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Barry Townsend
Principal at Workplane Lightplanning Ltd
Professional Background
Barry Townsend is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the lighting industry, showcasing an extensive journey that began with Artemide, one of the leading lighting manufacturers in the world. Throughout his career, Barry has witnessed and adapted to significant changes in technology, performance, and aesthetics within the sector. His initial role at Artemide involved working within the internal sales team, where he honed a diverse set of skills including technical knowledge of lamps and luminaires, stock management, customer relationship building, and sales and purchase order management.
At Artemide, Barry was fortunate to play a pivotal role in various high-profile projects collaborating with prestigious brand names such as Jaguar, Ford, Audi, and HSBC, as well as top UK architects. His dedication and expertise allowed him to progress quickly within the company, moving from internal sales to managing essential projects, eventually transitioning into external sales and business development. Notably, within his first year in this new role, Barry doubled the turnover for his designated region, showcasing his business acumen and commitment to excellence.
After his tenure at Artemide, Barry gained valuable insights by working with two independent lighting companies, where he applied his accumulated knowledge and concentrated on delivering independent lighting design solutions. In 2005, driven by the ambition to establish a customer-centric venture, Barry founded Workplane Lightplanning Ltd. This innovative company was borne from his commitment to high-quality lighting design, employing a flexible and hands-on approach that has since become the hallmark of his business philosophy.
Since its inception, Workplane Lightplanning Ltd has successfully collaborated with many of the UK’s top architects and interior designers on a myriad of projects, further solidifying Barry's reputation as a leader in the field. An extraordinary milestone for the company came in 2011 when they were awarded a prestigious Lighting Design Award, a testament to Barry’s exceptional vision and commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting design.
Education and Achievements
Barry’s educational background includes a diploma in lighting from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), which he studied at South Bank University. This foundational knowledge provided him with a robust understanding of lighting principles, essential to his future success in the industry. His formal education complemented his practical experience, allowing him to merge technology with design seamlessly.
Throughout his career, he has maintained positions in significant organizations within the lighting industry. As a Principal at Workplane Lightplanning Ltd, Barry leads a team focused on creating innovative lighting solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. His past roles included serving as Design Director at Independent Lighting Specialists (ILS) and as Senior Lighting Designer at Design Lighting. Barry also excelled as Key Accounts Project Manager at Artemide, managing crucial client relationships and project timelines.
Barry’s expertise and keen interest in the ever-evolving lighting sector keep him engaged and excited about the innovations in technology, particularly the advancements in LEDs and the creation of miniaturized and minimal luminaires that beautifully integrate into architectural environments. He thrives on each new challenge that projects and clients present, demonstrating a genuine passion for crafting lighting experiences that enhance spaces and elevate design.
Notable Achievements
Barry Townsend’s career is marked by a series of significant achievements, many of which highlight his leadership, innovative mindset, and dedication to excellence. Among these, the Lighting Design Award in 2011 stands out as a pinnacle moment for Workplane Lightplanning Ltd, showcasing the impact of his work in the industry.
His ability to double the turnover in his region within just one year while at Artemide exemplifies his strategic approach and understanding of market dynamics. Barry’s involvement with high-profile projects has consistently placed him at the forefront of lighting design, further cementing his status as a thought leader in the field.
Barry’s passion for the lighting industry drives a continuous pursuit of knowledge and creativity, ensuring that his designs not only meet but exceed client expectations. He encourages innovation within his teams and fosters a collaborative environment where new ideas can flourish. Barry Townsend’s diverse experiences and achievements truly reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence in the lighting design industry.
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