Design/life: Mike Treanor Director of Design and Operations, Mullan Lighting

"At the moment, in terms of lighting, the trend is definitely for mid-century design, featuring polished brass metalwork combined with a painted finish."

Sat, 15 Apr, 2017 - 01:00

Aileen Lee

What’s your background?

I grew up crafting metal and wood as a hobby. After studying and working in architecture, I eventually established Mullan Lighting Design in 2008. Design and making has always been a feature in my life.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

Every day is different as we are involved in a wide variety of projects all over the world.

Working with our own craft metalworkers and design team brings about a very creative environment which is great to be part of.

Most days, I try to get out of the office and work with our designers, however, there is always an element of administrative work that I must do.

I try to attend as many client meetings as possible so that I can be at the forefront of any bespoke design projects.

Lighting by Mullan Design at Le Madison Bar and Restaurant, Nice.

Tell us about a recent project or design/ favourite project or design you have worked on?

We have worked on many projects which are memorable for different reasons.

We have also undertaken complete lighting fit-outs for many top hotels and restaurants, including a number of Hardrock Cafés; Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurants; the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa in Cork; and the Dungloe Hotel in Donegal.

Other projects which we are proud to have worked on include the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and Legoland in Dubai.

What’s your design style?

I think it is healthy for designers of any kind to think outside the box and constantly explore new possibilities, new materials, and create new designs and products that push the boundaries.

What/Who inspires your work?

I think other Irish craftsmen and craftswomen have influenced and inspired my work more than anything else. From local artists, such as Helen Steele, and stonemasons like Marc Kelly, the work that these people do inspires myself and others.

From a business point of view, my biggest influence are my parents who run a successful electrical wholesale business, www.electricalwholesaler.ie

Burger and Pizzetta restaurant in Moscow, Russia.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

We keep a close eye on current trends in fashion and design by visiting several trade events each year. A lot of travel is involved but this keeps us on top of all the latest design movements.

At the moment, in terms of lighting the trend is definitely for mid-century design, featuring polished brass metalwork combined with a painted finish. This is something our design team have been specialising in for some time.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I don’t care for much in terms of physical possessions. I am lucky to have a great family and many good friends and that is important to me.

I also recently got married to Edel and I better mention that or she might kill me.

Who would be your favourite designer, or style inspiration?

We find that most of our inspiration comes from the people we work with. They constantly challenge us with new design ideas and new materials.

I love the work of Tonya Douglas of Little Design House, who we have worked with on many home interior projects, each with different style elements that take careful consideration for functionality and light.

We also love working with Grainne Weber Architects with whom we have designed some fantastic bespoke pieces for the 3Arena in Dublin.

At a private residence in Belturbet, Cavan.

What would be a dream project for you to work on?

We are working on a huge project in Dubai at the moment where they are creating a one-mile-long Las Vegas-style strip along the coast.

We have been appointed as the supplier for all the outdoor lighting with each piece being custom designed and manufactured with the ability to withstand 50-degree temperatures, potential sandstorms and coastal marine environment.

The project is extremely challenging and on a very tight deadline with more than 2,000 customised pieces to be manufactured.

In terms of decorative lighting projects, they don’t get much bigger than this and this is something we are incredibly proud to be part of. I think this could be considered a dream project.

Have you any design tips for us?

Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things in terms of materials and colours. Don’t just follow the trend – try and set the trend!

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