Say no to the ordinary.

Inspiring light to shape extraordinary spaces.

We're Isambard

...and we really hate bad lighting.

Isambard is the creative, independent lighting consultancy from awarded architectural and theatrical lighting designers Stefan Isherwood and Kim Straatemeier.

We work with Architects, Artisans and Auteurs to create bespoke, timeless and breath-taking installations through the use of artificial light; from dynamic theatre and immersive sculpture through to private residential, bespoke retail and public domain used by millions of commuters each year.

Our work ethos and three decades of experience help to differentiate us from other lighting studios; our team is small, frightfully nimble and all come from a theatrical background where the effect of light and shadow sells the narrative, not product.

We light.

An image of a hand sketching an Artemide Tizio desk lamp

Who tf?

...We don't take light lightly.

An image of creative director Stefan Isherwood

Stefan Isherwood

Creative Director

Eora-SYDNEY [the glamour]

Based in Sydney and with a foundation in the construction and illumination of touring circus, contemporary dance and national opera, Stefan has worked with a collection of the world’s top architecture, landscape and interior design practices on projects throughout North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia, and in scale from private residences to casinos.

Stefan’s in-depth knowledge of light, shadow and materiality begins from initial concept development, allowing Isambard to work with our clients to develop lighting schemes which fulfil their full potential.

An image of technical director Kim Straatemeier

Kim Straatemeier

Technical Director

Naarm-MELBOURNE [the culture]

Based in Melbourne, Kim is a lighting designer who knows that great design rarely comes from following the rules. With a background in theatre and event design, and a lifelong obsession with how light interacts with space, he works closely with Architects, Artists, Engineers, and Fabricators to use light to push boundaries and elevate the built environment. Kim’s substantive and highly awarded portfolio of work spans commercial, heritage, hospitality, infrastructure, and public spaces across the world.

Kim’s approach is influenced by his past work; hands-on, concept-driven, and collaborative, knowing lighting can be tuned to the nuances of people, place and purpose.

What & Where?

Like a menu, but it's not food.

*Not edible, but awarded nonetheless

Civic.

Brooke St Pier*
Caulfield-Dandenong Rail*
Little Saigon Archway*
Melbourne Airport
Parliament of Victoria*
Port Melbourne Rail
South Geelong Rail
Sydney Town Hall Station*
University of Queensland
Victorian Cancer Centre*
Victorian Police Headquarters
Windsor Plaza*
Wynyard Station*

Hospitality.

Annabel’s
Cabra-Vale Diggers Club
Canterbury Leagues Club
City of Dreams Manila
City Tattersall’s Club
Crown Casino Melbourne
Crown Casino Sydney
Dee Why RSL Club
Gochi Japanese
Hakkasan Las Vegas
Hotel Nishi*
Liverpool Catholic Club
QT Perth*
QT Sydney*
QT Wellington
Sean’s Kitchen*
The Glasshouse
The Star Casino
Trinity Country Club
Wrest Point Casino*

Commerce.

60 Castlereagh St*
180 Flinders St*
207 Kent St
405 Bourke St*
447 Collins St*
510 Church St
Adelaide Festival Square*
Carpe Diem Barangaroo*
CSL Biotechnology
EY Sydney
Grimshaw Studio Melbourne
Hassel Studio Melbourne
Hassel Studio Perth
Parramatta Square*
TFNSW Macquarie Park*

Retail.

Crumpler Flagship Melbourne
Leica Flagship Melbourne
Moncler Mayfair
Scanlan Theodore Dallas
Scanlan Theodore Perth
Sener Besim Melbourne
The Hourglass
Zimmermann Melbourne
Zimmermann Palm Beach

Private Residential.

Albert Park I
Albert Park II
Chelsea
Collingwood
Double Bay*
Dubai I
Dubai II
Hunter Valley
Kensington*
Knightsbridge
Maroubra
Rose Bay*
South Coogee
Surrey
Toorak

Awards.

And the oscar for best dog goes to...

40 UNDER 40 LIGHTING DESIGNERS

Light Collective [Kim Straatemeier]

’23

40 UNDER 40 LIGHTING DESIGNERS

Light Collective [Stefan Isherwood]

’22

180 FLINDERS ST

Illuminating Engineering Society . WSP

’22

60 CASTLEREAGH ST

Illuminating Engineering Society . LightstudioMG

’22

TFNSW MACQUARIE PARK

Illuminating Engineering Society . LightstudioMG

’22

447 COLLINS ST

Illuminating Engineering Society . WSP

’21

CARPE DIEM BARANGAROO

Australian Institute of Architects . LLIGHT

’20

CAULFIELD-DANDENONG RAIL

Illuminating Engineering Society . WSP

’18

COMMONWEALTH BANK HQ

LIT Design Awards . LLIGHT

’18