Since March 2008, Bertie Ray III and Drew Dearwester have been working hard to open their new lighting gallery, Switch.  Drew has over 15 years of experience in lighting design service and with the help of Bertie and two other designers, can step into your home, loft or office and design the right lighting environment for you.  Drew has been so successful that his own home was featured in Cincinnati Magazine for its artistic and appealing lighting.

Bertie and Drew knew the time was right for them to open their unique shop in the downtown area, due to the development and the other local home design boutiques in the OTR area.  Drew said the other local shop owners have been very supportive and helpful during their opening. 

So what can you expect when you walk into Switch?  My favourite, a huge Pixar-esque desk lamp that's perfect for a design studio or loft sits inside the creative space.  Drew and Bertie strive to locate lighting such as sconces, lamps, track lighting, and pendants from around the world.  Their current collection includes LZF (Spain), A3 Design (Argentina), Niche Modern (US), Henrik Pedersen (Denmark) and Anglepoise (Great Britain).  The eclectic and very designer lighting is chosen with your space, goals and budget in mind.

Switch's lighting design service can include a survey of your home, office or loft space to figure out what's best for you.  You have access to great pieces not only in the store, but also online catalogues add to the vast array of options.  With your needs and budget in mind, the talented designers help you choose lighting to compliment your space--whether just a room or your entire home.  Electricians come into your home and install the lighting so that you don't have to. 

Also very exciting for Switch has been the opportunity to work with local developers in the OTR and Gateway Quarter areas, to assist with lighting selections in the renovated lofts and condos.  By using their talent and access to new, fresh lighting options and designs, they're looking forward to keeping the Gateway Quarter on the cutting edge.   

Even if you don't live in the OTR/Downtown area, Switch is still the hip place to spot your next floor lighting, sconce or pendant.  After talking with Bertie and Drew, it's obvious that they have a passion for design and lighting.  Their energetic and professional demeanours have this blogger looking forward to working with them to solve her own lighting issues.  And, since they're always looking for something new, you're guaranteed a unique and one of a kind look.

Don't forget to stop by Friday, October 17 from 5-9pm for drinks and food at their Grand Opening.  Meet Drew and Bertie and your new lighting shop!

Perfect for?
Anyone who's in the dark about lighting design.  Homeowners, loft owners, and office workers - if in-style design is your thing, you'll find it here.

Where to get it?
1207 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202.  Also look out for updates to their site, www.switchcollection.com.  Contact them via phone at 513-721-8100 or email: bertie@switchcollection.com and drew@switchcollection.com.

How much?
Switch is concious of your budget, but expect to see pieces ranging from $200-$2200+. 

Photos courtesy of Alex Bell, photographer.