The Gillard Group is one of Australia’s leading independent lighting designers and one of the first in the world to offer Lighting as a Service (LaaS). Founded by Jenni Gillard in 2005, the business delivers award-winning lighting designs for clients. Now it also offers world-leading solutions for managing installed LED, achieving NET positive returns and delivering services that help clients prepare for new light-based technologies.
Jenni holds a Masters in Lighting and is recog-nised as a world leading architectural lighting designer. Her lighting journey started with World Expo 88 in Brisbane and she has been a pioneer in the lighting industry, being the first female in Australia to:
- Graduate in a degree wholly devoted to lighting
- Graduate with a Masters in Lighting
- Qualify as a Certified Lighting Designer (2nd in Australia and 9th globally)
- Achieve full membership of the International Association of Lighting Designers
- Own and operate an independent lighting design studio
The catalyst for the Gillard Group’s global leadership position was to foresee the disruption of the traditional lighting industry as early as 2012. Lighting divisions of household names such as Osram, Phillips and GE have been sold off. The impact of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) has been profound. Conventional lamps are being banned or phased out. The fixed-life bulb-turnover business model of the last hundred years is dead. LED is the future of artificial illumination. Quality LED is not only low energy and long life – it is digital friendly. LED has wide ranging commercial and environmental advantages.
However, quality LED fades away and requires new solutions and good capital management to optimise benefits. Jenni and her team are currently developing the “MinMin” light system, which is most likely the world’s first product agnostic solution to calculate installed LED life. The Gillard Group LaaS offer is OPEX-based and a long-term partnership. LaaS offers clients with large light portfolios very smart and cost-effective ways to manage LED lifecycles and prepare for tomorrow. “John de Blonk Smith is part of our clever team to ensure clients obtain sustained value for money”, says Jenni.
“In the area of lighting, Australia lags behind most of the world. Most consumers and businesses are blind to the risks and opportunities associated with LED. LED is a global paradigm shift. When understood, you will appreciate how it will transform the way we live, work and play and the value of preparing now”, says Jenni.
The Gillard Group has a growing list of high profile clients including the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Michael Hill International, Scentre Group and government authorities. Examples of projects the Gillard Group has contributed to or designed directly, include:
- SEA Aquarium Singapore (the world’s largest Oceanarium)
- Roma Street Parklands
- Multi-award-winning St Brigid’s Church (Red Hill)
- Queens Plaza, Brisbane CBD
- Multi-award-winning Spectrum Apartments
As LED is digital-friendly, bulbs cover most of the Earth and nothing is faster than light – the Internet of Light dawns. The interconnectivity of smart LED will host a myriad of new digital services. While the domestic market appears ill-prepared for the opportunities and threats arising from the rapid intake of LED, the Gillard Group is best prepared and undeterred.
The Gillard Group is working with a range of professionals, like DBSY, CEO’s and clients to deliver greater value for businesses and the environment.
If you would like to learn more about the Gillard Group or view the extensive gallery of work, please visit their website: www.jennigillarddesign.com.au
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