Behind the Scenes: A Day in Ria Harman's Workshop

The Radiance workshop comes alive before dawn, when the soft morning light streaming through industrial windows reveals workbenches laden with copper sheet, brass fittings, and partially completed fixtures that will soon illuminate homes across the country.

Morning Design Ritual

I begin each day with coffee and sketches, reviewing client consultations from the previous day and translating their vision into technical drawings. This quiet time before the workshop stirs allows for pure creative focus, where inspiration can flow without the practical constraints of fabrication.

By 7 AM, our small team assembles around the central workbench to review the day's priorities. Each artisan brings unique skills—Marcus handles the intricate metalwork, Sarah specializes in patina development, and James manages our electrical components and smart technology integration.

The Fabrication Process

Custom lighting begins with material preparation. Copper sheets are cut and formed using traditional hammering techniques that create subtle texture variations impossible to achieve with machines. Each piece bears the marks of its maker, ensuring no two fixtures are exactly alike.

The patina development process requires patience and expertise. We use controlled oxidation techniques passed down through generations of metalworkers, applying heat and chemical treatments that create the rich, complex finishes our clients love.

Quality Control and Testing

Before any fixture leaves our workshop, it undergoes rigorous testing. Electrical components are verified for safety and performance, while mechanical joints are stress-tested to ensure decades of reliable service.

The final inspection includes a full assembly and lighting test, where we verify that the completed piece matches our design intent and meets our exacting quality standards.