Author Archives: Kenneth Vick

About Kenneth Vick

Kenneth Vick has always been fascinated by the form and function of design and the physics behind the beauty of light. His career started with a stint in Financial Services at Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney. During his tenure he managed the portfolio of a lighting entrepreneur and learned about the evolution and future of LED lighting and the importance of energy conservation. After leaving Wall Street he went to work on Main Street at the lighting department of The Great Indoors. Soon after, his love of furniture and lighting design led him to Design Within Reach where he learned about the rich history of modernism. His various training with the IESNA, ALA, and a decade of design and lighting experience has provided him with the tools to develop, design, and fabricate custom lighting plans, fixtures, and mood for the world to enjoy.

Dallas International Lighting Market 2013

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Kenneth Vick

Once a year Lightopia takes an annual homage to the Dallas Market Center for the largest domestic decorative lighting show of the year, the Dallas International Lighting Market. As you may know, Lightfair is the annual trade show billed as the world’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. The Light+Building
expo in Frankfurt, Germany is dedicated to self-sufficient and sustainable use of energy for intelligent buildings.

Woman standing in front of a giant pink chandelier at the Light+Building Expo Frankfurt

Light+Building Expo Frankfurt – Image Courtesy of Expo Port

(more…)

Lightopia’s 2012 Hot List from Dwell on Design

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Kenneth Vick

Our hot list from Dwell on Design 2012 showcases the latest ingenuity for the modern lifestyle. Whether you are interested in prefab homes, airstream trailers, or how the Montana Mountain Pine Beetle is responsible for some snazzy eco-friendly Apple accessories we have the latest finds from the fastest growing design show in the country!

Casa Bubblicious

One of the most eye catching designs in the Dwell outdoor area was the playful Casa Bubble. Immersing you directly into your environment is a frameless, virtually roofless turbine inflated bubble that not only helps your fort keep its shape but also renews the air and eliminates pollen, humidity and condensation. If you were ever jealous of John Travolta in the 1976 hit movie ‘The Boy in the Plastic Bubble’, then this can be your chance to be on the inside looking out. If that’s not your cup of tea, try a beautiful thermostat controlled evening under the stars without the mosquitoes and bugs. We wonder if they have accessory curtains?

Casa Bubble’s Bubble House Image from Casa Bubble

(more…)

How to Build a Green Home

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Kenneth Vick

We’ve all heard the term Green Home but what does it really mean? I sat down with Sustainable Designer Kim Nadel and Architect/Builder Brett Farrow after they completed Kim’s new abode in Cardiff California to find out how they defined Green Building.

(more…)

Designer Interview: Maurice Connolly

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Kenneth Vick

I recently had the opportunity to ask Maurice Connolly a few questions about his fascinating work. Please enjoy:

How did you come across reclaiming wine barrels for your work?

I was traveling north of Napa in California about 5 years ago when my girlfriend spotted a small object made of steel hoops from a wine barrel. With 20 years of woodworking experience and a small amount of metalworking, I thought I could piece together something similar, and a week later I had made 2 pieces. Once another friend took interest I made more, I began shopping them around, and down the rabbit hole I went.

(more…)

Romantic Lighting: 11 Simple Ideas to Set the Mood!

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Kenneth Vick

Bob Marley once sang Say I want to give you some good, good loving. Turn your lights down low. Is it really that easy? Yes, there is no better way to set the mood then to dim the lights because human mood is highly sensitive to any changes in light. Once the lights are lowered your environment becomes softer and comfortable which is a great way to decrease stress and bring on a relaxing state of mind. Below are a few ways in which this can be accomplished so that you can create fireworks from low light levels!