Crafting Light
Pavlina is an award-winning lighting designer, renowned for her bespoke lighting designs that prioritise client needs, well-being, and sustainability.
She has been recognised by Financial Times and Inclusive Boards as one of the 100 Most Influential Women Leaders in Engineering UK and Europe in 2019, honored with the 40under40 Lighting Design Awards in 2018, and featured in The Telegraph’s Top 50 Under 35 Women in Engineering Awards in 2017.
Passionate about circular economy and reducing energy use, her innovative work exemplifies her commitment to creating environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Recognition and Achievements
Pavlina has received significant acclaim for her work, including:
2017: Included in The Telegraph’s Top 50 Under 35 Women in Engineering Awards.
2018: Awarded the 40under40 Lighting Design Award.
2019: Named one of the 100 Most Influential Women Leaders in Engineering UK and Europe by the Financial Times and Inclusive Boards.
2023: Recognised as one of 274 engineers in the Engineering Tube Map, created by Transport for London and the Royal Academy of Engineering, which highlights the role of engineering in shaping society and its importance for the future.
2023: Honoured in the book Engineers Making a Difference, a collaboration between the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, What on Earth Publishing, and Imperial College London, celebrating her contributions to the field of engineering.
Professional Journey
Arup (2007 – 2024)
At Arup London, Pavlina collaborated on high-profile international projects for 17 years. She managed the London Lighting team for a year before her departure and served as the Lighting UK Arts and Culture Business Leader, working with diverse teams to push the boundaries of lighting design.
Akritas Lighting Design (Present)
As the founder of Akritas Lighting Design, Pavlina continues to deliver innovative lighting solutions that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Her company is guided by principles of quality design, a client-focused approach, and a commitment to sustainability.
Award-Winning Projects
While at Arup, Pavlina contributed to projects that received several prestigious awards:
Apple 5th Avenue Store (with Foster + Partners and OVI)
Retail Project of the Year at the Lighting Design Awards 2021
Integration Project of the Year at the Lighting Design Awards 2021
The Broad Museum
Daylight Project of the Year at the Lighting Design Awards 2016
Best Interior Lighting Scheme – High Budget at the DARC Awards 2016
Supreme Winner at the Surface Design Awards 2017
Light and Surface Interior Winner at the Surface Design Awards 2017
The Investcorp Building
Education and Healthcare Project of the Year at the LUX Awards 2015
Leadership and Advocacy
Pavlina is a leader in both sustainability and diversity. She served as a judge for the LVMH Life in Stores Awards in 2020 and 2022, helping to drive environmental initiatives in retail. She also played a key role in the ‘This Is Engineering’ campaign, inspiring young people in the UK to explore engineering careers.
Her efforts to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in engineering were featured in the BBC article “I do my engineering in high heels, not a hard hat.” Pavlina’s story continues to inspire and encourage others in the field of engineering and design.