OVI - Office for Visual Interaction

Founded in 1997 by Jean Sundin and Enrique Peiniger, Office for Visual Interaction, Inc. (OVI) is a New York City-based firm specialized in lighting design for architecture. Experienced in all phases and scales of lighting, OVI has provided custom solutions for award-winning projects spanning the globe.

OVI approaches lighting as an integral part of architectural design. The office works in constant dialogue with design teams, tailoring lighting to complement each project’s unique architectural language. OVI has been successfully involved in projects of all styles and scales: from illuminating Renzo Piano’s New York Times skyscraper and Zaha Hadid’s Austrian ski jump, to creating an LED streetlight for New York City, to crafting the lighting design and lighting masterplan for the Scottish Parliament complex.

Research and development are an integral part of OVI’s work. The office has a solid basis of specialized engineering knowledge and stays current with advances in lighting technology. This expertise allows OVI to select the highest performance light sources and instruments for each project, drawing from a vast range of state-of-the-art solutions. When appropriate, OVI collaborates with industry to develop custom fixtures, incorporating specialized finishes, innovative manufacturing techniques, and emerging light sources.

To ensure the long-term durability of lighting, OVI plans for its successful execution, performance, and maintenance. A clear understanding of construction sequencing and trade package coordination informs the design of integrated, installation-friendly solutions. OVI tests its work through detailed lighting calculations, 3D models, and scale prototypes. The office’s pioneering cost-tracking system establishes lighting hardware costs and defends against contractor substitutions – protecting client budgets and design integrity.
OVI takes a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainability. Principals Jean Sundin and Enrique Peiniger recognize and promote conceptual architectural opportunities to incorporate daylight. They specify low-energy light sources that do not compromise aesthetics, and design-engineer layouts to maximize efficiency. OVI’s solutions use quality materials and prioritize ease of maintenance, ensuring they will endure over time.

IALD International Lighting Design Award of Merit:The New York Times Building, New York, NY;

Architect Magazine Technology R+D Award: New York City LED Streetlight;
IES Lumen Award for lighting design and innovation: United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA;

GE Edison Award (Grand Prize): United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA;

GE Award of Merit: US Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA;

IIDA International Illumination Design Award, International Award of Distinction: United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA;

AIA New York Chapter Project Merit Award: City Lights, New York, NY;

City Lights Competition, Winning Entry: New York City LED Streetlight;

Art Commission Awards for Excellence in Design: New York City Streetlight, New York, NY;

PLDA Eastside Lighting Festival, Birmingham, UK: Finalist, Special Projects category;

Architectural Lighting Magazine Award: Morimoto bottle wall feature, New York, NY.