lighting designer and explains how to produce a lighting design for a home. Looking at the nature of light and introducing different lamps and light fittings available, it explains the basics of lighting design and how to provide atmosphere through the play of light and shadow. It gives room-by-room analysis of good lighting design and gives advice on controls, plus an overview of the pitfalls of dimming and energy saving, Residential Lighting Design explains the nature and quality of light, how to use it in the home and how to create a beautiful space.

LIGHT CAN CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON. IT'S MORE THAN JUST ILLUMINATION – IT'S THE ART OF CRAFTING SPACES THAT FEEL INVITING.

the team

Our team of expert lighting designers command extensive experience across both residential and hospitality spaces. We approach every project thoughtfully, combining technical skill with creative flair and a deep understanding of client goals to create lighting solutions with a lasting impact. Your dedicated team will work with you from the earliest planning stages to the final touches, as your very own expert in residence, overseeing each element with meticulous care to ensure the best possible outcome for your project.

Marcus Steffen

ceo & Founder

Marcus has been a lighting designer for over 20 years, and has worked on some of the most prestigious projects in the UK. He strongly believes that everything is a team effort, and is passionate about building and supporting an expert design team, helping them to deliver beautiful projects

Tiziana Regalado

Lighting Designer

Tiziana has been a lighting designer for 5 years, starting her career with Akarui after studying architecture. She has worked on a variety of projects, from small consultations to palatial country homes. In addition to her work as a lighitng designer, she has also won a Silhouette Award and is passionate about supporting younger designers entering the industry, appearing on panels and actively taking part in events.

Isabelle lane

Lighting designer

Isabelle joined Akarui in 2023, moving from a commercial lighting design studio. She has worked on widely recognised public realm and commercial schemes before embracing residential and hospitality projects. Her expert experience filters through into her work. In addition to lighting design, Isabelle also has a passion for teachning, helping educate others on light. She has taught at Bournmouth University, Falmouth University and Initituto Marangoni in London.

professional cpd's

for architects & interior designers

Akarui specialises in residential lighting, bringing expertise from diverse projects across all types of homes worldwide. We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and supporting fellow professionals with valuable lighting insights. We offer CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training on the following topics:

RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING DESIGN

Explore key principles of residential lighting design, focusing on techniques to enhance mood, functionality, and comfort in homes of all styles and scales.

SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULARITY IN LIGHTING

Learn sustainable lighting practices, including circular design principles and eco-friendly solutions, to minimise environmental impact and promote long-term efficiency.

CORRECT SPECIFICATION OF LIGHTING CONTROLS

Understand the importance of specifying lighting controls correctly, optimising energy efficiency, user experience, and adaptability in both residential and commercial settings.

If you’re interested in a CPD for your company, please fill out the form below, and we’ll schedule either an in-person or virtual session for you.

cpd sign up form

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testimonial

Excellent quality of work, great expertise and collaboration. We have worked with Akarui on several high-end residential projects in Central London, and we have been guided from the early stages of design to the final touch ups, a few hours before clients could settle in their homes. The team is always spot on in understanding the peculiarity of each project, and enhance its features by selecting tailored options in terms of lighting, while always keeping in consideration the right design elements. As well, the interaction between team, architects and clients has always been very professional and based on mutual respect and trust, and this has helped the success of each one of our projects together.

pompero mennella

architect

InsideOut have worked with Akarui on a number of projects for a key commercial client. Marcus and his team bring a passion, creative eye and commercial practicality to the lighting design of the projects we have collaborated on, working closely with the wider design team to ensure that the proposals are both spectacular and appropriate to the aspirations of the client.After a number of successful projects, we are now exploring how to further integrate Akarui into our own work flow, to ensure that the projects, and client, benefit as much as possible from the expertise that Marcus and his team have.Working with Akarui has really enhanced the design of the lighting of the spaces both from a creative and technical perspective.

Inside Out Architecture

We hired Marcus to design the lighting for the full refurbishment of a 4000 sq ft house in South West London. He put a detailed and clear design package together ahead of our building tender, worked effectively with our main contractors, and supplied all the built in lighting.  The end result is exceptional, balancing functionality and aesthetics well, and has significantly added to the quality of the finish. The lighting supplied was very clearly labelled, circuit by circuit, which saved time for the electricians. Overall, we'd strongly recommend considering using a specialist lighting designer if you are doing a large renovation project.

georgina a

Client

Rollscourt avenue

Selected Press

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