What does a lighting designer do that an electrician cannot?
An electrician installs circuits and fixtures safely and to code. A lighting designer determines which fixtures to use, where to place them, how bright they should be, how they dim, and how the overall scheme supports the architecture and daily use of a space. We produce the design documentation your electrician implements — photometric calculations, fixture schedules, and dimming matrices that electricians typically do not provide.
Do you sell lighting products?
No. Trappnarco ApS is a design-only practice. We specify products from third-party manufacturers and provide trade pricing guidance, but we do not sell fixtures, earn commission from suppliers, or mark up products. Our revenue comes entirely from design fees, which keeps our recommendations unbiased.
How much does lighting design cost?
Consultations start at 2,450 DKK. Residential packages range from 8,650 DKK (single room) to 52,900 DKK+ (large villas). Commercial projects start at 12,800 DKK for surveys and 24,600 DKK for fit-outs. See our full pricing page for details. All prices exclude 25% VAT.
When should I involve a lighting designer in my project?
As early as possible — ideally at architectural sketch stage. Lighting integrated into ceiling coffers, joinery, and structural elements during design costs far less than retrofitting after construction. For renovations, contact us before your electrician begins first-fix work.
Do you work outside Copenhagen?
Yes, throughout Denmark and select Nordic projects. Our studio is in København V and most site visits are within the Capital Region. Projects beyond Copenhagen municipality incur a travel supplement of 850 DKK per visit. Remote advisory is available at 895 DKK/hour via video.
What is included in a residential design package?
Room-by-room layout drawings, a detailed fixture schedule with manufacturer codes, dimming and switching matrix, circuit load summary, supplier contact list, and one commissioning visit (family home packages and above). See residential lighting for package breakdowns.
Can you work with listed or protected buildings?
Yes. We regularly work on protected apartments in Indre By and Frederiksberg where surface-mounted cabling and wireless systems (Casambi, Lutron RA2) are often required. We coordinate with heritage authorities and produce documentation for fredningsmyndigheden when needed.
What smart lighting system do you recommend?
It depends on the project. New builds with structured cabling suit DALI-2 or KNX. Retrofits in existing apartments often work best with Casambi Bluetooth mesh. Premium residential projects frequently use Lutron HomeWorks. We assess your specific situation during consultation rather than recommending one system for all projects.
How long does a typical project take?
Residential: 3–6 weeks from signed agreement to final documentation. Commercial: 4–10 weeks depending on scope. Smart programming adds 1–2 weeks. Installation and commissioning run concurrently with your build schedule. Rush delivery is available at a 25% surcharge for timelines under 10 working days.
Is the consultation fee refundable?
The 2,450 DKK consultation fee is credited in full toward your project fee if you engage within 60 days. If you decide not to proceed, you keep the written summary and recommendations from the session.
Do you handle emergency lighting design?
We coordinate emergency lighting as part of commercial projects and offer standalone compliance reviews against DS/EN 1838 for 7,350 DKK. We specify emergency luminaire locations and durations but the installation is performed by your electrical contractor.
What format are deliverables provided in?
PDF for all clients. DWG (AutoCAD) drawings for architects and electricians on request. Fixture schedules in Excel. Smart projects include programmed scene documentation and O&M manuals at handover.
How do I book a consultation?
Email [email protected], call +45 33 21 48 67, or use our contact form. We typically schedule within 5–7 working days. Studio consultations take place at Vesterbrogade 108, 1620 København V.