Taking Over AirBaltic Cargo Hub Project – Lessons Learned

Recently I had a chance—or better said, a challenge—to take over a complicated project.

It was a challenge for several reasons. First, I’ve lately shifted my focus to the bigger picture, entrusting my teams in Vilnius and Riga to run projects of all sizes. They’re fully capable of creating bespoke designs from scratch, choosing solutions that meet technical requirements, doing calculations, BIM, specifications, estimates, and following up with project status changes to update lighting solutions accordingly.

And not just at the design stage—our project managers follow through construction as well, making sure we’re present at the right moments to supply, connect with decision-makers, and close deals. In other words: we don’t just design—we deliver.

Normally, I stay focused on development plans, acting like a lighthouse—guiding towards safe harbors, standing strong in winds and waves. I get directly involved only in specific cases: acquiring new projects, handling the most complex ones, or when extra customer care is needed.

This was exactly such a case. I joined only after taking the project over—jumping on a train already moving at full speed. The design and delivery stages were completed, so I had to step in at the aftersales part, playing with the hand already dealt.

Why it mattered

The project was designed according to BREEAM, and thankfully, we finally had construction supervision in Latvia that really cared about lighting. That’s not always the case.

BREEAM adds requirements like daylight factor and, most importantly, requires proof that lighting design meets EN standards—full calculation files with all parameters included.

In highly competitive markets like Latvia, it’s common to see original materials swapped for cheaper alternatives. Flexibility is fine—different aluminium profiles or downlights of slightly different dimensions—but only if supported by proper calculations. Not a quick AI-generated comparison.

Real calculations must cover all EN parameters: average lux, UGR, wall and ceiling levels, modeling, UGR areas, and more. And just as important—competent supervision to verify conformity.

The bigger picture

Lighting design is still largely unregulated. Most “design” is done free of charge by consultants, as marketing, in exchange for guaranteed sales later. But free design is never really free—it’s priced into the materials, often locking projects into a single supplier.

That’s why we always distinguish between two approaches:

• Free consultancy – quick concepts, limited responsibility.

• Professional lighting project – a paid, full-scale project with full responsibility.

For this project, which required BREEAM certification, free consultancy wasn’t enough. We had to redo all calculations from scratch to prove compliance with EN 12464 and BREEAM.

Where the real challenge was

The hardest part wasn’t the calculations—it was that the project was already built.

In virtual design, we can easily adjust luminaire positions, optics, or dimming. But once built, every change means real costs: reinstallations, replacements, wasted material and money.

So while redoing calculations, we found adjustments were needed: replacements, dimming changes, even some reinstallations. And we took responsibility for handling all of it.

Our value

Our value is not just in design—it’s in standing behind our work. Projects carry our word with them for years. Nobody will remember five years later whose “fault” something was—they will only see the light and judge it as good or bad. And our name will be tied to that impression.

That’s why, in this case, we didn’t just redo calculations. We arranged replacements, handled the works, and even took care of recycling used materials.

Because we care. Because we don’t work just for today, but for all the years we’ve already been here—and the years ahead.

As I often say:

Everybody makes mistakes. The difference is whether you fix yours properly. That’s why you choose us. We fix things.

Key takeaway

We don’t do free consultancy.

We deliver professional lighting projects.

The AirBaltic Cargo Hub lighting project was done in collaboration with architects Ozola & Bula, engineering office Armanda Ābeles Inženieru Birojs, and general contractor UPB Nams. Installation was carried out by ELSET, with supervision from BLV Advisory Group.

Our team ensured the lighting design met full EN 12464 and BREEAM certification requirements—continuing the work even after construction was finished. That meant redoing calculations, arranging replacements, adjusting dimming—everything needed to make sure the final result not only looked good, but met the highest standards.

That’s the value we bring: we don’t just design, we take responsibility for delivery and compliance. If challenges appear, we don’t walk away—we fix them.

If your project demands more than “free consultancy” — one that needs professional lighting design, certification, and accountability — let’s talk.

Book your consultation here: www.didzisapinis.com/book-online