Meet our team
Let’s start with the most important part – the team who bring your solutions to life.
Nurturing the best talents in our industry we are extremely proud of our team. With their expertise and specialised knowledge your project is safe in their hands.
We know many of our clients enjoy putting faces to names when working with us on projects so why not get to know us a little better and read about what the team enjoy most both inside and outside of work.
Andrew Longman BEng (Hons), CEng, MILP, MIET
Andrew joined DFL in October 2006 as Technical Director. His main role involves looking after the Design Team, nurturing their technical abilities and providing training, guidance or advice where required. From a customer perspective he is responsible for the on-time delivery of projects, quality control and overall customer satisfaction and is also responsible for all procedures that affect the design process.
Andrew’s personal approach to Lighting Design:
‘Before starting any project, I strongly believe in discussing the details with clients at the earliest opportunity, avoiding any assumptions or misconceptions and keeping them involved in the process. This ensures that the end product fulfills the client’s expectations, whilst being efficient and sustainable.’
Outside of work Andrew is a keen spectator of, and participator in, motorsports.
Richard Jackson EngTech, AMILP, TMIET
Richard joined DFL in January 2013 as Project Manager and Business Development Director and has just celebrated his tenth work anniversary here. He looks after new business coming into the company and works with clients to help them understand what they need from their project and how DFL can maximise the return on investment of their project. This ranges from a small S278 lighting design where the requirement is to ensure the design is the most cost effective with the least disruption through to large ‘invest to save’ schemes where DFL ensure that clients maximise savings and have excellent payback periods.
Some great examples of this are the Kent County Council LED upgrade where DFL delivered, on time, budget and with additional energy savings, one of the most ambitious Street Lighting Projects the UK has ever seen.
As he is often working with clients to shape the needs of their project, he wants to ensure he can demonstrate the added value DFL brings to them and he’s really passionate about helping clients meet their aims and aspirations.
Richard’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘For me, when looking at lighting design I always like to bring the buildability approach to schemes. Having worked “on the Tools” and worked my way up, I am always keen to promote a pragmatic design that considers installation, maintenance and even end of life replacement/decommissioning.‘
Outside of work Richard enjoys running:
‘Be it running around after the kids, or running in general, with a young family I enjoy the time I get with them at evenings and weekends. I love running, as it is time I get to myself and I can review my day and plan the day ahead. I’m always keen for a challenge and can be found running the odd half marathon or Park run on a Saturday morning.’
Alistair Scott BSc, CEng, FILP, MIMechE MHEA
Alistair joined DFL in February 2005 as Managing Director. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the company and corporate governance. He also oversees staff development and training and encourages staff membership of professional bodies like ILP and HEA. He enjoys the variety of the role and discussing lighting strategy and providing technical advice, whilst at the same time encouraging people to look at problems from a different perspective.
He also loves working on Light Impact Assessments (LIA’s) and advising on minimising obtrusive light. Some key projects he’s been involved in include the LIA at London Gateway and the Lighting Strategy for the Pacific Island of Vanuatu which involved some very enjoyable site visits!
Another rewarding project was supporting Gloucestershire County Council with technical advice for the Invest to Save LED upgrade project
During his career to date Alistair has had the honour of being President of the ILP, and really enjoyed the strategic role within that organisation which culminated in the presidency. He was also awarded the ‘Service to Industry Award’ from the HEA in 2013.
Alistair’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘My philosophy is all about improving the quality of light for any application, particularly in both minimising glare and obtrusive light. I’m committed to working with organisations to create strategies which are both practical and sustainable.’
Outside of work he enjoys living near the coast:
‘We moved to live near the coast to spend more time in, on or next to the water. This involves activities like sailing, paddle boarding, walking and cycling. I also love eating out, a favourite of mine being Rick Stein’s at Poole, with its amazing seafood and views over the harbour.’
Ryan Carroll BSc (Hons), IEng, MILP
Ryan joined DFL in July 2015 as Lighting Designer. He works on light impact assessments to support planning applications and developments, as well as being involved in more architectural lighting design elements. He likes working on creative lighting design like landscape lighting and areas which are more visually appealing, as well as the functional side, and enjoys allowing his artistic side to shine through.
Major projects he has worked on include new developments for end clients such as Jaguar Land Rover, where he has provided the lighting strategy to which the end designer has to adhere, and has completed Lighting Impact Assessments that have assisted with the Client achieving successful planning approval.
He has also been involved in the Lighting Strategy for a luxury hotel resort in Cornwall which was a very innovative process and allowed creative lighting to be fully developed within the design.
Ryan’s recent lighting passion is the redesign of lighting on a LightArt sculpture called New Burlington Flare which was very challenging, both technically and aesthetically.
Ryan’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘For me it’s ensuring that light is designed appropriately for the application and where applicable it meets the relevant standard. I believe that lighting needs to be well thought out so that it enhances it’s surroundings.’
Outside of work Ryan enjoys spending time with family:
‘I am enjoying my new role as a father to our new daughter, Amelie. My interests include kayaking, watching motor sport and, when I get the time, go-karting.’
Scott Pengelly EngTech AMILP
Scott joined the DFL team in March 2022 as Project Manager to support our ever-growing and busy minor projects team. Working as the key point of contact for our wide customer base, Scott works hard to ensure all projects are delivered on time and to budget – quite the challenge at times!
Scott has been in the lighting industry for over 18 years now with expertise covering many elements of lighting, including project design, product management, sales, marketing, and technical roles. He is also a keen supporter of the industry, having held volunteer roles within the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) for well over 10 years now.
His personal approach to lighting is all about the right product, in the right place, for the right amount of time…
‘Sometimes we, as the lighting community, can get a little hung up on trying to achieve specific lighting levels and classes and need to think much more about the bigger picture. Does the design provide a good environment for the users within the space? Can we reduce lighting levels when the usage changes throughout hours of darkness? Is the proposed product being used in the correct application?’
Outside of work, Scott tries his hand at a bit of Golf which takes up any free time he has away from family and friends.
Ian Hearsum HND Electrical Engineering
Ian joined in May 2022. His career saw him starting as a CAD Technician who wanted to be more involved in the design principles and is now running his own schemes and heading up a team at DFL.
He enjoys the visual design process and seeing the results onsite after completion.
‘I have a sense of pride in working through the challenges on a scheme and knowing the job was completed under budget and on time.’
Ian recommends Lighting Design as a career choice;
‘Street lighting has many interesting requirements from lighting to standards, electrical design principles, ecological design considerations and site investigations. Working with teams from other consultants is also a great way to improve your communication and presentation skills.’
In Ian’s free time you’ll find him at his local sailing club, racing small sailboats.
A little-known fact about Ian:
‘I trained as a chef but wasn’t keen on the hours…or the people…but I still love cooking!’
Filip Wolcz
Filip joined DFL in June 2015 as Lighting Designer. He is involved with lighting design and calculation, CAD drawing, modelling and project management. His favourite part of the job is finding the opportunity to make the design process more efficient by writing some kind of macro/VBA code. Projects he has worked on include the lighting design and management of the Kent LED replacement programme, and light spill modelling for a number of light impact assessments for new developments.
Filip’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘Lighting design should be well thought out, accurate and up-to-date with technology to ensure it will serve its purpose for many years.’
Outside of work Filip enjoys playing volleyball and sightseeing.
Peter joined DFL in April 2010 with many years experience in business administration and strategic analysis. Overseeing the Finance Team he works alongside the Directors in highlighting insights into company performance, streamlining processes and implementing new concepts within DFL. Peter helps to transform the ways in which we operate, acknowledging the areas where there is a need for change and assessing how this can be achieved.
As one of DFL’s longer serving staff members Peter is our ‘go to’ for most things DFL. He enjoys teaching new staff DFL processes and how to use our software. Peter is currently leading on DFL’s recent adoption of HubSpot as our CRM and Project Management system.
Although not involved in lighting design, Peter’s thoughts on lighting are:
‘Lighting should promote the safety and wellbeing of people whilst being considerate of its impact on the surrounding environment.’
In his free time, Peter lives to ski and snowboard and has spent 4 winters in the mountains in the last 12 years. When there isn’t snow around, he’ll be on the water sailing, or busting some tunes on either a Clarinet or Euphonium.
Kelly started with DFL in April 2021 after joining the lighting industry – by mistake – in 2001. She has been involved in a wide variety of schemes, large and small including Manchester Airport Car Park, Duthamgate, Belfast City Center and the Queensferry Bridge. She has even been known to dabble in interior lighting on occasion. Kelly has also presented to various technical bodies on a variety of subjects including BIM, Blue Light Effects and Glare.
Kelly’s personal approach to lighting:
‘Lighting can manipulate how we perceive the world around us in so many ways, either deliberately or accidentally. It’s fascinating to know how different lighting effects, both functional and aesthetical, can achieve different experiences. As a lighting designer I strive to make that experience suitable not just for us but for the flora and fauna we have to share the outside space with’
Outside of work, Kelly is never far from a book, it makes her grumpy to not have something to read. When she must eventually get out of the house, her preferred exercise is dancing – waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, salsa, belly, line, paso doble, tango … the list goes on.
Alex Elliott BSc (Hons), Eng Tech, MILP
Alex joined DFL in March 2008 as Senior Lighting Designer. He has almost 15 years experience in the lighting industry and has worked on projects of all sizes from small residential schemes to major roads and town centres. A favourite project was the architectural lighting design for Kettering Market Place.
Alex’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘I enjoy architectural lighting projects and designing lighting of a space or building can give it a real atmosphere and make it come alive.’
Outside of work Alex enjoys spending time with his family. He has researched his family history in depth over the last 7 years and has recently met cousins from the US and Canada for the first time. He has also recently started running and has a current Personal Best time over 5 km of 23:41 minutes and is training for his first half marathon later in the year.
Paul Ransley
Paul joined DFL in July 2021 as Lighting and Electrical Designer.
Paul came to DFL with a wealth of experience in the highways sector and supported the Highways department delivering large and complex infrastructure projects.
With great knowledge in both lighting and electrical Paul prides himself on the detail of making sure schemes have strong buildability
Guus Ketelings
Guus joined DFL in December 2020 as a Lighting Designer. His job entails combining his background in DMX controls from event lighting with architectural lighting design from planning, to modelling, to design. Guus enjoys the sheer variety of different challenges to be solved.
‘Every project is either slightly different or vastly different meaning there is always something new to learn. Additionally, I love the creative element of architectural lighting design and modelling – combining art with engineering.’
Guus’s personal approach to lighting design:
“My focus when creating lighting designs is a hybridization of practicality, functionality, and aesthetics. This along with regular discussion ensures all expectations are being met.”
Outside of work, if the weather is good, you can find Guus on the landing strip! ‘I got a skydiving license in 2015 and have been making the most out of the summer months by jumping out of airplanes.’
If the weather is not so good, Guus is usually tinkering around with game development ranging from environment design, planning, or actual development.
Daniel Spreadborough MSc
Daniel joined DFL in April 2021, with a background in theatrical lighting design.
Daniel has completed several qualifications in lighting, including the Light and Lighting MSc run by University College London, and believes there are always opportunities to learn more.
Daniel’s role is to undertake Lighting Impact Assessments and prepare lighting strategies, to support planning applications and encourage good lighting practice in development.
“I am passionate about ensuring lighting is suitable for the environment, complies with local policy, protects dark skies, and is sensitive to light sensitive ecology – especially bats.”
Daniel enjoys working at DFL,
“I get to combine my passions for lighting and the environment into one while helping our clients get the best possible outcomes for their projects.”
Outside of work, Daniel is an avid boulderer and bonsai enthusiast, so can often be found in the climbing gym, outside climbing rocks, or walking his dogs in the woods looking for inspiration.
Sylvia Wright
Sylvia joined DFL in February 2012 as Senior CAD Technician. To quote her words:
‘I take our highly talented Engineers’ scribbles and splodges and transform them into beautiful drawings. I also provide a mentoring and training service to our design team to help solve all their CAD problems.’
Sylvia’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘I’m just very good at drawing lamp posts! I take a personal pride in creating drawings which are consistent in approach and quality and which are easily understood by the recipients. I ensure that all drawings which leave DFL meet our quality requirements irrespective of who has drawn them.’
Sylvia is also the company BIM expert and clients regularly seek her expertise.
In her free time, Sylvia is a very keen gardener:
‘I am green fingered and enjoy spending time creating my beautiful garden.’
Amanda Reece
Amanda joined DFL in November 2022 as one of our Senior Lighting Engineers.
‘I work on lighting projects that have ecological sensitivities related to it, I enjoy the aspect of lighting as it ensures we are providing lighting in the most appropriate way, whilst protecting flora and fauna and human health.’
Being in a role that involved protecting the environment, was very close to Amanda’s heart.
‘Lighting has brought me in contact with organisations that assist with guidance and provide practical experiences to ensure that what we design is safe and within industry standards.’
Alex Brown
Alex started work at a lighting design electrical wholesaler 18 years ago, then moved on to a sales role in a food industry based manufacturer, moving up to a management role there. In the background Alex did a bit of design work, worked for an electrical wholesaler for 9 months, then worked at 7 core electrical for 7 years, setting up the lighting division there.
‘As a lover of nature and the effects of lighting, I have a passion for trying to get both to work in harmony and create a better and more enjoyable environment for the surrounding inhabitants .’
In his spare time Alex enjoys looking after his plants (currently 40 indoors, roughly 10 outdoors), horror and sci-fi movies, bouldering, and foraging.
Aaron Brown
Aaron joined DFL in August 2012 as Lighting Designer. He has mainly been involved with lighting design for large scale projects including Croydon PFI, Lambeth LED upgrade and currently Kent County Council LED upgrade, as well as designing several smaller scale projects along the way.
Aaron’s personal approach to lighting design:
‘Having been mainly involved in LED upgrade works, my main aim to date has been to reduce the energy output as much as possible, utilising the improved efficiency of LED lighting.
I am always mindful of road users, pedestrians and residents alike, taking factors such as obtrusive light and DDA requirements into consideration at the design stage, ensuring the deliverance of quality designs with the customer’s satisfaction being paramount.’
Outside of work Aaron enjoys cooking:
‘I fancy myself as a keen amateur cook, along with being a massive movie buff. I also enjoy all kinds of music and its very seldom that I’m not plugged in, whether at work, rest or play. I like singing where permitted and play mean ‘desk drums’, much to the annoyance of my colleagues! I like to think I have a creative mind, taking note of the old adage that everyone has at least one book inside them, which is something I’d like to look into in the future.’
Connor MacDonald
Connor joined DFL in 2022 and has a background in product design and enjoys using software to develop new solutions.
‘I love the fact that DFL can provide bespoke solutions for each scheme. We can provide the best design and no scheme is the same as the last. Lighting allows me to use my knowledge to make real change within the UK, one scheme at a time.’
Connor enjoys a bit of squash in his spare time and can be found at his local squash club choosing his opponents carefully!
A little-known fact about Connor:
He volunteers at the Winchester Beacon homeless shelter, cooking English Breakfast on Sundays.
Tamer Habboub
Tamer joined DFL in 2021 and appreciates the good company culture and the great colleagues he has.
Tamer had an interest in electronics from a young age and found it only natural to pursue a degree in electrical engineering when the time came.
In his free time, Tamer enjoys hiking and cycling
A little-known fact about Tamer:
‘I have never believed in Santa Claus’
Hollie Thurlow
Hollie joined DFL in June 2021 as a Lighting Designer. She currently works alongside Filip on LED upgrades. Hollie is involved with lighting design, design calculations and CAD drawings. Projects she has worked on include the LED upgrade lighting design for Suffolk and Walsall councils.
‘I fell into lighting as a career and entered the industry with no experience whatsoever.’
Hollie does something completely different in her spare time:
‘Every Saturday I work with a group of people at a place called the Zedshed. We get together to maintain and modify our own and other peoples cars just for fun. It can be anything from oil changes to complete sub-frame overhauls.’
A little-known fact about Hollie:
‘I’ve driven around Cadwell Park race track in a Z4 SI Sport Coupe E86 straight 6.’
Fiona Elsley
Fiona joined DFL in August 2021 as Lighting Technician.
She joined the Lighting Impact Assessment team where she is responsible for assisting with the lighting impact reports, design calculations and site assessments. With a degree in Environmental Sciences Fiona really is able to give an in-depth and technical view of the considerations that need to be made when considering environmental impact.
Outside of work, Fiona enjoys an interest that the whole team love:
‘Baking. I love to have a go at new recipes and creating sweet treats.’
Alex joined the team in September 2021 with a huge enthusiasm for all that lighting can bring;
‘With the correct lighting we can bathe beautiful architecture in light and also help people get home safely. It’s a fantastic thing to be a part of.’
In his free time Alex loves walking his two poodles, Shadow and Luna – see he even used a lighting connection to name his pets.
A little-known fact about Alex:
‘I can write 110 words a minute in Teeline shorthand.’
Steve Parsons
Steve joined DFL in January this year and is new to the lighting industry. He is studying the ILP Exterior Lighting Diploma and is now part of the DFL in-house Training Scheme. Steve chose to retrain and change to a different career due to a family member, already in the lighting industry, being evangelical about lighting.
‘I’m keen to design schemes that use as little energy as possible to save our clients money, whilst reducing consumption for national energy security. The environment, wildlife and dark skies will be at the heart of the design process.’
In his free time, Steve enjoys sports of all kinds but especially football.
‘I’ve hung up my boots now but I enjoy watching my son play for Ossett Town Under 15’s. We’re also season ticket holders at Barnsley FC.’
A little-known fact about Steve:
‘I have a Historical and Political Studies Degree but after a work placement with my local MP, I decided that was not a career I wished to pursue!’
Martyn Evans
Martyn joined DFL in November 2018.
‘I really enjoy working at DFL as the people are awesome and the culture is positive, professional and fun.’
Martyn also enjoys when colleagues bring in sweet treats to the office, Senior Designer Alex’s homemade cakes are always popular!
Outside of work, Martyn enjoys fixing things and he can often be seen around the office fixing any IT problems. Martyn also enjoys watching classic Sci-Fi and Horror films, going on walks with his dog and spending time outside gardening. A big animal lover.
Fran Goodyear
Fran joined DFL in December 2016 as Accounts and Office Administrator.
‘I’m the first contact for visitors and telephone callers and deal with all the accounts and general administration in the office. I enjoy dealing with clients and suppliers and being able to assist wherever required. DFL is a very friendly company and it really is a pleasure to come to work every day.’
In her spare time Fran enjoys various interests:
‘I enjoy silversmithing (on a very small scale), fishing, walking, gardening and socialising with friends. I also enjoy watching the England cricket team, and play tennis and squash badly.’
Frankie joined DFL in October 2022 after working in project Management roles since 2005. Previous to that Frankie created e-learning packages and worked on content for educational websites. She is experienced in using Prince2 and Agile project management methodologies.
‘I was looking for a project role but something a little different, then I spotted a recruitment advert that was so engaging that I felt compelled to apply…and here I am!’
Frankie works with the lighting design teams, liaising with clients and monitoring project progress to ensure that all of the moving pieces are coming together as expected. Frankie is looking forward to becoming involved in the training and mentoring programme here at DFL.
‘It’s so refreshing to work for a company that cares about their staff and not only encourages them to flourish in the roles they’ve chosen but provides mentorship too. I love sitting in the office and watching the more experienced designers giving advice to our newer recruits’
A little-known fact about Frankie:
‘I used to be in an all-girl band (not famous obviously) and also ran my own motorsport website that covered the British Formula Three racing series.’
Award-winning specialist consultancy
With our Head Office in Winchester, Hampshire and a further office in the North of England we work with clients across the UK.
Our vision is to create both innovative and practical design solutions, which are second to none – nurturing the best talents in specialist lighting design, backed up by a reliable and cost-effective service.
Our projects include:
- Lighting design for capital works
- Invest to Save projects
- Management and delivery of highways electricals
- Light Impact Assessments
- Smart City Consultancy
- Planning and environmental advice
Our clients include local government, multi-disciplinary consultancies, contractors, developers, architects, landscape architects, smart city advisors and planning and environmental consultants.
DfL maintain strong links with industry and professional bodies through membership of the Highway Electrical Association (HEA) and corporate group membership of the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP).
We work to shape the future direction and advise on the latest trends within lighting.
Are you a
Lighting star?
We are currently interested in expanding our existing Winchester team in all positions, grades and contracts.
Suitable candidates for all positions will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and able to demonstrate a basic working knowledge of CAD. We offer a competitive salary and career development opportunities.
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