Meet the Man Behind the Lights

Justin McCarthy

With a lifelong passion for light and its transformative potential, Justin’s journey began in the mid-1990s at Blackrock College, where he was first introduced to stage lighting through school opera productions. This early exposure sparked a lasting interest, which he developed through hands-on experience in theatre, music, and live production — culminating in running his own DJ, sound, and lighting business throughout the 1990s.

He later pursued studies in electrical and engineering disciplines at Kevin Street College, laying the groundwork for a successful career in the construction and contracting industry. This combination of technical expertise and creative vision became the foundation for his next venture.

In 2010, Justin established Light & Design, a practice dedicated to delivering bespoke lighting solutions. Today, the studio offers design, consultancy, and supply of luminaires across a wide spectrum of projects, including commercial, residential, hospitality, ecclesiastical, and landscape environments — each defined by a thoughtful integration of light, architecture, and user experience.