About B.I.G
Buckford Illumination Group (B.I.G.) is a distribution company responsible for the sales and supply of high quality European and Australian made lighting products. Over the years, B.I.G has grown to be one of the largest specialists and privately-owned commercial lighting suppliers in Australia. Our elite portfolio of luminaire brands delivers results to achieve our clients environmental, energy efficiency and design requirements.
BIG is a company with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the lighting industry. The team of 27 staff is spread over 3 states and headquartered in Melbourne. Our team takes pride in our reputation which is established on outstanding customer service, professionalism, and premium products.
Our approach is always to ensure the optimised use of products to guarantee the best results for the given application. Our focus is always towards visual comfort and sustainable considerations.
OUR PURPOSE
To provide exceptional lighting solutions that enrich people’s lives
OUR VALUES
Customer Service
Knowledgeable
Resilience
Responsive
Value
MEET THE TEAM
Andy Spivey
General Manager
Responsible for B.I.G Group across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, Andy has extensive Sales and Management experience within the lighting industry for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, his greatest accomplishment is the development of individuals he has mentored and the camaraderie he has helped promote within the organisations he has worked with.
Anthony Strangis
Associate/Senior Sales Engineer
Anthony has been involved in the lighting industry for over 25 years. During this time, he has worked in a variety of roles from sales and project management, product marketing to new business development. With his knowledge of distributing architectural lighting, combined with his proactive personality he builds strong client relationships to support B.I.G.
Chris Bortone
Sales Engineer
Chris has been involved in the commercial lighting industry for 14 years, working across Lighting Design, Sales / Accounts and Product Management. With his significant lighting experience and a passion for collaboration, he supports the clients vision by delivering a successful design solution whilst providing exceptional service and value for project stakeholders.
Craig Crawford
Director
For over 20 years Craig has been exposed to many facets of the lighting and electrical industry. He began as a product development engineer before combining his passions for design and technology to launch B.I.G. Craig’s approachable, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth personality has seen B.I.G grow into an award-winning lighting supply specialist.ns.
Darcy Potter
Project Coordinator
Darcy brings his extensive technical knowledge to his role at Buckford, with a background in Product Design Engineering and previous experience creating unique lighting designs. His passion for problem-solving enables him to work effectively with clients to deliver rewarding lighting solutions.
Darren Bucknall
Director
Darren uses his extensive technical knowledge in supporting his clients in some of Australia's best projects. Combining his eye for detail and appreciation for good design, together with Craig, they formed a winning team in Buckford Illumination Group. As Founder and Director, Darren is focused on the company’s continued success and ever-evolving progression.
Elly Buchanan
Sales Engineer
Elly is a dedicated Sales Engineer with a wealth of experience in the lighting industry. Her exceptional communication skills and expertise in developing account plans and implementing business strategies enable her to deliver exceptional lighting solutions that meet clients' needs while building long lasting relationships.
Garry Levit
Senior Project Coordinator
Garry has been part of the team since the very early days of B.I.G and with more than 15 years in the lighting industry, he has accumulated a wealth of technical knowledge. Garry’s ability to successfully aid stakeholders in ensuring efficient project delivery is supported by his dedication and passion for the lighting industry.
Joe Franco
Office Manager
With 28 years in the lighting industry and 9 years' experience in Electrical wholesale, Joe has developed a wide skill set. He has worked across a variety of roles within the industry and since joining the team in 2016, Joe has brought his subject matter expertise to his role as Office Manager
Jordana Beville
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Jordie's passion for crafting value for others shines through in her role with the B.I.G team. Her creative and energetic personality enables her to deliver engaging content and memorable experiences, supporting both the marketing and sales teams effectively.
JP Smith
Project Coordinator
As Project Coordinator at B.I.G, JP is responsible for sourcing pricing and technical information from our range of Victorian suppliers and providing clients with precise project quotations. He supports customers and clients with supplying products to ensure a timely and efficient project delivery.
Max Leishman
Sales Engineer
Max’s passion for lighting transpired early whilst designing lighting pieces throughout his time at University. Beginning his career with commercial lighting manufactures in an Industrial Design role, this formed his intuitive understanding of the relationship between light and architecture. His personable approach and technical understanding allows him to provide unique design solutions to support his clients and their projects.
Mick Cahill
Warehouse Supervisor
With over 35 years working within the lighting industry, Mick has worked largely as a warehouse managing working for a range of lighting companies. Over the years, he has gained an expansive skillset and knowledge on all logistics within the lighting industry.
Rocio Lara
Senior Lighting Designer
As Senior Lighting Designer, Rocio supports the client within all stages of the lighting project, from lighting concept to schematic, 3D visual, technical documentation, and site report during the construction stage. Since joining the team in 2012, she has provided the best possible lighting solutions that meet the client’s aesthetic and design needs.
Ronny Schaapherder
Senior Sales Engineer
As a Senior Sales Engineer, Ronny has over 15 years' experience in the lighting industry. His career began in Holland and comprised of 14 years for ERCO. With B.I.G, Ronny provides his clients with quality service and site assistance. He is proficient in Dialux and is an expert in finding tailor-made project solutions.
Sam Davey
Sales Engineer
Sam previously worked as a lighting designer in Melbourne and the USA for major international consultancies. Most recently Sam has been managing the East Coast of the USA for WE-EF Lighting before deciding to return to Melbourne to join B.I.G. Sam is a quality asset to the team, providing lighting expertise to the local design community.
Tram Luu
Accounts Assistant
As Accounts Officer, Tram plays an important role in the finance team. She manages BIG’s Accounts Receivable with great enthusiasm and a keen eye for detail. Additionally, Tram supports the Project Coordinators with order confirmations and assists with financial reporting and inventory control.
Trevor Duncan
Technical Solutions/Marketing Manager
Electrical and Lighting Engineer with over 13 years' experience in Australia. Trevor has a unique ability to develop lighting solutions that meet the high standards set by our clients, bringing an invaluable service to our sales team. With his advanced problem-solving skills and strong passion for the lighting industry, he is an invaluable addition to the team.
Vincent Wu
Finance Manager
Vincent is a driven, career-focussed CPA qualified accounting professional with comprehensive Experience in management accounting, financial reporting, compliance and risk management. Joining B.I.G in 2022, he overlooks the company’s finance function and supports the leadership team to achieve continuous success of the business.
Yuri Golod
Senior Lighting Designer
Using his strong creative and technical skills, Yuri has provided design support to B.I.G’s clients since 2018. As Senior Lighting Designer, Yuri oversees the design department’s productivity and quality control, ensuring all projects meet Australian standards. With 11 years of experience, he mentors junior staff to reach their full potential.
We’ve worked with the team at Buckford for many years. They’re a reliable team with prompt turn around time on design support, pricing, procurement timeframes and aftersales support. Coupled with the highly personable relationships and genuine friendships formed through doing business, it is little wonder we take great pride in providing this recommendation and we implore you to consider a project or supplier partnership with Buckford.
DESIGNER
Erbas
The Buckford team are always great to work with. Not only are the sales representatives personable but their professionalism and diligence when assisting with anything from providing datasheets to completing bespoke lighting concepts is truly appreciated. They are consistently responsive and always happy to help. Saying that Buckford are one of the best in the business feels like an understatement whether that be in terms of products or service.
ENGINEER
Stantec
From our experience, Buckford Illumination Group are leaders in the industry. Their range of products, and professional, enthusiastic support, give us the confidence that we’re getting the best quality outcome for our clients and projects.
Engineer
Stantec
Buckford Illumination Group are our go to supplier for technical information, product knowledge and assistance with difficult lighting applications. The staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and understand the requirements for a client.
