Lighting Design Course
Master The Art Of Lighting Design
Whether you're renovating, building new or designing for clients – this course teaches you to design lighting on a professional level.
The Mistake
Most people leave lighting to the electrician
Lighting is the single most transformative element in any interior – and often the most underestimated. The mistake most people make is leaving it to their electrician, not a designer.
The result is costly mistakes that can't be undone. Spaces that fall flat in real life. Beautiful rooms that don't live up to their potential. But it doesn't have to be that way.
The Isla James Lighting Course teaches you to design lighting that separates good interiors from great ones.
bathroom
living room
kitchen
bathroom
living room
kitchen
For You?
Who is this course designed for?
Renovating or building new?
You're facing decisions that can't easily be undone once the walls go up and the budget runs out. This course gives you the knowledge to get lighting right from the start – and avoid the mistakes that are expensive to fix later.
Working or studying in interiors?
You're already designing spaces, but lighting keeps getting handed off to someone else. This course gives you the knowledge to own that part of a project – and advise clients with real confidence.
The Course
Inside The Isla James Lighting Course
Everything you need to go from first principles to a finished lighting plan.
Course
Access to 8 self-paced modules covering the complete lighting design process – from first principles to a finished plan, built around real Isla James Lighting projects.
Resources
Downloadable practical resources you can put to use in your next lighting design project – designed to make the process more manageable and help you achieve extraordinary results.
Community
Access to a private community where you can ask questions and get feedback on your own project – from other members on the same journey and from Jo herself.
Curriculum
From principles to the final design
In the Isla James lighting course, you'll learn to plan, layer and execute lighting like a professional lighting designer – from understanding how light works to producing a complete design plan ready for site.
15 modules
15 modules
Comprehensive
learning journey
Comprehensive
learning journey
Taught by
Taught by
Joe Calver
Lighting Designer
Joe Calver
Lighting Designer
Most lighting mistakes happen because no one spotted them early enough. This module teaches you to see light critically – what works, what doesn't, and why. You'll look at real examples of good and bad lighting across every room type.
Module 01
Knowing What Makes Good Lighting
Before you can make good decisions, you need to understand the fundamentals. CRI, Kelvin, colour temperature, light and shade – the technical side of lighting explained in plain language.
Module 02
The Science Behind Lighting
Architectural lighting is the foundation of any well-designed space. This module covers downlights, spotlights and uplights – what they do, where they go, and how they work alongside feature lighting.
Module 03
Architectural Lighting
With the principles in place, this module helps you make confident decisions about the actual fixtures – building a lighting recipe that serves the space rather than just filling it.
Module 04
Choose Your Lighting
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 05
Create Your Lighting Plan
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 06
Title
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 07
Title 2
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 08
Title 3
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 09
Title 4
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 010
Title 5
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 011
Title 6
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 012
Title 7
Module 01
Knowing What Makes Good Lighting
Most lighting mistakes happen because no one spotted them early enough. This module teaches you to see light critically – what works, what doesn't, and why. You'll look at real examples of good and bad lighting across every room type.
Module 02
The Science Behind Lighting
Before you can make good decisions, you need to understand the fundamentals. CRI, Kelvin, colour temperature, light and shade – the technical side of lighting explained in plain language.
Module 03
Architectural Lighting
Architectural lighting is the foundation of any well-designed space. This module covers downlights, spotlights and uplights – what they do, where they go, and how they work alongside feature lighting.
Module 04
Choose Your Lighting
With the principles in place, this module helps you make confident decisions about the actual fixtures – building a lighting recipe that serves the space rather than just filling it.
Module 05
Create Your Lighting Plan
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 06
Title
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 07
Title 2
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 08
Title 3
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 09
Title 4
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 010
Title 5
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 011
Title 6
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Module 012
Title 7
The final module is where everything comes together. You'll produce a complete lighting plan – the same document Jo uses with her own clients – ready to hand to a contractor or electrician.
Project Photos
Our Projects
Everything you need to go from first principles to a finished lighting plan.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Georgian New Build
A statement staircase designed to be the heart of the home – with layered architectural lighting that highlights the structure without overpowering it.
Testimonials
Testimonial
Everything you need to go from first principles to a finished lighting plan.
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Hugie
Consultation Client
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Jodie
Interior Designer
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Connor
Consultant
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Lucy Gummer
Consultation Client
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Hugie
Consultation Client
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Jodie
Interior Designer
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Connor
Consultant
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Lucy Gummer
Consultation Client
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Hugie
Consultation Client
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Jodie
Interior Designer
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Connor
Consultant
"I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love. As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at! The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch. Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!"
Lucy Gummer
Consultation Client
Jo Calver
CEO & Founder of Isla James Interiors & Lighting
Hi, I'm Jo Calver – an interior designer with a passion for lighting and architecture, and founder of Isla James Interiors and Isla James Lighting.
Over the past 13 years of being an interior designer, lighting has been at the core of every project I've worked on. It's the element that has the greatest impact on how a finished space looks and feels – and the one I've seen get the least attention.
Lighting has always been the element I see mishandled most – not because people don't care, but because nobody ever taught them how to approach it properly. That's why I created the Isla James Lighting Course. To share the exact process I use with my own clients – so that homeowners, designers and anyone serious about interiors can design lighting with the same knowledge and confidence as a professional lighting designer.
Good lighting is a decision
Join the waitlist and be first to access the Lighting Course.
Frequently asked questions
Is this course for me if I'm not a designer?
Yes. The course is built for anyone who wants to understand lighting properly – whether you're renovating, building new, or passionate about interiors. No prior design knowledge is needed.
Is this course for me if I'm not a designer?
Yes. The course is built for anyone who wants to understand lighting properly – whether you're renovating, building new, or passionate about interiors. No prior design knowledge is needed.
Is this course for me if I'm not a designer?
Yes. The course is built for anyone who wants to understand lighting properly – whether you're renovating, building new, or passionate about interiors. No prior design knowledge is needed.
How long does the course take?
It's fully self-paced, so you set the speed. Most people work through it over four to six weeks, but you keep access for as long as you need it.
How long does the course take?
It's fully self-paced, so you set the speed. Most people work through it over four to six weeks, but you keep access for as long as you need it.
How long does the course take?
It's fully self-paced, so you set the speed. Most people work through it over four to six weeks, but you keep access for as long as you need it.
When does the next intake open?
The next intake opens [DATE]. Join the waitlist to be the first to know and to access early pricing.
When does the next intake open?
The next intake opens [DATE]. Join the waitlist to be the first to know and to access early pricing.
When does the next intake open?
The next intake opens [DATE]. Join the waitlist to be the first to know and to access early pricing.
I'm already working as a designer – will I still get value from this?
Yes. Many professional designers take this course specifically to strengthen their lighting knowledge and stop outsourcing that part of a project. The module on creating a lighting plan is particularly useful for client work.
I'm already working as a designer – will I still get value from this?
Yes. Many professional designers take this course specifically to strengthen their lighting knowledge and stop outsourcing that part of a project. The module on creating a lighting plan is particularly useful for client work.
I'm already working as a designer – will I still get value from this?
Yes. Many professional designers take this course specifically to strengthen their lighting knowledge and stop outsourcing that part of a project. The module on creating a lighting plan is particularly useful for client work.
What if I'm already mid-project?
The course is structured so you can apply what you learn immediately – you don't need to wait for your next project to start using it.
What if I'm already mid-project?
The course is structured so you can apply what you learn immediately – you don't need to wait for your next project to start using it.
What if I'm already mid-project?
The course is structured so you can apply what you learn immediately – you don't need to wait for your next project to start using it.
What do I get access to when I join?
All five modules, the downloadable templates and schedules, and the private community. Everything is available from day one.
What do I get access to when I join?
All five modules, the downloadable templates and schedules, and the private community. Everything is available from day one.
What do I get access to when I join?
All five modules, the downloadable templates and schedules, and the private community. Everything is available from day one.