The 50 Masters of Design 2026

Paul Nulty is the Founder of Nulty, an award-winning lighting design consultancy working with leading developers, architects and interior designers across the globe. Launched in London in 2011, Nulty’s mission is to be more than a lighting design practice. The team is committed to redefining architectural lighting design by pushing design boundaries and leading the industry towards more creative ways of working with light.

What began as a guiding philosophy has evolved into a global movement. Today, Nulty is one of the largest independent lighting design consultancies in the world, with studios in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. In 2024, Nulty acquired Singapore-based KLAASEN Lighting Design to broaden its geographical footprint across Asia and Europe. The acquisition followed a long-standing relationship between the two practices, which share a common goal to deliver innovative architectural lighting design through collaborative client relationships.

Under Paul’s leadership, Nulty Dubai has expanded its reach across MENA, delivering lighting design at every scale, from city-wide lighting masterplans, public realm schemes, mixed-use developments and hospitality resorts to independent boutiques, F&B outlets and private residences.

Celebrating ten years in the region this year, the team’s diverse portfolio of work includes award-winning schemes for DIFC Gate Village, The Chedi Hegra in AlUla, Atmosphere Burj Khalifa, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, the Waldorf Astoria Lusail and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

He is a regular speaker on design and business leadership at international conferences and fairs, and he works closely with the team to publish industry-leading reports and articles on topics ranging from placemaking, sustainability and inclusive design to emerging themes such as neuroadaptive technology and red-light therapy. His aspiration to take Nulty’s learning and advocacy agenda to the next level recently led to the appointment of a Director of Education, a global role dedicated to advancing professional development, technical excellence and sustainable working practices.