A little of our story

With over 30 years of professional experience and expertise from industry-leading companies, Toria and Mike decided to combine their technical and creative knowledge in 2014 to create the award winning company, Lighting by Plum. Since our inception, Lighting by Plum has worked on over 1,000 residential homes and gardens including listed buildings, new builds, buy to sell developments, flats and apartments, country estates and barn conversions.

The technical knowledge that Toria, Mike and their highly skilled team have of the fast-paced lighting industry, along with their highly creative approach to lighting, design and control, will ensure your project is not only kept on track but also compliant with the latest industry standards and regulations.

Meet the team

Toria Thorpe, BA (Hons)

Creative & Design Director, Founder

Mike Thorpe, BA (Hons)

Design & Technical Director

Ben Hooper, BA (Hons)

Associate Designer

Lauren Knight, BA (Hons)

Designer

Emily Bowller, BA (Hons)

Designer

Lighting by Plum's philosophy

Creating and installing decadent lighting that can be controlled with the latest technological advances is the perfect pairing. We aim to be brave enough not to light and design with the contrast of dark as well as light. We look to establish a connection between the user and their home to ensure the lighting enhances the space. This involves using lighting to lead the user through the home, establishing subtle wayfinding and lighting a room sympathetically and creatively according to its use and style.

We understand that your home is more than the bricks and mortar it’s created with. It’s about the feeling you get when you walk through the door and how the mood of a room can reflect your own feelings. That’s why Lighting by Plum uses light to create beautiful spaces that are flexible, comfortable, and striking. 

Project: Wentworth Mansion

Ever wondered what really goes into a Lighting by Plum project?
Spoiler: it’s A LOT more than choosing pretty pendants. 👀✨When you work with us that journey is guided, supported and thoughtfully crafted from the very first sketch to the final switch‑on.⭐ Stage 1: Concept Design
Sketch layouts, lighting effects, inspiration boards & 3D renders.
This is where we shape the mood, the magic and the vision.⭐ Stage 2: Detailed Design
Full CAD drawings, schedules & technical specifications.
Every circuit, every beam angle, every fitting - planned with precision.⭐ Stage 3: Final Proposals
Your complete lighting pack for first fix & any essential site visits.
Clear, thorough, builder‑friendly documentation that keeps the project on track.⭐ Stage 4: Procurement
Architectural and decorative lighting sourced, ordered & coordinated.
We manage the details so you don’t get overwhelmed with endless choices.⭐ Stage 5: Construction to Sign Off
On‑site support, troubleshooting and final checks until everything is glowing perfectly.
We stay with you right to the end - no guesswork required.Because great lighting isn’t just installed… it’s designed, refined, coordinated, tested and delivered with care.Planning a project and would like some clarity on where to begin? Contact us today for your free consultation.https://lightingbyplum.com/contact-us#DesignProcess #LightingDesign #HomeRenovation #LightingbyPlum #TeamWork

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▪️MONDAY MOOD▪️Soft layered lighting, warm tones, and beautiful high ceilings all working together to create a space that feels effortless ✨The sculptural pendants draw the eye upward, balancing scale with softness, while the integrated shadow gap lighting and scalloped artwork downlight add depth and a gentle glow to the curated detailing. Each element works together to create a space that feels calm, elevated, and thoughtfully illuminated.As daylight pours through those tall aluminium-framed windows, everything feels calm, balanced, and inviting.This is the kind of atmosphere we love designing: lighting that subtly shapes the room, enhancing texture, tone, and the way the space is lived in.Discover more of our design approach and the homes we help bring to life over on our website 🔗https://lightingbyplum.com/living-room-lighting#LightingByPlum #MondayMood #LightingDesign #LayeredLighting  #InteriorDesignUK

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✨ Working in the Community ✨@lightingbyplum were asked last year to get involved with a community project for Chesham 1879 Tennis & Squash Club ... a club some of our team have been members for, for a number of years.We of course accepted and donated our design time and expertise to the exciting project ahead - a full refresh of the popular post match bar was the brief! We were tasked with not only the lighting but interiors too. A fun and exciting challenge!What was once a tired and gloomy space is really beginning to take shape and now full of light and life. We will of course post a 'final reveal' (as there's more finishing touches to come!) but wanted to share our progress to date...Watch this space!@chesham1879 #CommunitySupport #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #Refurbishment #Refresh

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▪️MONDAY MOOD▪️A cosy bedside moment — where soft, layered lighting does all the quiet heavy lifting.The warm glow of the pendant adds a gentle focal point, while the flexible reading light brings practical illumination exactly where it’s needed. Together, they create a calm, inviting balance that makes the whole space feel effortlessly considered.Textured finishes, a touch of brass, and the soft upholstered headboard complete the look — proof that thoughtful lighting and materials can transform even the simplest corner into something truly comforting.#MondayMood #BedroomDesign #LightingDesign #InteriorDesignUK #BedsideStyling

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Toria Thorpe, BA (Hons)

Creative & Design Director, Founder

Since graduating from Loughborough university, Toria has immersed herself in the lighting industry – from designing schemes at SKK Lighting, merchandising and buying lighting for The Conran Shop and The White Company to becoming an associate at one of London’s top lighting design consultancies, Sutton Vane Associates. Toria’s creative, yet sensitive approach to lighting can quickly transform the feel and mood of any room or garden.

Toria holds a Lighting Industry Association Certificate (formerly the Lighting Industry Federation) and is an Affiliate of the Society of Light and Lighting and CIBSE.

When not at her desk or on site … you will find Toria at the local tennis club, perfecting that ‘ace’ serve!

Mike Thorpe, BA (Hons)

Design & Technical Director

With an industrial design degree and over 20 years of experience in various disciplines within the design industry, Mike provides an invaluable skill set to any project. Previous roles in product design, car design and application development has enabled Mike to ensure all projects run smoothly, focusing on the detail and technical aspects as well as the delivery of each lighting scheme. Starting out as a keen interest, Mike’s passion for lighting has somewhat turned into an obsession with the launch of Lighting by Plum!

When not at his desk or on site … you will find Mike on his road bike, exploring the Chiltern Hills!

Ben Hooper, BA (Hons)

Associate Designer

Since graduating from Brunel University, with a degree in industrial design, Ben was drawn to the lighting industry – inquisitive into the impact of lighting.

With both a creative and technical aptitude, Ben prides himself on creating well thought out lighting designs that provide both a practical and ambient result. He finds nothing more satisfying than being able to see the whole design process through from first concept to final delivery!

Ben holds a Lighting Industry Association Certificate.

When not at his desk or on site… you will find Ben in the gym attempting to break that next PB.

Lauren Knight, BA (Hons)

Designer

Lauren Studied Interior Architecture & Design at Bournemouth Arts University. This enabled her to have valuable education ranging from space planning to interior design schemes as well as building knowledge. Therefore, these skills allow Lauren to visualise a full scheme to ensure the best outcomes for the clients. Her favourite aspect to lighting design is creating fun and exciting design schemes as well as meeting clients on site.

Lauren holds a Lighting Industry Association Certificate.

When not in the office Lauren enjoys playing hockey and being out with friends.

Emily Bowller, BA (Hons)

Designer

Having studied Interior Architecture & Design at Arts University Bournemouth, Emily is passionate about exploring how lighting can shape the way people view architecture. Bringing experience in both architectural and lighting design, Emily has knowledge of space planning, deepening her understanding of how to shape spaces that are not only visually appealing but also tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their users. Beyond technical skill, Emily takes pride in building strong client relationships, listening closely to stories and translating visions into meaningful, personalised designs.

Outside of work Emily has a passion for travelling, camping and skiing and is always excited about a new outdoor adventure.