Phan Dung is an architect who comes to a job with the unique perspective of a lighting designer. Her assessment of lighting requirements are two-fold: “First, it must perform well, such that the building is lit properly for its designed use. Secondly, it should speak to what we’re trying to capture or emphasize in the building. Do we want to highlight surface texture? How do we make a space more grand? More intimate? More light? More shadows?”

Phan uses the immaterial to make the material more palpable. Her layering of light can drastically alter the mood of a space. It requires a deft touch. She calls it a balancing act; balancing aesthetics with lighting requirements; balancing what you see with what you don’t.

Phan’s most recent renovation project was a library. Maybe that’s why she’s decided to build a “Little Free Library” in front of her house. It’s a way to bring her work to her neighborhood.