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 600 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

Ruslana Owen, 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

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We are a home automation business and have had the pleasure of working alongside Lighting By Plum. They provide a high level of professionalism and quality, we regularly recommend them to other clients.

Powertrac Electrical Services

Mike did a brilliant job helping us to light our new kitchen and recommend light fittings which we loved. It makes a real difference to the feel and look of the kitchen - money well spent.

Jo Mayhead

I can not recommend Lighting by Plum enough. They were incredibly professional, provided a fantastic service and were literally the best part of our building project. We really look forward to working with them again on stage 2 of our build.

Clare Wright

Mike Thorpe of Lighting by Plum takes all the pain out of everything to do with your lighting and he has a great manner too.Nothing is too much trouble and he always responds quickly to emails and phone calls.I strongly recommend him.

Jane Leonard

A long overdue review however, I met Toria through a network meeting back in 2014, her technical knowledge and great ideas along with her likeable and bubbly personality encouraged me to hire her services for my own renovation project in 2015-17. As an Interior designer I had a very clear idea of the lighting scheme and effect `I wanted but needed Toria's technical knowledge to realise the desired effect. She also put forward some of her own ideas that I hadn't thought of that worked extremely well. I cannot recommend Toria and Mike enough, they are extremely professional, knowledgeable and you will always feel comfortable asking them anything relating to lighting!

Studio Alpa

We used Lighting by Plum during our house renovation, Mike and Tori had clever ideas as to how to really use lighting to enhance the space as well as zone each area if open plan. We love their lighting ideas, some really simple and I now spent time mesmerised at the different lights and atmosphere created!! In addition when our electrician got stuck, Mike would pop round and sort it out. He really went above and beyond.

Private Residence

I was trying to source some fibre optic lighting for a bathroom , so that it would show up as a star constellation. Lighting by Plum provided me wiht all the information i needed and a perfect option for my customer

Automated Project Solutions

Lighting is a key component in my garden designs. Working with Lighting by Plum ensures that the lighting in my garden design projects brings out the best of the garden's features and ensures that my clients can fully enjoy their gardens after sunset.

Christine Wilkie Garden Design

Toria is a very lovely, warm, down to earth and really helpful professional. You feel that you can ask her the most silly questions and you will get a great answer. Toria went above what was expected and she was just a pleasure to work with.

Michele Barker

Lighting by plum’s ideas transformed our building project into something truely special. They were fantastic to work with and are highly recommended.

Private Residence

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!

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.

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

Ruslana Owen, BA (Hons)

Designer

After graduating from the KLC School of Design, Ruslana discovered a passion for lighting design, captivated by the way it blends science with creativity. She is drawn to how skillful lighting can transform a space, adding depth, style and a sense of luxury that enhances every other element of decor. With a solid background in interior design, thoughtful room planning and a keen understanding of each client’s unique needs, Ruslana enjoys crafting personalised lighting schemes that bring spaces to life in a truly distinctive way.

When she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find Ruslana flipping through the pages of Design Magazines or exploring potential travel destinations for her next adventure as she continues her journey of discovering the world.