Seminars

Designed by eminent French architect Jacques Carlu and first opened in 1930, the Carlu, on the seventh floor of Eaton’s College Street, embodied the multi-layered and innovative experiments of early modern electric lighting. The Carlu was mothballed from 1977 to 2003, but its refurbishment highlights the positive results achievable through collaboration and enthusiastic teamwork. The presenters are two lighting experts who worked together salvaging, restoring and, where necessary, recreating historic lighting fixtures for the Carlu.

Speakers: Christopher Nelson is co-owner of Lighting Nelson & Garrett. He began working in his father’s custom lighting factory when he was very young, much as his father, Herb, had done in his father’s factory in the 1920s. Chris partners with industrial designer John Garrett to design and build custom architectural lighting fixtures. They have worked with Canada’s best architects, lighting designers and consultants, and their fixtures grace award-winning projects in all architectural styles.

Scott Weir, MArch, is an associate at E.R.A Architects, a practice recognized for its thoughtful and expert advice on matters related to existing buildings. Scott has overseen conservation projects, master plans as well as new design and adaptive reuse projects. He actively tests theories and methods through hands-on participation in his own construction and conservation projects. Scott writes a column on architecture and conservation for the National Post.