In Conversation
CTO LIGHTING
As part of our celebration of London, we invited Emil Neumann, architect and director at Paul Archer Design, into the London home of CTO founders Chris and Clare Turner to reflect on his practice, his design philosophies, and the mark he is leaving on the city.
Emil designed the house 17 years ago, and it remains as relevant today as the day it was completed.
Over the years, the space has hosted a growing family. The home has adapted to new rhythms of daily life, quietly reflecting the passage of time.
This ability to remain timeless, yet deeply personal, is at the heart of Emil’s design philosophy. Paul Archer Design is celebrated for its clarity, flow, and intelligent use of light. With Emil as director, the practice has shaped residential projects across London, from sensitive extensions of period homes to striking new builds. His approach is grounded in creating spaces that not only respect architectural heritage but also adapt to the realities of modern living.
RING PENDANT
For Emil, architecture is never abstract. It begins with people, their stories, and how they want to live.
“What I really like about my work is it’s very personal. As an architect, I listen to my clients and try to reflect what they tell me in my design to create the perfect space for them. And then clients move in, bring their furniture, their belongings, their family, and all together that makes a home.”
This sensitivity underpins the studio’s work. The aim is not simply to design striking spaces, but to create homes that feel natural, intuitive, and lasting. As Emil puts it, good architecture should make everyday life flow with ease.
Good design, Emil believes, should be uncomplicated. It should be made to last not only in terms of structure but also in spirit.
“Good design shouldn’t be over complicated. If something is well made, if it’s well put together, if it ages well, that’s important for timeless design.”
This is why materiality matters. Homes must be built from finishes and furnishings that stand the test of time, both physically and aesthetically. For Emil, it is not about chasing trends but creating spaces people will want to live in for decades.
Trace Linear
Seventeen years ago, Emil first met Chris and Clare Turner, founders of CTO Lighting, when they commissioned Paul Archer Design to design their home. That collaboration sparked a long-standing relationship built on shared values of craftsmanship, quality, and timeless elegance.
“CTO pieces for me are beautiful statement pieces. They’re well designed, they use beautiful materials, and they make a statement.”
Since then, CTO Lighting has become a regular feature in Paul Archer Design projects across London. Whether in entrances, reception rooms, or hallways, the lights are chosen not only for their sculptural presence but also for the reliability behind them.
Emil notes that it is not just architects and clients who value CTO Lighting. Contractors often comment on the quality of the fixtures themselves. The fittings are well thought out, easy to install, and engineered with care, reflecting the same attention to detail that defines the external design. This marriage of form and function makes them a trusted choice across the whole project team.
“We use CTO lights in several of our London projects, in an entrance making a beautiful statement when you enter the house, or in a reception room or hallway. Because they’re well designed, they use beautiful materials, and they make a statement.”
Nimbus Chandelier
For Emil, lighting is far more than a functional requirement. It is an architectural presence that sets the rhythm of a home.
“When we design a project, we always think about light. If you get the light right in the building, the floor of space right, the floor plan works well and it’s easy to use. It lasts a long time and that’s our aim, to create something people do not want to change again.”
It is this belief that aligns so naturally with CTO Lighting’s philosophy. The studio’s collections are not decorative afterthoughts, but carefully crafted pieces that bring sculptural presence, noble materials, and atmosphere into architecture.
At its core, Paul Archer Design and CTO Lighting share the same pursuit: to create homes of quality, comfort, and timelessness. For Emil Neumann, this means listening closely to clients, working with enduring materials, and crafting spaces that feel both personal and practical. For CTO, it means designing lights that age with grace and elevate the everyday.
Together, they show how architecture and lighting, when approached with thought and craft, can create homes that endure. Homes that are as inspiring today as they will be for generations to come.
For more information on Emil’s studio, Paul Archer Design, please visit their website and explore their portfolio of projects.
