Michael Grubb

Founder + Managing Director

BA(Hons) IALD FSLL

Michael Grubb

Founder + Managing Director

BA(Hons) IALD FSLL

With an impressive career that spans more than two decades, Michael has travelled all corners of the globe to work on a wide range of award-winning projects. As the founder and managing director of Michael Grubb Studio, he oversees the development and direction of the business.

The unwavering faith in Michael’s expertise is demonstrated by his partnership with world-leading brands including Diageo, Jameson, Guinness, McLaren, Amazon and Lavazza. He works closely with these companies to develop their unique ‘language of light’, to support and enhance their brand values.

Michael’s talent has led him to work on a wide range of building projects from new developments and major cities, across the world. He provides lighting masterplans for developers, local authorities and other major institutions.

Other notable successes include Michael’s appointment by the Olympic Delivery Authority to the prestigious role of Learning Legacy Ambassador for Lighting for the London 2012 Olympics.

As well as being a trusted voice within the lighting design profession, Michael’s commitment to sustainability led him to become the co-founder of the charitable Re:LIT initiative. He is keen activist on educating and promoting all aspects of lighting, including its importance in the global drive to reduce energy consumption and deliver carbon savings.

Michael’s expert knowledge and opinion is renowned across the international lighting industry, and he regularly fulfils speaker roles at major events across the globe. He is always keen to explore new ways to reach out to industry professionals and share his passion for the sector.

Michael’s commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by his role as an active member of the International Association of Lighting Designers, Society of Light & Lighting and the Institute of Lighting Professionals.

Michael’s innovation and vision led him to be crowned UK Lighting Designer of the Year in 2012

Mike Cascarino

Head of London Studio

BA(Hons)

Mike Cascarino

Head of London Studio

BA(Hons)

From his origins in theatrical lighting design, before transitioning to architectural lighting, Mike has built an impressive career. With experience that spans a number of sectors, as well as consultancy and in-house roles, Mike brings great insight and knowledge to his role as Head of London Studio.

Having worked on an eclectic mix of projects across private residential, hospitality, retail, corporate and civic projects, Mike understands the differing needs of each sector. His work has given him a global perspective, undertaking projects across the UK, Europe, South East Asia, the UAE and many other exotic locations including the Caribbean.

Some of his most notable projects include the redesign of the former BBC Television Centre into residential, commercial, retail and hospitality spaces. His work gained a RIBA London Award and RIBA National Award. Other brands in Mike’s portfolio include the Royal Academy of Dance, Burberry, Jab Gym, and Grant Thornton.

Mike’s experience has built upon the grounding from his education, having gained a BA(Hons) in Lighting Design from Rose Bruford College.

Mike’s expertise have been recognised further through a number of industry accolades, where his dedication and contribution to projects has secured RIBA, LIT and [d]arc awards.

Melissa Byers

Head of Bournemouth Studio

BA (Hons)

Melissa Byers

Head of Bournemouth Studio

BA (Hons)

Melissa has been designing with light for over 25 years. At Michael Grubb Studio, her expertise includes work on an array of prestigious, large-scale projects including; lighting masterplans, commercial developments, public realm, brand, retail, museum and visitor experiences.

Her breadth of experience, past and present, working within the lighting industry as a Lighting Designer, Cinematographer and Stereographer on high profile projects provide her with a unique skillset that is focused on inspiring a lit narrative, delivering a pragmatic approach, and collaborating with teams to balance the creative, technical and organisational requirements of any project.

Notable recent works include Lighting Masterplanning and Lighting Design for Newcastle City Centre, London’s West End, Silvertown, Brent Cross South and St Pancras Hospital, Kings Cross.  Alongside creating and delivering the Lighting Design for the iconic Lift 109 Visitor Experience, a new major London attraction, located at the iconic Battersea Power Station she has been working on visitor experiences at whisky distilleries in the UK and Ireland.

Her previous work in film and television, developed her skills in connecting people, stories and narrative through light. Credits include: Alfonso Cuarón’s, Oscar and BAFTA winning film “Gravity.” BAFTA winning Natural History Documentaries featuring David Attenborough, Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride,” and Commercial Promos for major brands including Google, BT, Land Rover, Orange, Audi, and Amnesty International.

Rachael Flint

Associate

BA(HONS) Architecture

Rachael Flint

Associate

BA(HONS) Architecture

With more than a decade’s experience in the lighting industry, Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Michael Grubb Studio team. Having worked for consultancies in London, Oxfordshire and Sydney, Rachael understands the differing challenges of national and international projects.

She has greatly bolstered the team thanks to her highly organised nature, collaborative approach, exceptional project management skills and attention to detail.

As well as spanning continents, Rachael’s experience has ranged from hospitality to residential, cinemas to heritage and commercial developments. Tourism has also played a role in her portfolio, having worked on lighting designs for cruise ships and airports.

Her success has been officially recognised, having been awarded the Young Lighter of the Year accolade and being named as one of the ‘40 under 40’ industry achievers.

Broadening her professional reach across the industry, Rachael has been a judge for the Lighting Design Awards and the SLL Young Lighter. She has also spent time assessing papers for PLDC and has delivered a number of PLDC industry talks – including ‘Task Lighting at the Hospital Bed’ and ‘Lighting in Sydney’.

Rachael’s knowledge and expertise are underpinned by her education, having secured a BA(Hons) in Architecture from University of Plymouth, and an MSc in Lighting & Lighting from UCL.

Rachael is passionate about making lighting more accessible. She also has a keen interest in the impact of lighting on the mood and wellbeing of those interacting with it.

Daniela Cordova

Senior Lighting Designer

Daniela Cordova

Senior Lighting Designer

With almost a decade of professional experience in the lighting industry, Daniela has worked in multiple award-winning national and international lighting design studios and successfully delivered several lighting projects for noteworthy brands.

A background in architecture and interior design, coupled with a breadth of experience, taught her that close collaboration is the birthplace of great ideas and innovation. She joined Michael Grubb Studio to continue developing her technical skills and creativity while working closely with multidisciplinary teams.

Daniela’s excellent organization and time management has allowed her to take part in several high standard projects simultaneously.

She has brought her passion and impressive skillset to Michael Grubb Studio to continue creating remarkable projects in the retail, public realm, museum and hospitality worlds.

Anna Freiesleben

Project Lighting Designer

BSc (Hons) MArch

Anna Freiesleben

Project Lighting Designer

BSc (Hons) MArch

With a background in architecture and urban design, Anna is drawn to developing
project narratives which reflect their distinctive socio-political contexts. Anna joined Michael Grubb Studio to further her professional interest in exploring atmosphere and placemaking through the specialist medium of light.

Since joining Michael Grubb Studio, Anna has utilised her conceptual and technical skills in notable projects including Battersea Power Station, Newcastle City Centre and Ad Gefrin Distillery. These skills were effectively implemented on site at Ready Steady Light 2021, where the team won the Technical Award.

Building upon her previous work in architectural practice, Anna is enjoying expanding her portfolio of bespoke lighting projects and is focused on deepening her knowledge of lighting control, to create quality spaces imbued with ambience and purpose.

Anna’s professional experience is underpinned by her impressive educational credentials. During her studies, Anna explored light, shadow, and pattern, including an immersive projection installation at the 2018 Venice Biennale. Winner of a Silver Creative Conscience Award, Anna’s Masters thesis explored migration and boundaries, expressed through the layering of coloured glass, perforated screens, and their shadows.

Abbie Hill

Lighting Designer

BA (HONS)

Abbie Hill

Lighting Designer

BA (HONS)

As a Lighting Designer, Abbie brings with her an abundance of knowledge and design experience from her previous role and degree.

Abbie believes lighting is a crucial factor within design and architecture. During her final portfolio project, ‘The Social Search’, she created a lighting design with a key focus on wayfinding, creating an immersive, innovative experience for users throughout the space. She explored the concept of a building being used as a ‘physical search engine’ which relied upon users navigating their way through the space by following different illuminated points.

Abbie has utilised her passion to build on her educational achievements. Her work experience includes a role as a design intern at a luxury interiors brand, expanding her portfolio of projects and her knowledge of lighting design.

Abbie embraces crafting designs that deliver a unique experience and journey for the user as part of her creative approach and perspective.

Her experience, background, and enthusiasm nurture her natural flair for design, utilising skills which have come organically to her to deliver support to the whole team.

Sarah Knight

Financial Administrator

NVQ (MAAT)

Sarah Knight

Financial Administrator

NVQ (MAAT)

Sarah studied accounting and successfully completed her NVQ in 2009. Since then, she has gained considerable accounts experience from working in both an accountancy practice as well as for SME’s in the shipping and leisure industries.

Previously, Sarah worked for seven years in the control centre for Hampshire Ambulance Service where she progressed from answering emergency calls to managing ambulances for one half of the county.

Sarah joined the Michael Grubb Studio team in 2018 and now manages all the day-to-day aspects of the company’s finances whilst also studying for a chartered ACCA qualification.

Teresa Heaven

PA to Founder + Managing Director, Michael Grubb

CIPD (Level 3)

Teresa Heaven

PA to Founder + Managing Director, Michael Grubb

CIPD (Level 3)

Teresa studied with The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, successfully achieving her CIPD Level 3 qualification, a global standard of excellence which showcases her commitment, knowledge, and ethical practice to the profession.

Building on from her education, Teresa gained a large amount of valuable experience during her time working within various PA and Office Management positions, expanding on her knowledge and skillset.

Teresa joined the Michael Grubb Studio team in June 2022, bringing her passion and dedication to the role and providing crucial support to Michael and the day-to-day aspects of the business. She plays a pivotal part in various tasks, including Michael’s diary management, scheduling appointments, booking travel, liaising with clients, organising events, and managing internal and external correspondence.

Teresa is an asset to the studio, utilising her outstanding organisational and time management skills, and excellent communication abilities to ensure smooth running of the company and offering vital support.