The most successful luxury homes are defined not just by vision, but by how seamlessly that vision is carried through every discipline. When it comes to lighting for interior design projects, remaining in alignment with the overall plan will result in a home that feels effortless, immersive and complete.

Akaya Horizon, a contemporary Caribbean residence led by Ward & Co, set out to embody exactly that standard. From the outset, the ambition was clear, create a home where interior design and lighting were conceived as one continuous idea, not parallel tracks. 

To achieve this, Ward & Co partnered with British specialists DPA Lighting, not as suppliers, but as creative collaborators. The result is a project that demonstrates how early integration, shared design language, and technical precision can transform a sophisticated concept into a fully resolved living environment. What follows is a conversation with the DPA team, revealing how this partnership shaped the outcome. 

Ward & Co had developed an interior narrative built on tonal restraint, texture, and spatial calm. The risk was clear, without a carefully calibrated lighting strategy, the subtlety of the interiors could be flattened or visually disrupted. Lighting needed to support the architecture and material quietly and intelligently.

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Q&A with DPA lighting

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DPA Lighting consultants Michael Curry and Ashley Maxwell shared their perspective on the collaboration and on why lighting is fundamental to creating truly resolved interior environments. 

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Q: how would you describe the overall lighting concept for Akaya Horizon in the Caribbean

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“We worked in close collaboration with KSR Architects and Ward & Co, focusing on integrating lighting within the architecture and joinery wherever possible. The aim was to create soft lighting as a backdrop to the ‘50 shades of white’ interior design concept. Colour, form, and texture are introduced through artwork and feature elements, and these are lit so they stand out as you move through the villa.” 

This approach ensured lighting enhanced Ward & Co’s interior architecture rather than competing with it. The scheme became part of the structure, not an applied layer.

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Q: How did the Caribbean setting and natural light levels influence your approach?

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“With so much natural daylight flooding the spaces, we needed to make sure the interiors remained balanced on less-than-perfect days. Lighting control plays a key role in fine-tuning the scene setting, giving the flexibility for brighter light on a dull day or slightly lower levels to complement strong daylight.” 

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Here, technology supports design intent. The collaboration delivered a home that adapts without compromising atmosphere — a key expectation in high-end residential design.

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Q: How did you manage the transition between interior and exterior lighting?

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“As day transitions to night, a consistent approach of three elements provides low-level activation, with feature lighting to the firepit, pool, and BBQ terrace. Concealed linear lighting to bamboo coves, recessed uplights to stone walls, and recessed downlights guide movement along the terraces as an external corridor.” 

This continuity reinforces Ward & Co’s spatial planning. Exterior environments feel like a natural extension of the interiors, not a separate design exercise.

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Q: Is there one moment where the lighting elevates the experience most?

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“One magical moment is at sunset. The outside light softens, interiors begin to glow, and the atmosphere transforms. The vaulted ceiling is softly illuminated, with spotlights defining living, dining, and kitchen areas. The terrace canopy casts an ambient glow, the pool shimmers, and landscaped areas are lit just enough to draw the eye.”

The emphasis is on mood, not spectacle. Precision replaces excess.

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Why This Collaboration Matters

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The success of Akaya Horizon lies in the process. Ward & Co shaped the spatial and material identity of the home. DPA Lighting ensured those qualities were experienced fully at every hour. By working in partnership from the concept stage, the two practices improved coordination and delivered a residence where every element feels intentional. 

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For clients, this model offers clarity. Engaging an interior design studio and lighting consultant who already share a working language means decisions are aligned, timelines are smoother, and the final result is more refined. 

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Akaya Horizon is more than a completed residence. It is proof that true collaboration between interior design and lighting design produces environments that are cohesive, adaptable, and enduring. Ward & Co and DPA Lighting demonstrate how British design expertise can translate seamlessly into international luxury residential projects. 

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For those considering a high-end residential development, the message is that early collaboration leads to better outcomes. 

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Explore Ward & Co’s approach to integrated interior design or connect with the team to discuss how a collaborative model can shape your next project.

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