LytePod (Lytei)

Rachel talks about the reality of where we are at with circiadian lighting systems, what we know and what's still to be determined.  With a technical background in lighting and 15 years of experience, she points out that while things like equivalent melanotic lux (EML) have been established and the industry continues to work on developing metrics for circadian stimulus, lighting design isn't that simple. Thinking through the use of an interior environment is much more important than just placing "color tunning" lights in a space. 

There's a new sales channel in town...and it's got exciting possibilities for the lighting design community. Trent Mulligan and David Thomas, the President and the Executive Director of Momentum Group and Rio Grande Reps, explain to us how great lighting is not only a natural fit in the AV and integration channels, but is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to high-end residential lighting. In this fascinating conversation, they talk to us about why lighting designers, integrators, and the end users are set up for a triple-win, and share their perspectives on how this strategy can position manufacturers for new levels of sales success.

Here at Lytei, we are of the opinion that architects never truly die. As long as their buildings live on, they live on. Today, we say the same about prolific architectural lighting designer Howard Brandston and his body of work that deserves recognition and gratitude for elevating the practice of lighting design to a profession. In remembrance, we spotlight his genius with this podcast episode, originally released in February 2020. Give the episode a listen, and be inspired by his legacy!

Product specification has always been a complex process — one that is dependent on strong relationships. Renee Borg, Principal of San Fransisco-based agency, Sixteen5Hundred, dives into the importance of the specification process and how it should be championed to deliver the best outcome. In a world where evolving technology is complicating the procurement of products, the most crucial thing is understanding when and why substitutions should or shouldn't be a conversation.

"Solving complex problems by providing multiple solutions at the same time," that's Jon Penndorf's definition of truly sustainable design. Jon is Perkins&Will's Sustainability Leader and believes that great design outcomes are more than the sum of their parts — especially when designing sustainably. Listen in as he discusses the influential role that lighting designers play within the larger project team, setting meaningful project goals, guiding clients via education, and going way beyond LEED to achieve the next level in sustainable buildings and spaces.

Touchless buildings, automated climate control, and lights that make you feel good are all great ideas; but how do we build a space that can successfully implement all of this? Join Jay Wratten VP at WSP fro SMART building strategy on a data journey through the built environment and learn more about the systems that have to be in place and how design is critical to operating these systems that are seemingly automated and elevate the experience. 

In part two of the Stephen Lees Story, we hear how embracing change and thinking big picture helped build the business legacy of HLB. Stephen shares his insights on combating "corporate amnesia," the key to successful mentorships, and why he feels building bigger, more inclusive boxes will accelerate the growth and advancement of the lighting industry.

Overnight success only took 28 years! Chip Isreal, CEO + Founder of the Lighting Design Alliance has spent nearly three decades building an independent lighting design firm. With a project portfolio that has LDA's work around the world, Chip talks about what it means to be dedicated, focused and how mentorship played a big roll in his career. Before you listen to this full podcast  prepare to be inspired! 

Brighter Day's and Darker nights. CO-FOUNDER and VP of Research at BIOS, Robert Soler talks about what it takes to make a lighting system that can stimulate the circadian system in humans.  He also explains the metrics that are in place to measure this today and what they all have in common. 

2021 has been a year like no other. Considering all of the challenges of the pandemic and the resulting shift in social and economic conditions that have come with it, the "new normal" has also created unique opportunities - opportunities to rethink the way we work and do business in today's lighting world. Charles G. Stone, President of Fisher Marantz Stone, gives us his observations on the changes our industry has faced — which shifts are good, which are bad, and which are here to stay.

Presidential Debates have a lot of conversation around them, this one skips politics and talk about the lighting on them. Jim Tetlow, President of Nautilis Entertainment Design (N.E.D.) walks through what it is like to light film & television sets and how it is common yet different from Architectural lighting. Can you guess how many lights actually put the people at the podium in the spotlight?

Ever wonder how a living lighting legend like Stephen Lees got his start, how he frames design challenges (not to mention career challenges), or what keeps him motivated? In part one of this three-part series showcasing his life and career, Stephen tells the story of his beginnings in the architectural lighting industry. Drawing inspiration from his experience and education in theater, learn some of the perspectives and perceptions he has formed in his decades-long journey as a lighting designer.

COVID-19 was the source of a Global Pandemic in 2020. It shuttered "normal" life, claimed over 4 million lives, and forced many into some form of an uncomfortable situation. The lighting industry was impacted at every level across every trade yet it will survive. Jimalee Beno, President of Focal Point and OCL, Chair of the IALD Education Trust, recaps 16 months that we might never want to remember - but we should, we have to. This inspiring conversation reminds us how resilient humans are, yet how fragile life can be. Listen to this true leader of our industry and reflect on where we can go from here. 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an athlete competing at the international level against Olympic champions? Now imagine living that dream — while ALSO climbing the career ladder as a rising star in the field of lighting design. That sums up a day in the life of Sebastien Payannet, international men's figure skating superstar and senior lighting designer at Oculus Light Studio. Join us as Sebastien talks about the similarities and differences between these two major parts of his world, and gives us his take on the mindset and discipline it takes to achieve big dreams.

The most brilliant and creative solutions often arise from a group of minds. Today, the minds of design are more diverse than they ever have been. Paula Martinez Nobles, Principal at Fisher Marantz Stone, talks about her experience as a Colombian Woman in the AEC industry. The status quo is shifting, racial and gender inequality is being recognized and real change is happening. One of the most important aspects is the confidence minorities are gaining to support one another and pave the way for the next generation to always have an equal voice in any conversation. 

The spectral flexibility of LEDs has opened up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to color rendition, and the IES's TM-30 — specifically Annex E — is the new standard to guide you through it. Jason Livingston, Principal at Studio T+L, and Tony Esposito, Founder & Head Researcher at Lighting Research Solutions, take us through the basics of the new measures introduced in Annex E, and discuss why TM-30's multi-dimensional approach to quantifying color preference is superior to the old-standby in the industry: CRI.

What do rock ‘n roll and lighting design have in common? Turns out, more than you might think! Granville McAnear, President, Owner and Design Director of GMLD shares his story of how curiosity, exploration and being open to life’s lessons took him from rock star dreams to an all-star career in lighting design, and everything in between.

When it comes to lighting design today, Sam sat down with Dan Weissman, Senior Associate and Director at Lam Partners, Kate St. Laurent, Associate Vice President at CannonDesign, and Sara Shonour, VP of Education and Engagement here at Lytei, to explore everything from current design visualization software to designing and documenting and the tools they wish they had but don’t have at their design disposal.

Daylight is the optimal light source. It's available in abundance, dynamic, and has the power to transform a space. Rob Guglielmetti, Senior Lighting Specialist at View breaks down the power behind Daylight and why and how it should be a part of every design from day one. Talking through how daylight simulation is a critical part of the design process you'll also learn about the human factors and benefits behind mother nature's favorite source of light.

"Filling the pipeline" is an ever-present hot topic in the lighting community. No matter where you get your lighting news, you're likely to see a focus on the challenge of engaging and retaining the next generation of lighting lovers — with an emphasis on diversifying the ranks of our industry and reaching new audiences. Sometimes, out of big problems — like social unrest and global pandemics — come big ideas and actionable solutions. The story of the LA Lighting Speakers Bureau is a story of one such solution, with its success stemming from the collective action of the Los Angeles lighting community. Lauren Dandridge, founding principal of Chromatic, and Colleen Peach, senior lighting sesigner at Arup, tell us why the Speaker's Bureau got started and how the model can be a beacon for similar community action.

Millionaires, Billionaires and how they live - it's a wild ride and an even crazier place to work. Go behind the curtain with Anne Kustner - President of AKLD Lighting Desing, Gregg Mackell - Principal at 186 Group, and Lana Nathe Principal and Light Insight Design Studio. Enjoy this two-part podcast about what it means to be in the world of custom home building for private residences around the world where the budget and the timeline are the last two things that matter.

Lighting Agents are like gas stations, they are a necessary part of the supply chain to gain access to information. Matt Seconi, Founder and Principal of MOXIE New York City talks about how they are a brand-centric lighting agency that will grow in new and different ways while respecting the groundwork that has been laid in the industry.  

From the Archives: A hero of the industry, Howard Brandston shares his advice after 60+ years of pioneering the lighting design profession. Learn the lifelong "mind over matter" mentality that guides his approach to everything and how he went on a 30-day safari in Africa to test his skills as a world-class hunter.

This episode was originally released on January 29, 2020.

When you understand what you want to do, and get to play with what you love - it's hard to consider it a job. David Warfel has built a design team of nearly a dozen professionals in a space that has largely never considered the value of design fees when it comes to 'good lighting'. As a pioneer in connecting with AV integrators and homeowners directly through the CEDIA channel, he's opening doors faster than people can run through them. Dive into this new exciting space and get excited about how many more are excited (about lighting design!)

Specifying a dynamic system isn't easy. Lighting design often takes into account what it is you wish to see along with the neurological and physiological impacts of human beings. Enjoy this conversation about how lighting can totally be sexy with Lisa Bartlett, Senior Associate at Davis Partnership Architects in Denver, Colorado.

Leveraging collective expertise is the best way to design — at least, that's the premise behind the newest version of the WELL standard. Join Rachel Fitzgerald, Alison Fiedler, and Jessica Smith of Stantec as they talk us through the lighting features in WELL v2, and discuss the ways holistic design thinking sets up a framework beyond problem-solving and defines a vocabulary that ensures an integrated team process.

Gregg shares a special story on how he ended up involved on a project that was once in a lifetime, reminding us all you never know where the next opportunity will come from. 

 Be inspired to make sure what you're doing will spark joy in your life. Every career can and should be driven with opportunity and passion. Josie Wratten is an Entrepreneur with two decades of lighting design experience and continues to make sure that self-fulfillment is at the forefront of her career. She wrote an article early on in life that addressed who really cares about lighting and why people may fall into our out of love with it.

The constant movement and change throughout lighting might relate to things other industries, and sports more than you might think. Sean O' Connor talks through his childhood passion for surfing and how he still carries this part of life with him through his professional career as the Principal and Founder of Sean O'Connor Lighting. 

There are three things that have to work in harmony to run a design firm, Patrick Quigley Lighting Design Principal at Desing Workshop will tell you about all of them too! After running a lighting design firm for nearly 35 years and successfully mentoring and working with over 100 professionals his words of wisdom leave you inspired to think about what you really want to do in life. 

Addie talks Lighting Design, how the first three years were the hardest so far, her habits, how to unify a design team and hold your spec. Plus, a quick conversation on transparent pricing - why it doesn't exist, but why it should. 

As the buzz around sustainability continues to grow, a clear signal is emerging: designers and their clients want more transparency in the products and materials they specify. Our cross-sectional industry panel — Melissa Mattes, Karen Jess-Lindsley, Jonathan Penndorf, Reiko Kagawa, and Jane White — breakdown designer and manufacturer mindsets on one of lighting's most impactful topics, and discuss how the design community can continue to advance frontiers on sustainable practices.

The future is now and virtual reality has made some considerable progress to allow the architectural design community to consider it as a design tool. Listen to Josh Miller, Illumination Engineer at Acuity Brands Luminaire Concept Center Discuss how VR can create an immersive experience and how that will lead to a more efficient design process. 

As technology and the design process has evolved, Chip discusses how difficult it has become to design within a lighting budget. He points out that the distribution system for architectural lighting has not changed in over 40 years but it needs to. While it's inevitable that change is on the horizon, what will it take to make it happen? Tune in for one answer that involves the entire community. 

The emergence of virtual reality (VR) technology for architecture and design has been making headlines in the past few years — in the future, they've said, VR will become an integral part not just of a client presentation but also of the design process. Well, the future is now. Ernesto Pacheco, Director of Visualization, and Coffield King, Senior Lighting Designer at CannonDesign, joined Sam on the LytePOD for an in-depth discussion on how VR applications can make a lighting design go from good to great and sell an idea better than any other medium can.

Howard shares his advice after 60 years as a professional lighting designer. Learn about how he approached life, and how he went on a 30-day safari in Africa to test his skills as a world-class hunter. 

Light is a basic human right, yet so many do not have it when the sun goes down. As an industry and a community that advocates for the use of electric light, we must realize that there is something more we can do to give back to those who are less fortunate. Tina Aghassian, Principal at HLB, shares her story and will inspire you to think about how you can help others who aren't your clients but need you more than you know. 

How is AI reshaping the world of lighting design? This episode explores how technology transforms creativity, productivity, and collaboration in the industry. Dive deep into how AI tools are helping designers make data-driven decisions, streamline workflows, and push the boundaries of what's possible. We also tackle the ongoing challenges of aligning budgets with bold design visions and fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and lighting professionals. If you’re curious about the trends shaping the future of design, this episode is a must-listen!

Where They Work:

Lisa - https://akld.net/

Jay - https://www.wsp.com/en-us/

Michael - https://hlblighting.com/

Reinhardt - https://www.smithgroup.com/

Topics we explore:

• Challenges in the Lighting Design Industry- Exploring New Approaches To Design
• The Role of Collaboration- AI and Technology in Design- Delivering Quality Work
• Impact of Design on Human Experience- Pricing and Procurement Pain Points
• The Demands For Circularity

Key Takeaways:

• The shift from traditional drawings to holistic project visualization and its impact on design.
• Quality, transparency, and budget alignment are important in collaborative design processes.
• The evolution of architecture and engineering as a creative discipline.

• Practical advice for fostering meaningful collaboration between designers, engineers, and stakeholders.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion — four powerful words that point us toward a better future as a society, and the guiding principles behind SmithGroup's groundbreaking J.E.D.I. Committee. The J.E.D.I. team focuses on representing the communities the firm serves: the wide and varied mix of races, genders, backgrounds, and voices that don't always have a seat at AEC industry table. Oscar Cobb, Principal, Mechanical Engineer, and J.E.D.I. committee member, talks to us about why the group formed, the mindset they've developed, and how they've translated words into actions to help change the landscape from the ground up.

How does lighting make it from point A to point B? The channels of distribution! Ira Rothman, Vp of sales at APEX Lighting solutions talks about the Academy of Sciences that the Greeks created and how lighting distribution has a few similarities. 

Leadership, mentorship, design, and innovation all require one thing - a chance to pay it forward. As buildings become more complex, design ideas take more time and require a more robust, diverse, and educated team of professionals. Giulio Pedota, Partner at Schuler Shook, talks about how the next generation of design is here as it relates to both the quality of the product and the Millenials + GenZ'ers. This generational transformation is unique as technology and a new work environment continually change the status quo. 

Now more than ever, the role of the lighting rep is pivotal. Agents who make time to get to know their clients and understand the key drivers of their designs have the opportunity to lead. Caitlin Mulligan, Manager of Business Development & Key Accounts, and Ryan Weiss, Director of Specification Sales at SCI Lighting Solutions, discuss how listening, building relationships, and delivering timely, curated information can add significant value to the design process.

In a sea of competitors, what do manufacturers prioritize to set themselves apart? Paul Pickard, CTO at Ecosense, draws from decades of experience in lighting manufacturing to dive into the DNA of product inception, R&D and production, and shares what's on the horizon for lighting technology.

With 37 years of professional design experience, Charles Stone, President of Fisher Marantz Stone (FMS), discusses why you can never stop learning.       Beyond the fact that learning is fun, the ability to perform but be patient while learning will lead to new opportunities that inspire those around you. Enjoy this episode recorded earlier this year (February 2020).

Starting a business in any discipline of design often requires sleepless nights, heavily discounted services, and a tremendous amount of passion and persistence. Steven Rosen, President and Creative Director of Available light walks through how his wife was a critical part of Available Light becoming an award-winning Lighting Desing firm. Enjoy the passion, honesty and love with this one! 

Learn more about a lighting design firm that 'doesn't have a single office and never has. Andrea Hartranft, Founding Principal of Hartranft Lighting Design talks about how she built her business around fearlessness and humility. Along the way, she hired people for who they are, and that has made her company what it is. Operating in a virtual environment they find ways to collaborate, stay connected, and continue to grow. 

Sustainability in lighting manufacturing is one of the community’s hottest topics. Following in the footsteps of the carpet, furniture, and building materials industries, owners and specifiers alike are asking for lighting products to be created with more than just energy efficiency in mind when it comes to sustainability. Join Sam as he talks through the fine points of Finelite’s sustainability journey with Jane White, president of the company, as she discusses the baby steps and the bold leadership needed for manufacturers to succeed.

The final step in deploying light comes down to how a luminaire interacts with a space. Paul Pickard, CTO of Ecosense talks about the nature of quality light versus affordability, configurability, and what the industry must be aware of as technology continues to drive a more competitive marketplace. Learn more and take a journey down the path of who's responsible for quality lighting solutions. 

How do you build a company with sustainability at its roots? You start from the ground up and let every possible decision be guided by a foundation of principles that keep the holistic, big-picture view in mind. That's exactly what Karen Jess-Lindsley, CEO of Lindsley Lighting, set out to do when she teamed up with her partner to start Lindsley Lighting. From leveraging minimalism and timeless design to using tactical decision-making—like building around RoHS-compliant components—Karen outlines some practical steps that both lighting designers and manufacturers can take to boost the sustainable practices of the entire industry.

Walking the walk isn't easy, but when it comes to rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty, lighting design firm Clanton & Associates and their President, Dane Sanders, make it look natural. Dane isn’t just a theorist, he and his colleagues have a passion for pushing lighting progress: putting into practice advanced ideas and technologies, and bringing stakeholders together to work through the detailed challenges of real-world applications. Listen in as we chat with Dane about the "smartest" way to tackle "smart cities," some of the strategies his firm uses to support meaningful collaboration, and what it's like to help lead a team to bring about real change in our industry.

Want to know what's at the cutting edge of lighting tech? VR, AR, data leveraging, and new frontiers of visualization and production aren't just "somewhere on the horizon" anymore — they're already transforming everyday life. Listen to Chris Slaughter, Senior Lighting Engineer at Visual Interest, talk us through some exciting ways technology is changing the way we work in the lighting industry. 

Millionaires, Billionaires and how they live - it's a wild ride and an even crazier place to work. Go behind the curtain with Anne Kustner - President of AKLD Lighting Desing, Gregg Mackell - Principal at 186 Group, and Lana Nathe Principal and Light Insight Design Studio. Enjoy this two-part podcast about what it means to be in the world of custom home building for private residences around the world where the budget and the timeline are the last two things that matter. 

The core of innovation is solving a problem you care about. Innovation often leads to brilliant ideas, better solutions, and an opportunity to implement technology that can truly make an impact. Gary Trott, VP of Commercialization and Technology at Acuity Brands, talks about what it means to give back to the people who ultimately will use the products that manufacturers pioneer, create and bring to life. 

Barbara Horton, CO-CEO at HLB Lighting Design, got started as an accidental tourist in the lighting industry, then spent the next 40 years collaborating and working with a team of Principals to grow HLB to what it is today. She has been dedicated to created connections with people throughout the industry and within her own practice. Learning how to operate efficiently was one of the keys to her success. Enjoy Part 1 of 3 in this series the reflects on Barabara's career and prepare to be inspired while learning a thing or two at the same time. 

Diversity shapes, colors, and enhances our world. Although acceptance and awareness have increased, we can still do better when it comes to create equitable opportunities and leverage the power of diversity in design. Alana Shepherd, Martin van Koolbergen, and Amy Karn unpack their thoughts about the queer experience in today's lighting community, and light the path towards meaningful changes within our reach.

From the Archives: As lighting technology and the design process evolve, Chip Israel, Founder + CEO of Lighting Design Alliance, argues that designing within a lighting budget gets more difficult every time. He points out that the distribution system for architectural lighting has not changed in over 40 years, but it's time it did. While it's inevitable that change is on the horizon, what will it take to make it happen? Tune in for one decision that involves the entire community.

This episode was originally released on April 9, 2020.

Howard talks about how giving back, volunteering and standing up for what you believe in. Listen and learn about why unpaid opportunities are really what matters in life. Listen till the end to hear about his wife, Melanie, too. 

It's always inspiring to see someone speak with authority and passion – two traits Catherine Leskowat, Senior Lighting Designer at Hartranft Lighting Design, has in spades! As anyone who's been to Enlighten Americas or Lightfair recently knows, Catherine is an advocate through and through. Whether it's advocating for designing more holistically for a wider cross-section of body types, abilities, and preferences (what her talk at Lightfair focused on), or for finding the right kind of support to grow and develop to the next level as a professional (the topic of her co-hosted session at Enlighten), Catherine applies her skill at thinking deeply about problems and analyzing solutions. She sat with us during this year's IALD Enlighten Americas and shared her thoughts on how we can continue to do better by prioritizing community. 

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a lighting designer to the stars or design homes for celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and LeBron James? That's exactly the claim to fame for Malibu-based CEO of ADG Lighting Gerald Olesker. An architectural industrial designer by training, Gerald has amassed a star-studded portfolio of luxury projects around the globe, and ADG's custom lighting is the secret sauce. In this conversation, we dive into the details of what it takes to work for some of the most demanding clients, how he cultivated his design-centered mindset, and how lighting plays a crucial role in both the architectural process and the ultimate experience of a space – from curbside to poolside. 

Lighting design doesn't always require expensive solutions, rather something that is well-curated to help create an exquisite environment. Dan Weissman, Senior Associate & Director of Lam Labs at Lam Partners will take you on a journey of discovery leaving you with a few things to think about when it comes to the profession of design. 

Born of the Black Lives Matter movement, Equity in Lighting's overarching mission is to equip the lighting industry with the ability to design for everyone — not just the white, neurotypical person that today's technology and practices have come to serve the best. Join us as Elaine Cook, Co-Founder of Equity in Lighting, talks to us about why they founded EIL and how their goals and strategies continue to evolve as new needs are recognized. From educational programming to research to outreach and more, learn how EIL is working to move the needle toward a brighter future for all.

In part two of Sam's conversation with the Boston Lighting crew: Dan Weissman, Senior Associate and Director at Lam Partners, Kate St. Laurent, Associate Vice President at CannonDesign, and Sara Schonour, VP of Education and Engagement here at Lytei, the group dives into a new set of topics: what designers really want to see in new products, what they need as manufacturer and rep support, and new frontiers they see for lighting design services.

Cutting corners and VE can often actually cost more money. There is great value in a one name spec that's coordinated and transparent. Matt Seconi, Founder and Principal of Moxie Lighting talks about why the best option might not be the cheapest one. 

Here are 23 minutes that will inspire you to take a break. Pritchard Peck Lighting was founded by two moms with kids at home and on the way. With a mission to own a business and be an award-winning design group, their family first mentality has built a culture that allows everyone at the firm to do their best while living life for what it's worth! 

Lighting is powerful, it makes an impact - if you're a professional in the industry you know that too! Sara Schonour, VP + Director of Lighting Design at Cannon Design, Talks about how light shows up in so many places in life and how we need to use that to get out of the industry bubble. Taking real-life experiences, be it a soundtrack, a movie, or our national anthem, and relating them back to light is a step in the right direction when it comes to creating awareness outside of the professional landscape of architectural lighting design. 

Much has been said about HLB and its principals, but what may surprise people is that there is more to the operation and collaborative culture of the firm than outsiders might assume. In this final installment of Stephen Lees’ three-part story, he walks us through four decades of milestone moments in his career and HLB’s trajectory and touches on the culture and the legacy-driven model that defines their leadership and work.

In the last edition of our Enlighten Americas 2022 chronicles, Co-CEO and President of Lighting Design Alliance, Kelly Jones, shares why she says "everything is a phase" and shares some of the wisdom she's gathered in the different phases of her life so far. From starting off as a driven designer to co-leading one of the industry's most renowned lighting firms to another kind of co-leading on the parenting front, Kelly's found a way to juggle it all and keep a smile on her face. In this episode, she talks to Sam about how she's learned to encourage curiosity and collaboration] and the importance of staying flexible and keeping perspective as you take on challenges in life. 

Have you ever realized how transformative light can be? Barbara Horton, CO-CEO of HLB Lighting design shares her thoughts about light as a medium and what it's like to be a professional lighting designer. You might be surprised and excited to learn more about how she thinks through design and what experience she had outside o lighting that helped her always bring a vision to life. 

The lighting industry has gone through a few evolutions, and the pathway from design to final delivery is undeniably one of them. Gone are the "transactional" days of interchangeable parts + pieces like lamps and ballasts -- for better or worse, today's lighting equipment has become unique and specialized, and staying at the forefront of change requires a new way of thinking about supply. Enter design-minded supply teams like Illuminate in Philadelphia, where Kimberly King works as a project designer and communication bridge from concept to completion. Join us as Kimberly talks us through some ways complex design outcomes can be achieved by rethinking partnerships and processes in today's evolving lighting landscape.

Not every career path is linear — sometimes they take a twist or two (or more)! Leigh Gice, Senior Market Segment Manager at Lumenpulse, is a prime example. From a childhood moment of theatrical inspiration, through television production, lighting design, and finally, to her role today translating product ideas into reality at an international lighting manufacturer... let's just say Leigh may not have seen it all, but she's definitely seen a lot! Join us as she shares her insights about the common language of lighting, finding ways to bridge boundaries, and following your heart to job satisfaction.

Moving the needle on climate change isn't something the lighting industry can do alone — but we can start by looking at what the AEC sector has put in place and build on that progress. DPR Construction's global sustainability leader, Ryan Poole, talks us through some of the real and perceived obstacles surrounding sustainability in the design and delivery of the built environment and offers his thoughts on the power of collaboration to help us rise to the challenge.

Gary Trott, the founder of Interplay lighting,  has 30 years of experience as an innovator in architectural lighting.  He has led multiple new ideas from concept through product development and has a passion that rivals most when it comes to creating a new idea that allows lighting to be designed in a way it's never been before. Listen to what Gary has to say about what it takes to create a new light fixture, and understand how it's not as easy as you might think. The risk is big, the process is long, but what ultimately brings it together is the people. 

The knowledge of the lighting industry must be learned, retained, and passed on. Take some time to reflect on those who have helped you along the way and how you've found yourself giving back. Thomas Paterson, Director of Lux Populi will take you on a journey that reminds you about the moments that make a difference are the ones you might least expect. With a little bit of practice mentorship has an organic way of creating relationships and paying it forward that will survive us all and enable architectural lighting to thrive. 

Luminous surfaces and a point source of light don't seem like they would end up doing the same thing, but this conversation with Brad Koerner, VP of Product Development & Innovation at CIMA offers up the suggestion that they can not only co-exist but one may be more favorable than the other when it comes to lighting design. Brad's tenured background from architecture as a student (UVA + Harvard) and his experience as a designer and then team member of the founding days at Philips Color Kinetics offer a thought-provoking conversation. 

While it may not be fully back to business as usual, one treasured lighting event made a comeback in 2021 [albeit on a smaller scale] — we’re talking about the world-famous Lights in Alingsås festival and workshop! Recorded live on the Lightfair show floor, hear from Jessica Krometis, Senior Designer at Hartranft Lighting Design and member of the Lightfair Content Advisory Committee, as she recounts her once-in-a-lifetime experience participating as a workshop head of the festival in Alingsås, Sweden.

From the Archives: Touchless buildings, automated climate control, and lights that make you feel good are all great ideas, but how do we build a space that can successfully implement and integrate all of that technology? Join Jay Wratten, Practice Leader of Innovation Advisory Services at WSP, as he takes us on a digital journey through the built environment and walks us through the system infrastructure that has to be in place.

This episode was originally released on July 27, 2020.

Dive into the essential role of nonprofits in the design industry, examining how they fill gaps, serve mission-driven purposes, and create community impact. Andrea and Christopher discuss key themes like leadership, the importance of mission alignment, and the future outlook for nonprofits in creative spaces. If you've ever wondered about the purpose of nonprofits in design and how they bridge social impact with creativity, this is a must-listen episode.

Creating a safe and inclusive space to share and connect—for women and allies alike—is what Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) is all about. Alriah, Alyssa, Sarah, and Michelle, four of many vibrant voices for women in the lighting industry, tell us what it's like to start new chapters of life and take on new frontiers for WILD in the Lone Star State.

Change is something you can count on in life, and that's true in the business of lighting, too. Loren Kessel, the newly-minted CEO of Delta Light Group North America, knows how to ride the waves of change better than most. His 37-year lighting career hinges on growing multiple lighting businesses from the ground up, building collaborative relationships, and leading by example — all of which culminate in his new role: helping imagine the future for a world-renowned manufacturing brand. Listen in and learn some lessons on business, light, and life from the school of Loren!

With so many bright stars in the constellation of the lighting industry, it takes a little something extra to stand out. Ben Cantu, regional sales manager at LumenWerx, definitely has the secret sauce when it comes to owning his personal brand. Never without his meticulously matching eyeglasses and footwear, Ben's presence is often felt across the room before he can even say "hi!" In this episode, Ben talks us through part of his journey in light and life and how his bold personal style came to be — how being himself helps him make authentic connections with his customers and clients.

The opportunity to create a personal experience continues to take form as the lighting industry explodes. Lance Bennett, Vice President of National Accounts and Specification Sales at Cooper Lighting Solutions, talks about the evolution of the industry and the transformation it will continue to go through as growth, new opportunity and unpredictable challenges lie ahead. 

Taking a fresh approach to design often leads to innovative results. David Ghatan, President of CM Kling & Associates, Past President IALD, talks about what the focus should be when it comes to manufacturing luminaires moving forward. Enjoy his insight on what it means to be a team player throughout construction and bring a design to fruition. 

Consistency. Balance. Efficiency. Three virtues most businesses strive for, but achieving them is a different story. Oculus Light Studio's business approach may be the exception, conceived of the idea that life and life in lighting can blend and coexist. Join us as Archit Jain + Scott Hatton, co-founding principals of Oculus studio, talk to us about how they look at time—one of life's most precious and limited resources—and how their systems of time management, proactive communication, and analyzing progress help them set and meet expectations, both inside the office and out.

A buzz word turned scientific, circadian lighting has an effect on our livelihood. Join Robert Soler, Co-founder and CP of research at BIOS as we dive into what it means to have brighter days and darker nights. Electric light has so many benefits to the built environment,mnt, but Robert has something to say about how LED technology still has some hurdles to clear. 

Before LED was a thing before anyone was paying attention to it Ann Reo had an idea that became iO Lighting and opened the opportunity for new form factors and innovation. Learn more about what it took to be a pioneer with new technology and how following your passion is what can and will lead to success. 

Women in lighting design (W.I.L.D.) started as a get-together in NYC back in the 90's - today it has grown to a prominent organization that strives to create a space where Women and Men can come together in the AEC industry. Kelly Roberts, Studio Director at WALD studios, and Magon Carroll, Senior Specification Sales Manager at New York Digital talk more about why W.I.L.D. was founded and where the organization is going! 

There's something seriously wrong with the way we specify and procure lighting today — ask any lighting designer, and you'll hear a horror story or two about packaging, substitutions, and pricing games that clearly show the system is broken. Enter Paul Boken, VP of Mulvey & Banani Lighting, and one of the contributors to Sourcery, a new content-sharing platform for the lighting design community. Paul talks to us about the need for a better way to manage the procurement piece of the lighting design process, so we can get back to having fun on the design side!

Design is a dance - and in this week's episode, Addie Smith, Senior Lighting Designer at AE Design, explains why. Whether it be leading or following, the give and take of expertise and creativity in the dynamic process of design mimics the exchange of energy in dance. Learning to lead with heart and grace and cultivating an open-minded, curious mindset as a follower can yield beautiful results — both in a career in design and in the dance of life.

What if the lighting system in any given space could be your teammate? What if it could help cue you, guide you, inform you, and help you achieve your goals? That's one way Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Senior Lighting Researcher Andrea Wilkerson sees lighting through the lens of her career in lighting research and analysis. Andrea believes that digging into data is the key to unlocking much of the promised potential of the digital lighting age, and she explains why you don't need a Ph.D. to do it! Listen in and learn how we can all contribute to the growing body of knowledge by embracing the power of research-informed design.

What do lighting design and structural engineering have in common? Turns out, a whole lot more than one might initially think. John Roach, Associate Vice President, Structural Engineer, and Office Engineering Leader at CannonDesign, talks to us about the parallels between the professions and how through collaboration and a well-orchestrated design process, both lighting and structures can intrinsically augment the goals of a project.

Just like a fun outfit on date night - Lighting can dress up any space and make it special and memorable. Jennifer Sanborn senior associate at Lam Partners talks about how light can create empathy and emotion with a tip of the hat to a fundamental design principle. 

There is a constant push and pull with priorities in life. Are you working full time to explore your passion and raising kids? Whether you're a mom or dad the pressure to always perform has become increasingly difficult to show up for, be present, and not overwhelming. Brittany Lynch, Senior Lighting Designer at Clanton & Associates talks about how she found the courage to bring this up with her peers, bosses, and family. Tune in to learn more about how realistic expectations and a potential new way of valuing design services could help solve this problem. 

Lighting that's felt but not seen: many lighting designers say that's the holy grail. The notion isn't new, but that doesn't make the lofty challenge any simpler. Brazilian-born Claudio Ramos, acclaimed director of Electrolight in San Francisco, phrases the idea a little differently. He says: "Designing lighting is like a Disneyland ride: if you see what's happening in the background, the magic is over." But seamlessly integrated design magic doesn't just happen. Join us as Claudio breaks down the essence of successful collaboration and explains his people-focused, emotionally tuned approach to bringing award-winning design ideas from lines on paper to light in real life.

It's not often you find two separate professions and career paths with so many similarities. Did you know light has a magical way of doing things other mediums cannot? Jess Baker, Design Studio Leader at Schuler Shook, has had the opportunity to work as a lighting designer in the theater and in an architectural environment where everything can be developed from a similar set of practices but yield different results. While the performance of life lasts a little longer than a Broadway show, the impact light makes on both is a key component of the experience.   

Join Chris Slaughter, a former lighting designer, luminaire innovator, and now rep in a conversation about holistic lighting. It begins with the concept of design both in luminaries and the built environment but requires more than ever as the chaos builds. The evolution of design requires everyone to adapt and learn how to design an entire system while learning on the fly. We all have a responsibility to be mindful of that ultimately leads to success. 

Kevin Frary, Associate Principle at Fisher Marantz Stone (FMS) shares a story about his 20 years in design and talks about the state of the profession in 2020. While many things have changed as it relates to technology, deadlines and real-time collaboration there are still a few defining concepts that are unchanged.  Gain a litte insight and enjoy this centered conversation! 

The LED revolution changed the way light was delivered to a space. Take a peek behind the curtain with the CEO of Selux Corporation, Peter Stanway to get an inside perspective as to what a manufacturer must to do remain relevant in 2020. What was once an industry of shaping metal around lamps has become increasingly more competitive and requires a more efficient operation than ever to meet the status quo.  

The first of its kind, Global, inclusive, and portfolio-based the CLD is a new way to recognize talent, dedication, and passion for the practice of architectural lighting design. Rosemarie Allaire, Vice-Chair of the CLD, talks about why this was formed and where it's going. The value of accreditation that relates directly to what it stands for is the opportunity to elevate and inspire.  You could have the chance to be one of the first 100! 

Do you ever wish your client, the owner would just get it? Design has many different languages that might not always be easy to communicate across the table - but there are tools to do that. Cecilia Ramos, Senior Director of Architectural Markets for Lutron opens up a conversation about Luxury and how it can be a common thread that many can relate to. Explore her thoughts and be inspired to take a new approach when it comes to connecting with others to bring an otherwise (and unknowingly brilliant) experience to life.

You can't miss the buzz in the lighting industry around material transparency, and in part that's thanks to people like Melissa Mattes, senior lighting designer and sustainability specialist at Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting. Melissa shares the "why" that fuels her passion for advancing sustainable lighting design practices and discusses how she took her sustainable values to help create a sustained voice in the design community — calling for improvement and change.

Update: There is now a LIVE light search engine that you can filter search for products with Declare Labels >> https://lightaz.com/led-luminaire-search

Other resources: https://www.mindfulmaterials.com/lighting-advocacy-letter | www.linkedin.com/in/mmattes