Architectural lighting works to serve and enhance the architecture, not merely as an accessory, to create a cohesive spatial experience.

So, architectural lighting is an intersection of art (architecture) and technology (lighting). The architecture being illuminated or lighted may be commercial or residential. Other fields of endeavor, such as design, also come into play. Of course, so do physics, engineering and the psychological and physiological effects of light.

Some of the more often overlooked aspects of building design can actually have a significant impact on the health and well-being of a building’s occupants. Just like optimizing a building’s indoor air quality can lead to better health, increased productivity, and fewer absences in school and work environments, architectural lighting design can play an important role in providing a comfortable environment. Proper lighting design can help boost a person’s mood and retention, increase productivity of those that are working or learning in the space, and can decrease operational cost for buildings.