FIRM PROFILE

CRAFTING ARCHITECTURE WITH LIGHT

Kaplan Gehring McCarroll Architectural Lighting, Inc.
(KGM) is a Los Angeles based design firm established in 1985, providing architectural lighting design services to numerous market sectors worldwide.

Spaces are defined by light. This is accomplished by completely understanding the architectural concepts and complexities of any given project, evaluating various possible design solutions, and ultimately developing a lighting scheme that is fully integrated, cost effective and functional. Lighting concepts are developed to realize the vision of each client which enhances the experience of each space by creating a balanced environment. Ongoing collaboration with the design team during the design process enables lighting to actually become incorporated into the architecture, adding sophistication and strength to the overall design of the project.

Lighting certified, licensed architects, LEED accredited professionals, award recipients, and members of AIA and IALD compromise the talented individuals of KGM Architectural Lighting. State-of-the-art equipment provides the tools necessary to perform photometric studies, produce renderings of proposed lighting effects and develop documents using the most current Revit, AGI32, AutoCAD, and FTP capabilities. This sophisticated backbone has provided the design team with the ability to work on projects both locally and internationally.

 

With dedication and determination, Mike, Dave and Martin have worked diligently to build KGM into a reputable architectural lighting design firm. There is a fundamental belief that the firm must always improve, do better work, develop and generate an environment which fosters creativity. They have inspired other firms to follow the architectural paradigm by building their practices on the model of an architecture studio. Their 'team player' approach and enjoyment of the design process provides an atmosphere conducive to personal and professional growth.

One of KGM’s more important attributes is the ability to create unique lighting environments while maintaining compliance with Title 24, California’s stringent energy code, attaining LEED certification, and adhering to ASHRAE standards and regulations. Equipment selections are based on their relative fitness for an intended purpose at a particular price point. Excellent lighting design is essential for a great building to work as intended, to create visual impact and provide an extraordinary place.

Light is known to be an emotionally stirring medium, capable of dynamically transforming a daytime environment into an evening icon. It is in this spirit that KGM pursues the goal of creating unique environments, atmospheres and excellence in lighting, which is, the essence of our design principle.

G. MICHAEL GEHRING, FAIA, IALD, LC, LEED AP
Partner | CEO  mgehring@kgmlighting.com

G. MICHAEL GEHRING

A licensed Architect since 1983,
Mike graduated from the USC School of Architecture with a BArch., and received an MBA from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management. Prior to his career commitment to lighting design, Mike worked as architect for 13 years. 

Mike firmly believes that an architectural education prepares students for a huge variety of future endeavors. He served as President of the USC Architectural Guild in 2004 and was instrumental in building the third floor Center for Graduate Studies, revived the mentorship program, and led the effort to raise funds for architecture scholarships and educational programs. He actively promotes lighting design as a worthwhile career direction for architects and students of architecture. 

Mike is Lighting-Certified by the NCQLP, a Professional Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and a LEED-Accredited Professional.  In 2007, Mike was the recipient of the AIA California Allied Professionals Honor Award, and in 2009 was welcomed into the College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects.

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DAVE MCCARROLL

Dave McCarroll brings an architect's creative
problem solving approach to lighting design. He constantly challenges predictable ideals, but when appropriate utilizes them.  It is through this approach that Dave has been able to successfully collaborate on an array of award-winning projects globally and in alliance with internationally renowned architects.

His technical expertise acquired throughout the years has proven to be invaluable in his ability to effortlessly incorporate innovative lighting solutions in sync with the Architect’s vision. 

Dave believes an exceptional space or architectural experience is the result of all design disciplines collaborating toward one common goal.  This delicate balance is how he approaches all phases of the project, from conceptual lighting ideas through final completion. 

Licensed as an Architect for more than two decades, Dave is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Lighting-Certified by the NCQLP, and a Professional Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

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DAVE McCARROLL, AIA, IALD, LC
Partner | CFO  dmccarroll@kgmlighting.com

MARTIN VAN KOOLBERGEN, AIA, IALD, LC, LEED
Partner  mvan@kgmlighting.com

MARTIN VAN KOOLBERGEN

In 1994 Martin graduated with a bachelor degree
in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.  He focused his attention on classicism and urban planning and how these concepts relate to modern-day design and construction. 

Martin relocated to Los Angeles in early 2000 and was introduced to founding partner, Joe Kaplan.  He then joined KGM Lighting and was immediately immersed in a wide array of residential projects. Acquiring substantial technical knowledge by developing lighting components for residential projects has credited Martin as one of the leaders in the industry.
 
A process providing insight to grasp the complexities of his clients in their surroundings is a design philosophy which allows Martin to consider each project from the owner’s point of view, ultimately implementing elegant and compelling spaces.

Martin’s experience has provided him with credentials to speak at lighting design forums on the topic of energy-efficiency and comfort in residential lighting.

Affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Architects, Professional Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Certification by the NCQLP, and LEED Accreditation.   

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