
Lighting Designer
Amie Schulenburg
Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth demonstrates how considered lighting design can elevate a dining experience from impressive to truly exceptional. Set within the heritage grandeur of the QT Perth, the lighting scheme works in harmony with the interior's bold architectural features — rich timber, polished stone, and deep leather — drawing out their warmth and texture while reinforcing the venue's sense of occasion.
The success of the lighting lies in its ability to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. Warm, focused task lighting ensures an intimate and comfortable dining experience at every table, while carefully layered ambient light maintains a sense of energy and theatre throughout the space. The bar is given its own distinct character — a lit backdrop that draws the eye and anchors the room, creating a natural focal point without competing with the broader environment.
What sets the lighting apart is its restraint. Rather than dominating the space, it recedes into the background, quietly doing its job of making guests feel at ease, making food look its best, and making the architecture shine. The balance between highlight and shadow adds depth and drama, lending the space a cinematic quality that is immediately felt upon arrival.
The outcome is a lighting environment that has become integral to the Rockpool identity — one that signals quality, confidence, and attention to detail, and leaves a lasting impression long after the meal is over.

