Zerlina Hughes: Pioneering Lighting Design with Studio ZNA and Her Creative Legacy with Jason Merrells
Zerlina Hughes stands out as a transformative figure in the world of lighting design. As the Founder and Creative Director of Studio ZNA, Hughes has spent over two decades crafting award-winning, sustainable lighting installations for prestigious clients, including museums, galleries, theaters, and commercial spaces. Known for her innovative, human-centric designs, Hughes’s work is celebrated for enhancing spaces’ architectural and emotional impact through light. This article explores Hughes’s career, her influential practice at Studio ZNA, and her creative relationship with former partner Jason Merrells, a renowned British actor.
Who is Zerlina Hughes?
Zerlina Hughes is a prominent figure in the lighting design industry, known for her expertise in creating immersive, emotionally resonant lighting. She founded Studio ZNA in 2006 to offer bespoke lighting solutions that cater to the art, architecture, and cultural sectors. With an educational background from The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and experience spanning over 25 years, Hughes brings both technical precision and artistic vision to her projects. Her design philosophy centers around using light as a medium to transform space, creating a dynamic interplay between illumination and architecture.
Studio ZNA: A Visionary Lighting Design Practice
Studio ZNA has gained a reputation as one of London’s leading lighting design firms, with Hughes at its helm. The studio’s mission focuses on delivering sustainable, award-winning lighting installations that elevate visual and spatial experiences. From museums and galleries to retail environments, Studio ZNA’s projects demonstrate a dedication to blending creative innovation with functionality. The team collaborates closely with architects, curators, and designers to ensure each lighting installation enhances the essence of the space. Hughes’s approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how light shapes perception, highlights texture, and evokes mood.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Hughes’s portfolio includes collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. For the Victoria & Albert Museum, Studio ZNA’s lighting design for the Raphael Court Gallery added a transformative quality that drew attention to the artistry of the space itself. Another standout project is the lighting scheme for the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Denmark, where the Studio ZNA team used light to bring Andersen’s stories to life, immersing visitors in a dreamlike experience. Other high-profile projects include work with the British Museum, Somerset House, and the Science Museum. Each project reflects Hughes’s commitment to excellence, with Studio ZNA often earning accolades, including awards from the LIT and Darc Awards.
Zerlina Hughes and Jason Merrells: A Creative Partnership
Zerlina Hughes was formerly married to British actor Jason Merrells, best known for his roles in popular British television dramas. While Hughes pursued a career in architectural lighting design, Merrells’s work in television and theater allowed him to contribute to storytelling through performance. Their marriage intersected their artistic worlds—Hughes in spatial and architectural design and Merrells in the performing arts. Although they eventually separated, their shared background in the arts influenced each other’s creative paths, merging aspects of performance with visual impact. The intersection of Hughes’s spatial awareness and Merrells’s storytelling skills created a unique synergy that resonated in their professional endeavors.
The Role of Light in Transforming Spaces
For Hughes, lighting is far more than a functional element; it is a tool that defines space and alters perception. Her work emphasizes the importance of light in shaping architectural experiences, with careful attention to how illumination can highlight critical aspects of a room’s design. By using different intensities, hues, and directions of light, Hughes and her team at Studio ZNA create an environment where light becomes a dynamic component of the architecture rather than a mere addition. This approach allows her to influence how visitors experience museums, galleries, and even commercial spaces.
Sustainability in Lighting Design
Hughes’s dedication to sustainability is a defining feature of Studio ZNA’s work. Focusing on eco-friendly lighting solutions, the studio incorporates energy-efficient technology and sustainable materials into its designs. Hughes believes responsible design practices are crucial in today’s architectural landscape, with an increasing demand for environmental awareness. Her commitment to sustainable lighting reduces environmental impact and aligns with the evolving expectations of clients who prioritize eco-consciousness in their projects.
The Future Vision of Zerlina Hughes and Studio ZNA
As technology in lighting design advances, Hughes envisions a future where lighting can play an even more transformative role in architecture. Innovations in LED technology, intelligent lighting systems, and energy-saving techniques continue to shape the industry, and Hughes sees these advancements as opportunities to enhance her practice further. Studio ZNA’s approach remains rooted in balancing technological sophistication with artistic integrity, ensuring lighting designs remain sustainable, functional, and visually compelling.
Conclusion
Zerlina Hughes has established herself as a luminary in lighting design through her pioneering work with Studio ZNA. Her projects have transformed some of the most celebrated cultural spaces, and her commitment to sustainability sets a benchmark for the industry. Additionally, her relationship with Jason Merrells highlights a fascinating intersection of arts and architecture, demonstrating how diverse creative backgrounds can enrich each other. As Hughes continues to lead Studio ZNA, her legacy as an innovator in lighting design will undoubtedly inspire future generations of designers, architects, and artists.
