Sustainable Materials in Artisan Lighting: Ria Harman's Approach

Sustainability in lighting design isn't just about using eco-friendly materials—it's about creating pieces that last generations while minimizing environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. My approach at Radiance combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability principles.

Reclaimed Wood Integration

The character and history embedded in reclaimed wood makes it perfect for artisan lighting. Barn wood from Maryland's countryside, weathered pier planks from Baltimore's harbor, and salvaged factory beams each bring unique patina and grain patterns that can't be replicated.

I carefully select pieces that complement rather than dominate metal components, ensuring the wood's natural beauty enhances the overall design while telling its own environmental story.

Recycled Metal Sourcing

Working with recycled copper and brass requires understanding how previous uses affect the metal's properties. Architectural salvage provides beautiful base materials, but each piece requires careful evaluation for structural integrity and compatibility with electrical components.

The patina development on recycled metals often surpasses anything we can achieve artificially, creating unique finishes that age beautifully over time.

LED Technology Integration

Modern LED technology allows us to create fixtures that consume 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while lasting 25 times longer. This dramatic efficiency improvement means our custom fixtures can provide decades of service with minimal environmental impact.

The compact size of LED modules also opens up design possibilities that weren't feasible with larger traditional bulbs.

Local Sourcing Philosophy

Whenever possible, I source materials within 200 miles of our Baltimore workshop. This reduces transportation emissions while supporting regional artisans and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.