SMLD (formally SGM-LCD) is an independent Light, Consultancy & Design practice, based Brisbane, dedicated to enriching architectural spaces, venues and artifacts through the art of lighting design.
“More and more, so it seems to me, light is the beautifier of the building.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
SMLD specialise in Architectural Lighting Design for hospitality, retail, commercial and residential projects, and have completed works throughout Australia and Asia.
Our practice is guided by a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and inspired by the inherent language of architecture and interior design.
With a background in architecture and design, and a breadth of experience working across a broad range of design and construction projects, we have the skill to adapt and engage with diverse aesthetic styles, genres and functionalities. Our portfolio includes projects for international brands, multi-residential developments, hotels, restaurants, large commercial buildings, and luxury homes.
We are committed to working with our clients to make conscious choices around the selection and use of luminaries and other electrical devices to minimise energy usage, reduce waste and promote sustainability.
At SMLD we take great pleasure in bringing to life buildings and spaces, textures and colours with the essence of light. To us, light is about much more than functionality — when curated powerfully, light enriches our view, affects the energy of spaces, and influences our overall experience.
“ Light is a powerful tool…. It’s more than simply a means to allows us to see. The essence of light has a whimsical and magical nature… This is what excites people,
and makes them feel they are experiencing something special and unique… “
meet OUR director
Siobhan McNabb
Hong Kong at night is mesmerising. A cluster of skyscrapers etched in dynamic coloured light. Narrow roads jammed with neon signs refracted in the wet streets below. The flash of flames from the street-side hawker stalls.
For Siobhan McNabb, it was love at first sight and would influence her life in design.
After graduating with an Architectural Degree from the University of Melbourne, Siobhan travelled to Hong Kong to work for an interior designer on a range of hospitality projects.
An offer from Linbeck Rausch / Double Vision, an award-winning architectural lighting design firm, saw her take the role of Project Director on significant lighting design projects across Southeast Asia. Lighting design became her passion and the focus of her design work.
Back in Australia, Siobhan has continued to work as a lighting consultant and designer, collaborating with renowned architects, interior designers, and developers. She has a multitude of lighting design credits including many distinguished hospitality, commercial and residential projects in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the city which she now calls home.
In addition to her project work, Siobhan was instrumental in co-creating and running international light design publications SWITCH Magazine and Lighting-linx Directories. She has been an active board member of the IES (Illumination Engineering Society of Australia) and a judge for the IES Awards. Recognised as a leader in her field, Siobhan regularly lectures, writes and gives interviews on the role of lighting in design and architecture.
Siobhan’s background and family life has always been rich in art, architecture, design, music, dance and travel. She brings a truly multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and global perspective to her design work.