Studio Lux Team
Christopher Thompson, Founder and Principal
Whether working under the rain-drenched skies of Seattle, the desert sun of Palm Springs California or the street lights of Paris, Christopher Thompson and his team at Studio Lux embrace a common goal on all their projects, the successful interplay of light and the human condition.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Christopher began his career in live theater where he became fascinated by the relationship between light and emotion, and the way subtle changes in stage lighting could dramatically shift audience perceptions. Christopher went on to train in theatrical lighting techniques, which culminated in his role as lighting director for an opera company tour.
Christopher then took the unusual step of pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in construction. This skill set, assimilating both the arts and the sciences in his approach to lighting, is rare among his peers. He is uniquely poised to embrace newly evolving lighting technology and practice the artistic application of his trade within the architectural and design community.
Successfully marrying the fundamentals of engineering with the emotional exploration of fine arts has becomes the hallmark of the Studio Lux team. Christopher is known for his remarkable ability to deliver stunning results in the face of complex challenges on projects through out the world.
The recipient of more than a dozen industry awards and honors, Christopher is now pursuing a master’s degree in Green Building Design as he continues to keep Studio Lux ahead of an ever-evolving technology curve.
Jim Sultan, Studio Manager and Senior Lighting Designer
Jim Sultan is an influential voice in defining new lighting standards for the industry. He joined Studio Lux in 1999, adding another layer of depth and technical knowledge to the design team.
With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Jim continues to be challenged by his work. “Every project has its own character, and thus is fresh. We don't do ‘cookie cutter' design, but rather tailor each design to the owner's requirements and to augment the architecture and interior design. In that way I can continue to be excited about each project as I see new challenges to address.”
Among his clients, Jim is known for being fiercely protective of their interests. Among his colleagues, he is an industry leader, frequent lecturer and mentor. He has helped develop college lighting design curricula and served on several committees and the Board of Directors of the Illuminating Engineering Society [IES].
The recipient of numerous honors, Jim was bestowed with the IES Presidential Award for his accomplishments and long-time service.
Kimberly Taylor, Lighting Designer
After earning a degree in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design, Kimberly Taylor pursued a career in lighting for its broad impact on visual space. “You use light to sculpt shadow and create drama in a space. It can highlight, or it can hide,” she says.
Like her colleagues at Studio Lux, Kimberly’s success comes from her ability to integrate an innate creative talent with an extensive technical knowledge. It’s this ability that allows her to translate a client’s vision into an outstanding lighting design.
Amanda Falkenhagen, Drafting and Production Assistant
Amanda Falkenhagen brings an interiors perspective to the team, having recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Vancouver, British Columbia. She creates a broad range of architectural drawings and renderings for the studio. Amanda was nominated in 2010 for Vancouver’s Light Resource award for excellence in retail lighting design. She believes that designers should design not only for aesthetics, but in ways that respond to human needs and aid human interaction: “It’s about creating a symbiotic relationship between people and the built and natural environments.”