IT STARTED out in a man’s bedroom with just one employee. 

But fast forward 10 years, and renowned lighting design studio Michael Grubb Studio has grown into an internationally acclaimed, award-winning powerhouse. 

Founded by Michael Grubb in 2013, the business quickly made itself well-known during the early years through unconventional endeavours. 

Dressing up its managing director as a lobster, pitching the idea of George Clooney dressed as Santa to open its Garden of Light festival and illuminating the Durdle Door from a tiny vessel at sea are all some of the wacky ways the company gained a spotlight.

Bournemouth Echo: Michael Grubb sets up lights on Bournemouth Pier in 2013

The firm says confidence in its vision and approach played an integral role in its early successes and rapid growth as well as a strong team of “creative and ambitious” experts. 

This paved the way for serval high-profile, significant award-winning projects, including the Guinness Storehouse, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Bournemouth’s Gardens of Light Festival.

Read more: Lighting designer Michael Grubb shares tips at You are the Media lunch club

Other projects completed by the firm include immersive public artwork Chine Forest and the exterior lighting scheme for Bournemouth’s coastal gateway. 

Nationally, it is noted for the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, Meta HQ in London, the F1 touring Experience, BBC Earth Experience, V&A Photography Galleries, Bath Abbey and the recently completed Jameson Whiskey Experience.

Bournemouth Echo: Garden of Lights in 2013Garden of Lights in 2013

The team provides lighting design content for the Interior Architect course, as well as supporting interns.  

The close relationship has allowed staff to share skills and knowledge over the years and has provided the business with access to exceptional students who have joined the team on a full-time basis. 

Michael Grubb, managing director and founder, said: “Ten years on, the company has matured, we've retained, refined and developed our core identity. 

Bournemouth Echo:

“Our approach continues to integrate our ethos; to innovate and create; provide knowledge and experience as well as to continue to build upon, and deliver, our commitment to people and planet. 

“I remain ever conscious there is a continuous journey of learning ahead of us and have a profound desire and responsibility, to ensure that our lighting schemes do not harm the natural environment, a view shared by the whole team.  

“We look forward to sharing the future with our industry friends and clients, who have helped make the last ten years possible, and to whom we are immensely grateful.”