Meet The Team

We have the (very distinct) pleasure of working with each other every single day. But the wonders of modern technology mean that we don’t always get to meet you - our lovely customers - in person. So whether you’re putting a face to a name or just having a scroll on your lunch break, thanks for taking the time to get to know us that little bit better.

Chris

Chris

Director / Founder / Lighting Designer


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
2008/09 I think.

What made you want to work here?
I've always loved lighting and websites. When I started Darklight with Richard I always wanted a family feel to the business, and this is what we've achieved.

What's your favourite saying?
Go fast or go home.

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Well it's a tough one as I feel like a very lucky guy and I'm grateful for my life. If I had to be pushed, I'd probably be a professional downhill mountain biker as it's one of my passions.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
Too difficult as we are all so close! I'd offer it out and see who said "yes please" first.


Richard

Richard

Director / Founder / Lighting Designer


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
2009 - from birth of the company.

What made you want to work here?
I enjoyed lighting design at my previous job whilst working with Chris, and we then decided to set up Darklight together as we offer different skillsets that work in harmony …..well almost 😉

What's your favourite saying?
I have a few I use regularly: "what a donut!", "Jack, why are you late?" but my real favourite quote is: "pain is temporary…glory lasts forever!!"

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Scarlet Johanson's lover of course! Do you have to ask the reason? Or I would be Sebastian Coe - winning the Olympic 800m was my dream.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
Chris, he would probably have snatched it out of my hand before I could offer it anyways.


Claire

Claire

Accounts


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
Well, it all started way back when the company was first set up, and in fact I was the silent one in the background working from a little corner of our home. Some may call it admin, or it could be the roots of what helps to strengthen a business? I guess that depends on who you're talking to! I also happen to be the wife and sister of the founders, so you choose!!

What made you want to work here?
My passion for my family and the chance to learn new skills. Or maybe it was so that I didn't get in to trouble for spending the profits!

What's your favourite saying?
"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get" from Forrest Gump. I also like my own: "Life is like a rollercoaster ride filled with fun, laughter and excitement. At times it can be scary, nerve-wracking and challenging, but most of all it's one great big adventure."

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
WOW that's a tough one - and I would have to say that I love being me! It's not because of arrogance but I feel so content with who I am, and there's no-one quite like me with all my weird and wonderful ways. I guess if I could be anyone else it would be somebody that shares compassion and kindness and great teachings with the world - the Dalai Lama.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
Oh boy!! What a question. I would have to share it. Quite honestly, as a family run business (whether related by blood or not) everyone in this wonderful team deserves a piece of my last Rolo for their brilliance, awesomeness and passion for working towards something great TOGETHER. P.S. Of course my husband Chris would get the biggest share!


Jack

Jack

Sales Executive


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
I started working here properly in October 2017, although I'd previously done the odd bits of work in 2015/2016.

What made you want to work within Sales & Purchasing?
I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment whilst selling quality product! Also, you can't fault the team - we do like to have a laugh both inside and outside of work.

What's your favourite saying?
"The money never sleeps" and "kill them with success, bury them with a smile."

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Thierry Henry - he is an Arsenal legend.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
I'd probably have to split it between all my family members here (Chris, Claire, Rich & Carley)! Or should I be selfish...?


Matt

Matt

Web & Marketing


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
3rd October 2014 - I remember it well. It was a glorious sunny Friday, the birds were singing in the trees, and all was good in the world. I'd worked with Chris & Rich at a previous company many moons ago, so when they asked if I was interested it was a no-brainer.

What made you want to work in web & marketing?
I've always been a visual person and loved drawing when I was younger. That carried through into a degree in Graphic Design, and from there opportunities in web and marketing seemed to naturally come my way.

What's your favourite saying?
The Navy SEALs have a good one that my father-in-law told me: "slow is smooth, smooth is fast".

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
I'd love to play just one professional football match with the ability of Leo Messi. To be so good that it looks like you're a dad playing against kids instead of full international footballers would make me a happy bunny. Plus my left foot is appalling in real life. If not Leo then Roger Federer - I've never seen anyone move better on a tennis court.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
I'd be in serious trouble if I didn't offer it to our copywriter, seeing as she's my wife. 


Ollie

Ollie

Web, Marketing & Operations


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
I started here as a logistics apprentice in 2019, my first job after leaving school! After two years here I took the decision to enrol at the University of Reading, which I now combine with my Darklight duties. These days I'm part of the web and marketing team, as well as assisting with day to day operations. 

What made you want to work here?
Darklight immediatley struck me as a business that’s growing, whilst staying true to its values. The team is made up of truly brilliant people, great at what they do. The Studio has a youthful energy and is a fantastic place to work! 

Favourite football club?
Manchester United, which has been about as fun as you'd imagine in recent years. I also follow the mighty Oxford United and do a bit of football writing/tactical analysis in my spare time!

What's your favourite saying?
"Only worry about things you can do something about!"

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Napoleon! My favourite historical figure, a life lived to the absolute maximum.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
I think... Seb. At least it would keep him quiet for a bit!


Seb

Seb

Head of Logistics & Distribution


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
July 2021

What made you want to work here?
Family business, so I was always going to get involved somehow!

Favourite football club?
Aston Villa - the family team. I also play locally. Safe to say football is the main topic of conversation in the office other than lighting!

What's your favourite saying?
"It's coming home!" (eventually)

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Paul Saladino. 

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
Nobody - I'd scoff it down myself!


Sam

Sam

Accounts


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Natalie

Natalie

Social Media & Copywriter


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
At the beginning of 2016 - they gave me my first big break in copywriting just before I graduated from my BA in English Language & Linguistics.

What made you want to work in copywriting?
My head has always been full of questions about English, especially about how language interacts with human behaviour. It's a bit of an obsession.

What's your favourite saying?
There are a couple that come to mind quite often. My Auntie Cathy taught me: "If you don't ask, you don't get", and my Uncle Frank always said: "If it feels good, do it." Great words to live by.

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
There are loads of people that would make me seem much more intelligent, but right now I'd say Dave Grohl because he's such a dude and an awesome singer and musician.

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
If I don't say Matt I'll be in for a thrashing. He's my better half and has a serious thing for caramel.


Sarah

Sarah

3D Visuals / Lighting Designer


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
June 2023… weirdest turn up of events as to how, but I regret nothing!! They might though!!

What made you want to work here?
I mean, who wouldn’t? They’re funny, innovative, creative; just an absolutely awesome team of support and encouragement… Those types of personalities you see heart felt quotations about on Facebook and wish they were your people? Yep, that’s them!!

What's your favourite saying?
It’s ok to sit on the floor for a while after you’ve been knocked down… just don’t stay there!

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Chris Pratt… Then I could just stand there and look at my um…..abs? All day!

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
I’d probably shout ‘OI CATCH’ to them all, chuck it in the air and run for cover!


Georgia

Georgia

Web, Marketing & Social Media Apprentice


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
May 2024

What made you want to work here?
I believe that starting off my marketing career at a smaller business will give me better opportunities to learn, grow and develop - with the help of a great team!

What's your favourite saying?
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky 

If you could be anyone else in the world (living or dead), who would you be?
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. She is an incredible athlete and I wish I could flip and twist like she does!

Which Darklight team member would you give your last Rolo to?
Who says I would give it away! 


Ozzy

Ozzy

Lucky Mascot


When did you start working at Darklight Design?
Woof woof.

Ok we'll leave it there.



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