Interview: Olivia Schaeffer
Fresh from working on the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki using the Lumino SolidEdge lighting system, Olivia Schaeffer of NYC partners O’Blaney Rinker told us how she started in lighting.
I come from a family that values design, fashion and art. My late grandfather worked for Interior Design Magazine for over 45 years. My aunt owns an architecture firm in New York City specializing in interior spaces. My grandmother has a stunning collection of clothing and accessories, that I have been known to spend hours perusing. In college I completed a year-long study on clothing and identity, which suggested (and I strongly believe) that the way we present ourselves affects our well-being. I began a sales career in fashion at Neiman Marcus in Boston and continued at boutiques and showrooms when I moved to New York. I also pursued image consulting by taking classes at FIT and apprenticing for an image consultant based in Manhattan.
I then moved on to pursue interior design. My introduction to the field was a position at Fontana Arte as a customer service and inside sales associate. A passion for lighting emerged, as I came to understand that a lighting fixture can completely transform an architectural space. After Fontana Arte, I moved on to become a specification sales rep at O’Blaney Rinker, where I have learned about a diverse range of architectural, landscape, custom/decorative, lighting solutions, while broadening an understanding of the design trade in New York. I’ve been told once you begin a career in lighting, it’s hard to leave. I certainly agree!
Olivia with her colleages at O'Blaney Rinker and Lumino
Why are you passionate about lighting?
Similar to how I feel about clothing, I believe interior and exterior spaces that are well lit can create a positive psychological effect on the people that occupy those spaces. Lighting is crucial to highlighting architectural elements, and you can completely transform a space with a successful lighting scheme. Alternatively, a poorly designed lighting scheme can create a negative emotional affect in occupants. I have developed a strong respect for the designers who specify lighting products, and the manufacturers that create innovative lighting solutions.
Most vibrant thing you saw at LEDucation, Light and Building and Lightfair?
Luminale during Light and Building in Frankfurt. The entire city sprouts fantastical lighting installations during the week of the trade show, from dancing letters projected on a cathedral ceiling to the color-changing building facades all around the city. Unlike anything I’ve seen!
What is your favorite Lumino product?
The SolidEdge and Vector systems are brilliant. The modular system allows you to easily build a cove, and then install and rotate a linear fixture within the cove opening. You can choose between a wide range of profiles, outputs and color temperatures for your light source. The quality of light in the ColorCORE Vector system is beautiful. I love the 2000K - super warm and cozy!
Motto in life?
Know first who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.
Other passions, hobbies, interests?
I love collecting vintage clothing, vinyl records and coffee table books. I’m an avid traveler, casual archer, park walker and 90s hip hop and funk enthusiast. I love to eat every type of cuisine, but I’m also gluten free. Fun fact: I’m a dual citizen of USA and Germany, but my first time in Germany was Light and Building in Frankfurt in 2016!
