LytePod

Top Luxury Stadium Designer's Rules for Hospitality, Interiors & Lighting - Edith Ponciano

Lytei — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0000

What happens when you sit down with an interior designer who's spent years shaping the energy of some of the country's most ambitious sports venues—and ask her how light transforms hospitality into emotion?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel travels to Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego to sit down with Edith Ponciano, an elite interior designer whose work has redefined what it means to experience a sports venue. From Collegiat to NFL and multi-use stadiums nationwide - she talks about how the gameday experience is being redefined. It's a deep dive into the philosophy, process, and creative tension that transforms a stadium from a place to watch a game into a destination where people feel something the moment they walk in. Recorded on location at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA, this conversation reveals why lighting isn't just an element of design—it's the emotional foundation that makes hospitality work.

Edith reveals why sports venues should feel like hotels, why lighting creates energy, not just illumination, and why the most successful spaces blur the line between architecture, interiors, and atmosphere.

This conversation goes deeper. It's about the tension between creating beauty and creating energy, the challenge of selling something people feel but don't see, and why the most rewarding moment isn't the rendering or the approval—it's walking into the space on opening day and watching 35,000 people experience something you helped create. Edith shares why she loves working on sports venues despite not being a sports fan, why collaboration matters more than ownership, and why lighting designers need stronger advocacy from the design community if the profession is going to grow.

💡 Key topics explored:

• Why sports venues should feel like hospitality spaces—and how that mindset reshapes design decisions

• How lighting creates energy versus experience—and why that distinction matters in different spaces

• The three-tier budget structure for sports venues—and how lighting gets allocated across public, club, and premium spaces

• Why decorative lighting often takes priority over architectural lighting—and when that needs to change

• How to collaborate with lighting consultants early enough to influence the design—not just execute it

• Why renderings lock expectations—and how to build flexibility into the visualization process

• The challenge of selling lighting as a luxury when it's not a statement piece—and why it's 25 to 50 percent of what makes a space work

• How to navigate value engineering without destroying the design intent

• Why integrated architectural lighting details matter more than product selection—and how to fight for them

• The importance of bringing lighting designers into the process during schematic design—not after documentation starts

• Why lighting designers need stronger advocacy from interior designers, architects, and the broader design community

• What makes opening day the most rewarding moment—and why validation comes from people experiencing the space, not approving the rendering

Whether you're a designer wondering how to collaborate more effectively with lighting consultants, a lighting professional trying to understand how interior designers think, or anyone curious about what it takes to create spaces that make people feel something without knowing why—this conversation offers a rare, honest look at the intersection of hospitality, sports, and the emotional power of light.

Listen now to discover why lighting isn't just part of the design—it's the energy that makes everything else work.

❤️ Big appreciation for the partners who support this work and trust the vision. They believe in thoughtful conversations, strong community, and letting designers' voices lead. Grateful to build this together.

1️⃣ Eureka Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/EurekaRabbitHole

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: Sports Venues as Hospitality
00:02:03 Sponsor Spotlight
00:03:12 Welcome to Snapdragon Stadium: Culture Meets Design
00:04:36 Blurring the Lines: Indoor-Outdoor Stadium Experience
00:09:23 The Role of Lighting in Creating Energy vs. Experience
00:10:31 Architectural vs. Decorative Lighting: Finding the Balance
00:19:51 Budget Breakdowns and the Value of Lighting
00:26:45 Working with Lighting Consultants: Collaboration from Day One
00:36:53 Before We Continue: Sponsor Spotlight
00:48:25 The Chair Swap: Lighting Designer Answers Designer Questions
01:00:26 Looking Ahead: Tennessee Titans Stadium and the Future

AI Specialist in Lighting Design, Save 90% of your time, Fast Renderings, Agent dev - Faraz Izhar

Lytei — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

What happens when you sit down with a lighting designer who's saving 90% of his time using AI—and ask him to show you exactly how he does it?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel travels to Dubai to sit down with Faraz Izhar, a lighting designer who has transformed his entire workflow using artificial intelligence—not as a replacement for creativity, but as a power tool that amplifies it. This isn't a conversation about theory or hype. It's a candid, deeply practical look at how AI is being used right now to create cinematic presentations, automate boring tasks, and unlock creative possibilities that simply weren't feasible six months ago.

Faraz reveals why prompting is the new soft skill of the design era, why AI agents are already handling luminaire schedules and technical documentation, and why the best measure of success isn't the rendering—it's how fast you can iterate, explore, and communicate your vision to clients in ways that make them feel the project before it's built. He walks through the entire process: how he uses Midjourney to create custom mood images tied directly to project narratives, how Kling and Google Veo transform static renders into cinematic sequences that show transitions from dusk to night, and how Suno generates soundtracks that elevate presentations into immersive experiences.

But this conversation goes deeper. It's about the tension between automation and intuition, the risk of cultural homogenization, and why the human element must remain at the forefront—even as machines learn faster than we ever imagined. Faraz shares why guardrails matter more than speed, why AI hallucinates and how to catch it, and why the industry needs to embrace this technology now—not because it's perfect, but because the designers who don't will be left behind.

💡 Key topics explored:

• How AI reduced concept development time from one week to three hours—and what that means for creative exploration

• The tools that matter: Midjourney for images, Kling for video sequences, Suno for soundtracks, and custom AI agents for technical documentation

• Why prompting is a soft skill—and how poetic, metaphorical language unlocks better results than technical jargon

• How to build custom AI agents that automate luminaire schedules, extract data from manufacturer PDFs, and format everything in seconds

• The importance of guardrails: defining what AI cannot do before you start—and why cultural context matters

• How AI understands lighting nuances: color temperature, beam spread, grazing techniques—and where it still struggles

• The difference between generative AI and AI agents—and why both are essential to modern workflows

• Why trust must be earned: manual checks, proofreading, and the human sniff test that keeps AI outputs honest

• The risk of bias, hallucination, and copyright infringement—and how to stay ethical while using powerful tools

• What AI can't do yet: integrate into Revit and Dialux for automated photometric calculations—but why that's coming soon

• Why the human element must remain: intuition, sensitivity, and the ability to know when AI has gone off track

• The future of lighting design: faster iterations, cinematic storytelling, and a profession that embraces technology without losing its soul

Whether you're a designer wondering how to get started with AI, a firm leader trying to understand what's possible, or anyone curious about how technology is reshaping creative work—this conversation offers a rare, honest look at what's working, what's not, and why now is the time to embrace the tools that will define the next decade of design.

Download the cheat sheet:

1️⃣ Eureka Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/EurekaRabbitHole

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Worlds Biggest Lighting Design Firm: Building Dubai, People are Purpose, Start with Why - Paul Nulty

Lytei — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0000

What happens when you sit down with someone who's built one of the world's most successful lighting design practices—and ask him what it really takes to turn creativity into a sustainable business without losing the soul of the work?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Paul Miles, founder of a global lighting design practice spanning nine studios across four continents, to unpack the philosophy, pressure, and people-first thinking that transformed a passion for connecting people in space into a thriving international firm. This isn't a conversation about business strategy or portfolio highlights. It's a candid, deeply human look at what it means to build something meaningful in a creative industry—why empathy is the foundation of every great design, why clients get the projects they deserve, and why the hardest part of running a design practice isn't the work itself, it's balancing the desire to obsess over every detail with the reality that fees are tight, timelines are brutal, and you still have to keep the lights on.

Paul reveals why design starts with people, not products, why interrogating the brief matters more than jumping straight into fixtures, and why the best lighting design often means keeping it simple—even when your instinct is to over-design. He walks through the uncomfortable truth that designers are often undervaluing their experience, the challenge of selling creativity in a world that wants everything quantified, and why sometimes you just have to give the client 450 lux because that's what they need. But he also shares the joy that keeps him coming back: that moment when you walk onto a project, turn off all the lights, and slowly bring each circuit to life—breathing soul into a space and watching people respond without even knowing why.

💡 Key topics explored:

• Why empathy is the foundation of great design—and how understanding people shapes every decision

• The importance of interrogating the client's brief and asking why before jumping into what or how

• How to balance creative obsession with commercial reality—and why that tension never goes away

• Why designers massively undervalue their experience—and the challenge of pricing decades of knowledge into a two-day project

• The myth that lighting design has to be complicated—and why simplicity is often the right answer

• How to push back on unrealistic briefs and disconnected scopes—and why it takes courage to do it

• The reality of building a global practice: empowering teams, stepping back as a founder, and watching others shine

• Why clients get the projects they deserve—and what separates award-winning work from checkbox design

• The danger of designing by numbers—and why the industry needs to remember that lighting is about feeling, not just metrics

• How AI is starting to challenge creativity in ways that are both exciting and terrifying

• Why the lighting industry needs better representation, professionalization, and evangelism—and what's holding it back

• The privilege of working at the crossroads of creativity, technology, sociology, psychology, and ecology

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: Design Is About People
00:01:22 Sponsor Spotlight
00:02:58 The Why Behind Every Design
00:08:33 The Business vs. The Craft: Balancing Creativity and Commerce
00:12:44 Selling the Toolbox: How to Value Design Experience
00:14:09 The Industry's Education Problem
00:15:22 Knock Knock: Making Lighting Design Essential
00:16:09 The Middle East Market: Opportunity and Pressure
00:32:09 Clients Get the Projects They Deserve
00:29:45 Before We Continue: Sponsor Spotlight
00:35:27 The AI Test: When Technology Challenges Creativity
00:36:32 What Challenges Design Most Right Now
00:39:54 The External Pressures: Sustainability, Neurodiversity, and Design by Numbers
00:39:03 Sponsor Spotlight: Tarjeti USA
00:44:17 Keep Playing With Light
00:48:13 People Are the Purpose
00:50:22 Closing Thoughts: Professionalizing the Industry

40 years as CEO: Evolving Design Firm Ownership - Chip Israel + Kelly Jones

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0000

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Chip Israel and Kelly Jones, co-CEOs of Lighting Design Alliance (LDA), to unpack the philosophy, process, and people-first culture that transformed a small firm into one of the industry's most respected design teams—and what happened when they recently merged with a larger technology-focused company to unlock the next chapter of growth.

This isn't a conversation about business strategy or growth metrics. It's a candid, deeply human look at what it means to build something together, trust your gut when the path isn't clear, and create opportunities for the next generation—even when that means relinquishing control of the very thing you spent decades building. Chip and Kelly reveal why culture isn't a slogan, it's how you work every day, why showing up matters more than having all the answers, and why the best measure of success isn't the rendering or the award—it's seeing your team grow into leaders themselves.

💡 Key topics explored:

• Why culture is built through daily actions, not slogans—and how trust and respect create the foundation for everything else

• The importance of surrounding yourself with great talent and giving them the freedom to run with opportunities

• How to let go of control as a designer and leader—and why trusting your people is the hardest and most essential lesson

• What it really means to show up for your team and clients, even when it's inconvenient

• Why the marketplace is changing—and how firms need to adapt to design-build, turnkey projects, and new ownership models

• The role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of designers—and why giving junior team members client exposure is critical

• How Epic Universe became a once-in-a-lifetime project that elevated the bar for themed entertainment lighting worldwide

• Why partnerships in business require hard conversations, mutual respect, and complementary skill sets

• The decision to merge with a larger firm—what drove it, what it means for the team, and why purpose and culture alignment mattered more than the deal itself

• Why enjoying the journey and taking advantage of every opportunity matters more than having a perfect roadmap

Whether you're a designer wondering how to build a sustainable practice, a young professional trying to figure out what comes next, or anyone curious about what it takes to grow something meaningful in a creative industry—this conversation offers a rare, honest look at partnership, growth, and the courage it takes to trust the journey even when you can't see where it's going.

Listen now to hear what two decades of collaboration, trust, and shared passion reveal about building a lighting design firm that puts people first—and why showing up and enjoying the ride might be the best advice anyone can give.

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro: Lessons Learned and Trusting Your Gut
00:01:18 Sponsor Spotlight
00:02:33 The Merger: A Natural Evolution
00:05:34 Building a Culture of Trust and Empowerment
00:06:09 The Art of Letting Go: Leadership and Delegation
00:07:29 What Drives Great Design Teams
00:08:34 Culture Isn't a Slogan: It's How You Work Every Day
00:10:00 The Unexpected Merger: How It All Came Together
00:12:22 Hard Work, Efficiency, and Surrounding Yourself with Talent
00:13:32 No Roadmap Required: Embracing the Non-Linear Journey
00:15:19 Complementary Leadership: How Chip and Kelly Work Together
00:15:50 Endless Opportunities: The Future of Healthcare and Beyond
00:16:38 Taking Risks: From Disney to Career-Defining Moments
00:17:22 Risk, Fear, and Making Decisions
00:19:11 Dealing with Hard Conversations
00:19:44 Future-Proofing the Firm: People, Legacy, and Showing Up
00:20:59 Sponsor Spotlight: Kelvix, Leadflex, Diode LED
00:24:37 Adapting to a Changing Marketplace
00:26:35 The Scale Question: Small Firms vs. Large Firms
00:28:46 Giving Back: Education, Mentorship, and Community
00:30:07 The People Thing: Learning to Let Go When It's Not a Fit
00:31:42 Sponsor Spotlight: Tarjeti USA
00:32:33 What Gets Them Pumped: Epic Universe and Beyond
00:36:18 The Next Chapter: Hiring Friends and Building the Future
00:37:21 Advice to Your Younger Self: Show Up and Enjoy the Journey

Designing Seven Star Luxury Hotels, Dubai, Singapore, Saudi Arabia - Paul Miles

Lytei — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when you sit down with a lighting designer who's spent decades crafting immersive luxury experiences across the Middle East—and ask him what it really takes to turn a journey into an emotion?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel travels to Dubai to sit down with Paul Miles, a veteran lighting designer who has shaped some of the region's most ambitious hospitality projects—from desert resorts where car headlights announce arrivals 15 minutes away, to the monumental facade of Atlantis The Royal, to restaurants where the threshold experience matters as much as the destination itself. This isn't a conversation about fixtures or specifications—it's a deep dive into the philosophy, process, and pressure of designing light that doesn't just illuminate, but immerses.

Paul reveals why luxury is different for every client, why the journey matters more than the photo, and why the best lighting design happens when you deliberately don't design around existing products. He walks through the 12-month process of developing a single facade detail, the crude cardboard models built in-office to sell falling leaf effects, and why sometimes you have to convince a client to let you design the back-of-house with the same care as the front lobby—because their staff matters as much as their guests.

💡 Key topics explored:

• How luxury is defined differently for every client, brand, and geographical context

• Why immersive design isn't about spectacle—it's about making people feel comfortable while subconsciously guiding them through space

• The critical importance of walking the guest journey before designing a single fixture

• How collaboration with architects, interior designers, and landscape designers unlocks 100% success—and why lighting can only achieve 30% alone

• Why Paul's team deliberately avoids designing around existing products—and the creative innovation that forces

• How crude office models made from foam board and foil help sell complex lighting concepts

• Why tight budgets demand double creativity—and why back-of-house design can be just as rewarding as front-of-house luxury

• The balance between design perfection and construction reality—and why flexibility is essential in fast-track projects

• Why the best measure of success isn't the rendering—it's the expressions on people's faces when the space is lived in

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: The Power of Collaboration
00:02:06 Sponsor Spotlight
00:03:27 Welcome to Dubai: Defining Luxury Through Light
00:06:50 The Journey: Designing Immersive Guest Experiences
00:15:01 Creativity Beyond Budget: Innovation with Constraints
00:15:15 The 12-Month Process: Atlantis Royal Facade
00:18:10 Sponsor Spotlight: Leadflex, Diode LED, Kelvix
00:20:37 Desert Immersion: Challenging Standards for Context
00:14:13 Probing the Journey: Research, Site Visits, and Discovery
00:29:31 Sponsor Spotlight: Tarjeti USA
00:31:02 Flexibility and Reality: Making It Work On Site
00:33:22 The Pressure and the Process: Trusting the Design Phases
00:35:13 Experiencing the Space: When Design Becomes Feeling
00:38:33 Closing Thoughts: The Journey Continues

Culture vs. Trends - Siddharth Mathur

Lytei — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when you sit down with a lighting designer who's spent two decades navigating one of the world's most dynamic, culturally complex markets—and ask him how culture, design, and architecture really intersect?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel travels to Dubai to sit down with Siddharth (Sid) Mathur, a veteran lighting designer who has witnessed firsthand the transformation of a city that went from drilling pilings for the Burj Khalifa to becoming one of the most internationally influential design hubs in the world. This isn't a conversation about fixtures or specifications—it's a deep dive into the forces that shape how we design, who we design for, and why understanding people is the single most important skill a designer can have.

Sid walksreveals why uniformity is the death of design, why a 70-year-old client and a 25-year-old client want completely different things from their lighting (even if they live in the same city), and why the most important part of any project isn't the rendering—it's the person-to-person connection that makes everything else possible.

But this conversation goes deeper. It's about the tension between creative vision and client expectation, the exhausting reality of juggling five different cultural contexts in a single day, and why lighting design—despite all its challenges—remains one of the most rewarding professions for those willing to treat it like the marathon it is. Cedar shares why he pushes the envelope on every project, why lighting is the makeup that keeps the perfect marriage of architecture and culture going, and why one person's sparkle is always another person's glare.

💡 Key topics explored:

• How culture influences perception, preference, and aesthetic—and why that matters for every design decision

• The generational divide in lighting expectations: why older clients want uniformity and younger clients want mood

• Why social media is reshaping design trends globally—and what that means for lighting designers trying to stay relevant

• The evolution of Dubai's design aesthetic from flashy luxury to contextual, barefoot elegance

• Why understanding people is more important than understanding products—and how to read culture on every project

• The challenge of designing for international clients who want their home in Dubai to look like a hotel in Miami

• Why visualizations and renderings have become essential tools—and the double-edged sword they create

• How to balance client expectations with creative vision—and why sometimes you just have to give them 450 lux

• The importance of pushing boundaries on every project—even if 99% of it is conventional

• Why lighting design is a marathon, not a sprint—and what keeps designers coming back despite the exhaustion

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:42 Sponsor Spotlight
00:03:06 Welcome to Dubai: Culture Meets Construction
00:05:10 Culture's Influence on Perception, Preference & Aesthetic
00:07:25 The Convergence Problem: Uniformity vs. Authenticity
00:10:16 Social Media, Trends & the Death of Design
00:13:19 What Developers, Clients & Generations Really Want
00:14:45 Dubai's Evolution: From Gold to Barefoot Luxury
00:17:39 Lighting's Role in Culture: Technical vs. Creative
00:20:14 The Client Brief: Pinterest Boards vs. Professional Vision
00:23:36 Before We Continue: Sponsor Spotlight
00:26:01 Service, Not Art: The Designer's Moral Obligation
00:30:23 Showing vs. Telling: Why Seeing Is Believing
00:33:45 Context Is Everything: Designing for Maldives, Kenya, Dubai & Beyond
00:38:28 Reading People: The Secret Skill Design Schools Don't Teach
00:37:33 Sponsor Spotlight: Tarjeti USA
00:42:39 The Builder, The Architect & The Culture of Compromise
00:45:32 The Ironman of Design: Passion, Frustration & Legacy
00:47:14 Pushing Boundaries: The Outdoor Chandelier Story
00:50:54 The Perfect Marriage: Culture, Architecture & Lighting

Lighting's Broken System - Geoff Marlow

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when someone who's spent decades inside the lighting industry's machinery gets straight to it?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Geoff Marlow, a veteran consultant and industry strategist who has witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts reshaping architectural lighting—from the rise of LED technology to the relentless wave of consolidation, private equity takeovers, and the erosion of relationships that once held this industry together.

Geoff walks through what he calls TTO—the convergence of talent scarcity, technical complexity, and the shift from products to outcomes—and explains why the industry's failure to address these forces is creating chaos across every layer of the supply chain. He reveals why manufacturers, reps, distributors, and designers are all pointing fingers at each other's margins while missing the bigger picture: the process itself is broken. Projects are treated as linear when they're actually iterative. Relationships are treated as poetry when they need to be built on definitive, measurable trust. And consolidation—whether it's reps buying reps, manufacturers buying manufacturers, or private equity rolling up portfolios—keeps failing because purpose is missing.

But this isn't just a diagnosis. It's a call to action. Geoff argues that the industry needs to move from inductive chaos to deductive clarity—starting with outcomes, not guesswork. Those margin dollars aren't owed, they're earned. That partnership isn't owed, it's earned. That enthusiasm isn't owed, it's earned. And that if the industry can't create a shared language, a shared purpose, and a shared commitment to solving problems together, it will continue to eat itself from the inside out.

💡 Key topics explored:

• Why talent scarcity, technical complexity, and outcome-driven expectations are colliding—and what that means for everyone in the channel

• The myth of the linear project process—and why lighting is actually a highly iterative, parallel-processing challenge

• How consolidation (reps, manufacturers, PE) keeps failing because purpose and customer clarity are missing

• The shift from specification-driven projects to design-build dominance—and what that means for designers and manufacturers

• The hidden economics of distribution, rebates, and margin compression—and why salespeople default to what's easiest, not what's best

• The danger of regional expansion without local execution—and why customers don't care how many dots are on your map

• Why pricing transparency means different things to different people—and how to navigate that complexity

• The four things every person needs before they commit: care, clarity on what "good" is, understanding what good gets them, and a sense of purpose

• Why the industry needs a think tank—and what happens if we don't create one

Listen now to hear why the lighting system is broken—and how a think tank can help us fix it.

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:52 Sponsor Spotlight
00:03:39 The Talent Crisis and the Iterative Reality
00:07:09 COMPASS: Eight Constraints Defining Today's Projects
00:09:15 Deductive vs. Inductive: Why the Industry Builds Backwards
00:12:10 The Relationship Equation: Beyond Poetry to Performance
00:16:08 Getting Local: Why Leadership Must Leave the Building
00:21:48 The Specification Evolution: From Must-Be to Multi-Name
00:25:05 Channel Tension: Does Everyone Like the Members That Are There?
00:26:10 Sponsor Spotlight: DiodeLED, Kelvix, LED Flex
00:28:33 The M&A Problem: Why Spreadsheets Don't Understand Relationships
00:36:36 Margin Dollars Aren't Owed, They're Earned
00:40:21 The 50/50 Market: Spec vs. Commodity
00:43:24 White Goods, Rebates, and Broken Incentives
00:47:15 Sponsor Spotlight: Targetti USA
00:48:07 Design-Build's 50% Future: What's Your Plan?
00:50:37 Respecting the Designer's Palette
00:51:54 This Is Solvable: Finding Those Who Teach You to Get an A

Inside Luminaire Design: Step 1 + 2 - Gary Trott (Acuity), Tom Howe (Kelvix)

Lytei — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when you pull back the curtain on how architectural lighting actually gets made—from whiteboard sketch to installation—and discover the hidden complexity, creative tension, and human ingenuity behind every luminaire?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with two veterans from opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum: Gary Trott from Acuity Brands (one of the largest lighting manufacturers in North America) and Tom Howe from Kelvix (a nimble, specification-focused flexible linear company). Together, they unpack the entire product development journey—the messy, exhilarating, frustrating, and deeply collaborative process that transforms an idea into the light you experience in buildings every day.

This isn't a sales pitch or a product demo. It's a rare, candid look at what it really takes to design, engineer, source, manufacture, and deliver lighting in an industry where nothing is standard, every project is different, and the pressure to move fast constantly battles the need to get it right. From the roller coaster of engineering pilots to the art of saying "no" to impossible requests, Gary and Tom reveal the uncomfortable truths about an industry caught between creativity and commerce, innovation and execution, vision and reality.

They discuss why service matters more than product, how architectural brands can thrive inside big companies, and why luminaire design is experiencing a Renaissance now that LED technology has stabilized. The conversation goes deep into supply chain strategy, the myth that one person can do it all, the critical role of controls, and why curiosity—not market demand—drives true innovation. Along the way, they bust myths, share war stories, and explain why even a "simple" two-foot change can ripple through an entire manufacturing process.

💡 Key topics explored:

• The two-part product development process: ideation vs. execution (and why both are brutal)

• Why vertical integration vs. horizontal supply chains matter—and what each enables

• How flexible linear lighting gets made (spoiler: it's not as simple as it looks)

• The role of controls in modern lighting—and why interoperability still isn't solved

• Why manufacturers resist the temptation to design too early and start by deeply understanding problems

• What happens when market demand conflicts with true innovation

• The myth that change is simple—and what really happens when a spec changes mid-project

• How machine vision, testing systems, and skilled labor coexist in modern manufacturing

• Why human-centric lighting hasn't unlocked yet—and what's holding it back

• The future of lighting: modularity, reuse, sustainability, and less waste

• What keeps these industry veterans motivated: people, collaboration, and seeing their work come to life

Whether you're a designer who's ever wondered why a \"simple\" modification takes three weeks, an architect curious about what happens after you hit submit on a spec, or anyone who's fascinated by how the things around us actually get made—this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft, complexity, and constancy of purpose required to bring light into the world.

Listen now to discover what it really takes to turn an idea into a luminaire—and why the people behind the process matter just as much as the product itself.

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:33 Sponsor Spotlight
00:02:48 Meet the Guests: Gary Trott and Tom Howe
00:03:28 What People Get Wrong About Architectural Lighting
00:05:11 Finding Your Lane: The Art of Specialization
00:06:57 The Luminaire Design Renaissance
00:08:38 Step 1: Ideation and Product Specification
00:13:55 Step 2: The Product Development Roller Coaster
00:21:16 Supply Chain Realities: Local vs. Global Manufacturing
00:30:11 The Controls Conversation: Where Are We Now?
00:40:09 Curiosity vs. Market Demand: The Innovation Dilemma
00:55:04 Behind the Curtain: The Manufacturing Reality
00:58:14 Mythbusters: Change Isn't Simple and Everyone Can Innovate
01:00:54 What Keeps Them Going: People, Passion, and Pride

What's Changed, What Hasn't: Design in 2026 - Bruce Taylor, Nathalie Faubert, Martin Van Koolbergen

Lytei — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when three of New York City's most accomplished lighting designers sit down to talk about the state of their profession, with the Empire State Building and JP Morgan Tower framed in the window behind them?

In this special episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel brings together a powerhouse roundtable of lighting design leaders to unpack the evolution, challenges, and future of architectural lighting. Recorded live in New York City with the iconic skyline as backdrop, this conversation goes deep into what it really means to design light in 2025—and what needs to change. Martin Van Koolbergen (KGM Lighting), Nathalie Faubert (CBB Lighting Desing), Bruce Taylor (Susan Brady Lighting Design)

From nurturing new talent to navigating the relentless pace of modern projects, these designers reveal the uncomfortable truths about an industry caught between artistry and data, emotion and efficiency, tradition and trend. They discuss why lighting design is still treated as a luxury rather than a necessity, how LED technology forced the entire profession to evolve, and why the constant demand for meetings and instant gratification is pushing designers to the edge of burnout.

This isn't just shop talk—it's a candid examination of what's working, what's broken, and what the next generation needs to carry the profession forward. The conversation touches on everything from the tension between photo-realistic renderings and hand sketches, to why trust is the number one thing clients can offer, to the surprising ways technology both helps and hinders great design.

💡 Key topics explored:

• How new talent is reshaping lighting design—and what established firms are learning from them

• The battle between instant gratification and thoughtful design process

• Why lighting designers have become educators whether they wanted to or not

• The difference between sustainability as a mindset versus a checkbox

• How trends emerge, evolve, and eventually fade in architectural lighting

• Why collaboration between firms matters more than protecting trade secrets

• What makes designers feel most alive—and why it spans the beginning, middle, and end of every project

• The hope for 2030: better education, broader access to good lighting, and recognition that lighting design isn't a luxury—it's essential

Whether you're a designer navigating the pressures of modern practice, an architect wondering how lighting consultants really think, or simply someone who's ever wondered why some spaces just feel right—this conversation offers rare insight into a profession that shapes how we experience the built environment every single day.

Listen now to hear what three brilliant minds reveal about the past, present, and future of lighting design—framed by a city that never stops building, never stops evolving, and never stops demanding better light.

❤️ Big appreciation for the partners who support this work and trust the vision. They believe in thoughtful conversations, strong community, and letting designers’ voices lead. Grateful to build this together.

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 The State of Lighting Design: Talent, Technology & Evolution
00:06:30 Bridging Generations: Experience Meets Innovation
00:07:51 The Emotion vs. Data Dilemma in Lighting Design
00:12:08 Breaking Out of Silos: Collaboration & Creative Freedom
00:14:30 The Impatience Advantage: How New Designers Are Reshaping the Industry
00:21:40 The Instant Gratification Era: Speed, Pressure & Design Quality
00:01:30 Before We Jump In: Sponsor Spotlight
00:34:55 Trust & Education: What Designers Need Most From Clients
00:37:09 What Hasn't Changed: Timeless Principles from Empire State to JP Morgan
00:43:42 Trends, Technology & the Copycat Culture
00:54:48 The Education Imperative: Designers as Translators of Technology
01:07:52 Sustainability: Beyond the Buzzword
01:19:29 Complacency, Capacity & the Path of Least Resistance
01:27:51 What Makes Us Feel Alive: The Beginning, Middle & End
01:34:30 Looking to 2030: Hopes for the Future of Lighting Design

Luxury Living: Why Most Homes Get Lighting Wrong - Richard Millson

Lytei — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0000

What happens when the people who control your home's technology realize most homes are getting lighting fundamentally wrong?

In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Richard Millson, a master integrator with nearly 30 years of experience creating seamless smart home experiences for luxury residences. Together, they unpack why most homes — even $30 million estates — fail at lighting design, and how the advent of LED technology has forced integrators to become lighting experts whether they wanted to or not.

Richard reveals the uncomfortable truth: most residential projects don't have professional lighting designers involved. The architect, electrician, or builder handles it, not out of malice, but because they genuinely believe "four cans and a fan" is fine. Meanwhile, integrators are left to control whatever shows up on site — fixtures that don't dim properly, don't match in color temperature, or literally leave million-dollar artwork half in shadow. This conversation goes deep into how technology is reshaping the entire lighting industry — from fixtures with built-in intelligence to wireless control systems that let you redesign your lighting after your house is built. Richard shares why his company now specifies fixtures themselves (it's not about the money) and how showing clients what's actually possible with modern lighting creates those "I didn't know my house could look like this" moments.

💡 Key insights:

• Why LED changed everything — and made lighting exponentially more complex

• How intelligence is moving from wall switches to the fixtures themselves

• The difference between selling technology and creating experiences

• Why integrators and designers need each other more than ever

• How to create intuitive control systems that guests can use without training

• The future of residential lighting and where the industry is heading Whether you're a designer wondering why integrators suddenly care about your fixture selections, an integrator trying to navigate the lighting landscape, or a homeowner who's ever wondered "what does this switch do?" — this episode reveals what it really takes to get lighting right in luxury homes.

Where Richard works: https://millson.net/

Join the fun - learn more about Lightapalooza (our sponsor) - https://lightapalooza.com/

Listen now to discover why lighting might be the most misunderstood — and most impactful — element in your home.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Problem: Most Homes Get Lighting Wrong
00:01:27 Richard!
00:03:37 The LED Revolution Changed Everything
00:05:50 From Control to Design: Why Integrators Must Evolve
00:07:40 The Art of Collaboration Without Competition
00:16:07 Educating Clients: The Power of Demonstration
00:23:26 Creating Intuitive User Experiences
00:29:35 The Future: Flexibility and Addressability
00:34:24 Industry Evolution and Consolidation
00:38:01 Lighting as the Gateway to Early Project Involvement

What Developers Really Want (Not Lower Prices) - Jamil Lacourt | L&L Holding Company [IMMERSIVE]

Lytei — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0000

What do billion-dollar developers really think about design — and where does lighting fit in?

In this episode, LytePOD host Sam Koerbel sits down with the COO of a luxury real-estate developer in New York City responsible for billions of dollars in projects. Together they unpack the owner’s perspective on budgets, design ambition, and risk — and what happens when lighting becomes the most misunderstood line item on the spreadsheet.

This candid, behind-the-scenes conversation reveals how developers make decisions, where designers lose trust, and what it takes to bridge the gap between creativity and construction reality.

💬 Topics covered:
• How developers evaluate risk, cost, and design value
• Why lighting often gets “value-engineered” — and how to prevent it
• The balance between aesthetics and ROI in high-end projects
• What guardrails and responsibilities do developers have
• How a developer can guarantee success on a project (spoiler alert: belief, conviction, and a team that adapts as the market changes)

Where Jamil works: https://www.ll-holding.com/

Where we recorded this: https://terminalwarehouse.nyc/

🎧 Listen now to learn what truly drives billion-dollar development decisions — and how lighting can become the differentiator, not the casualty.

Chapters

00:00:00 Setting the Stage: What Developers Value
00:05:15 Jamil's Path: From Construction to COO
00:11:45 Balancing Cost, Time, and Quality
00:19:30 Building A Business Plan For New Development
00:27:15 The Anatomy of a Construction Budget
00:36:00 Managing Consultants and Contractors
00:45:30 Choosing the Right Design Partners
00:54:00 The Lighting Conversation
01:05:40 Q+A, Sam Answers to Jamil's Questions
01:40:30 Reflections and Grattitude

Luxury Living: Designing Lighting That Sells Itself - Pete Romaniello

Lytei — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with master lighting designer and educator Pete Romaniello live at Lightapalooza, the premier event for custom home integrators learning to adopt lighting as a new design category.

With over 30 years of experience, Pete breaks down the fundamentals of great lighting design — from placement and purpose to ethics and education. He shares why lighting should start with the walls, not the fixtures, and how to create spaces that make people say “My house is beautiful,” not “Look at that fixture.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between selling lighting and designing it well, this conversation will change the way you think about every ceiling, wall, and beam of light.

Where Pete works: https://www.conceptuallighting.com/

Where we recorded this: https://lightapalooza.com/

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Bad Lighting
00:01:45 Introduction to Pete
00:06:09 The Hunger for Lighting Knowledge in the AV Industry
00:09:41 Fundamental Principles of Lighting Design
00:22:37 Understanding Construction Limitations
00:26:30 Getting Clients Excited Without a Showroom
00:30:13 Frank Lloyd Wright and Timeless Design Principles
00:32:40 Collaboration Between Lighting Designers and Integrators
00:38:52 Closing Thoughts: Respect and Collaboration

Details + Design's Identity Crisis - Dan Weissman, Srushti Totadri

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Do details still serve design, or have they taken over? In this episode, Dan and Srushti of Lam Partners trace the history of lighting details — from Versailles to tape lights — and reveal how we arrived at today’s identity crisis in design.

They cover:

Why don’t more products mean better work
How culture and politics shape design choices
The rise (and overuse) of “non-details” like slots, coves, and planes
What today’s market trends say about the future of lighting

Straightforward, sharp, and unfiltered — this is a must-listen for anyone rethinking the role of details in modern design.

Luxury Living: A Designers Playbook for Integrators - Garrett Neal

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0000

What makes a space feel truly luxurious? It’s not more fixtures or bigger budgets — it’s intentional lighting design.

In this episode of the LytePOD, host Sam sits down with Garrett Neal of NEAL Lighting to unpack why good lighting doesn’t have to be expensive, how to plan with furniture and architecture first, and why integrators should think like designers to deliver better results.

You’ll learn:

How lighting shapes atmosphere and vibe (like music in a space)
Why contrast, shadows, and restraint create luxury experiences
The role of a lighting consultant in high-end residential and hospitality projects
Practical advice for custom integrators who want to elevate their work

If you’re an integrator, architect, or designer who wants to add more value to projects — this conversation is your playbook.

Lighting's Next Big Problem - Andrea Wilkerson + Rachel Fitzgerald

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0000

LEDs were supposed to last forever. But what happens when they don’t?

Host Sam Koerbel talks with Rachel Fitzgerald (Stantec) and Andrea Wilkerson (PNNL) about a growing crisis: the lack of replaceable components in LED systems. From failing fixtures in schools and offices to flickering tubular LEDs and the fluorescent phase-out, this conversation calls for real accountability from manufacturers, reps, and the supply chain.

👉 Why listen?

Learn why warranties aren’t enough
Hear how schools, hospitals, and offices are struggling with maintenance
Get the truth about Type B tubular LEDs and flicker
Understand how “right to repair” could shape lighting’s future

This is thought leadership with a challenge: the industry must act before failures pile up.

Luxury Living: The State of Lighting + AV Dealers - Trent Mulligan

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Lighting is the biggest opportunity most integrators aren’t taking full advantage of.

In this episode, Trent Mulligan shares how reps and dealers can unlock real revenue, why luxury homes are often underlit, and why education and early involvement are the keys to making lighting work.

🎧 Listen now to hear:

How to grow without doubling staff
Why “bad light” is still the norm in high-end homes
The power of getting in at the start of a project

Luxury Living: Lighting's Ultimate Business Frontier - Alex Lelchuk, Brian Anderson, Rocky Settecasi

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Lighting is the fastest-growing frontier in home tech—and Brian Anderson, Rocky Settacassi, and Alex Lelch share exactly how they’re making it pay off.

From building immersive showrooms to mastering LED challenges and collaborating with designers, this episode is packed with insights for integrators, dealers, and designers ready to turn lighting into a thriving part of their business.

Whether you're just curious about lighting or ready to build a profitable new division, this conversation offers a step-by-step look at the process, challenges, and opportunities.

The Truth About Lighting Pricing - Justin Streeb

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0000

The hardest part of buying lighting isn’t the check - it's making sure you get what you ordered.
In one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had, Justin Streeb, Co-Founder and CSO of 1 LUX, breaks down the behind-the-scenes chaos of actually buying lights. With over 20 years in the industry, Justin went from designing high-end homes in Aspen to founding multiple companies that now sit at the intersection of design, distribution, and strategy.

This episode dives into why lighting procurement is so complicated, how the supply chain is fundamentally misaligned with design intent, and what it takes to build a business that truly serves both the specifier and the end client. Justin shares war stories from the 2008 recession, lessons from scaling up, and what still frustrates him about how our industry buys light.

Wondering: “why is this so hard?”, This episode will shine a light on the answer.

AI Changes Design - Paul Boken

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0000

AI is changing design—not by replacing creativity, but by clearing space for it.

In this episode, we explore how designers can use AI to save time, improve documentation, and focus more on what matters: ideas. From writing proposals to generating marketing assets, we talk through the real ways AI fits into a design workflow—and why it’s up to creatives to shape how it’s used.

Luxury Living: CEDIA Elevates Lighting

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Lighting is no longer just an accessory — it’s becoming a core profit center for AV integrators. In this episode, Sam Koerbel sits down with CEDIA co-founder Tom Doherty and current CEO Daryl Friedman to explore why lighting is now a strategic focus for the custom integration industry.

They discuss:

Why lighting represents the next big opportunity for integrators
The challenges of adding lighting to your business model
How CEDIA plans to educate and support its members
What does this shift mean for the future of smart home integration

Whether you're already exploring lighting or still unsure where to start, this episode offers clarity, leadership, and insight into the future of residential technology.

AI Imitates, Designers Create - Sarah Richter

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0000

AI is changing the game — but not the designer.
In this episode, Sarah Richter shares how she’s using AI to enhance creativity, save time, and stay focused on what really matters: the design.

We cover:
🎯 Where AI fits in early-stage workflows
📬 How it’s helping with client comms + marketing
🧠 Why curiosity (not code) is the key to using AI well

If you’ve been wondering how real designers are actually using AI — this one’s for you.

Luxury Living: Designers + AV Dealers Gotta Dance

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0000

There’s a shift happening in the custom home world—AV integrators are stepping into lighting, but most don’t realize they’re now part of a much bigger story. This episode explores that turning point. It’s about power, partnership, and what happens when two expert worlds—lighting design and technology integration—finally meet.

Whether you're trying to add margin through lighting, avoid conflict on job sites, or just figure out what lighting designers actually do—this is your guide.

In this episode, renowned lighting designers Sean O’Connor and Thomas Paterson unpack:

- What lighting design really is—and why it’s more than fixture plans

- How integrators and designers can stop stepping on each other’s toes

- Why early communication changes everything

- What it looks like to share ownership and still get paid

- How to “take care of each other” in a fragmented supply world

This isn’t about fluff. It’s about real-world collaboration, respect, and helping integrators win in a space they’re just beginning to explore.

Human Connection Beyond the Checklist - Paige Donnell

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Mentorship isn’t a checkbox, a program, or a bullet point on a website—it’s a mindset. In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Paige Donald joins Sam to challenge everything you think you know about mentoring.They explore what happens when teams build trust, lead with vulnerability, and invest in each other beyond just “doing the job.” You’ll hear how mentorship becomes the engine for creativity, loyalty, and long-term retention—an organic force that shapes culture from the inside out.From powerful real-world stories to actionable ideas, this episode offers a playbook for how to lead, grow, and belong in a team that thrives. Whether you're a leader, a designer, or someone looking to build better relationships at work—this episode will change the way you see mentorship.💬 Topics We Cover:-Why mentorship is more than a program-How vulnerability builds real trust-The difference between coaching and mentorship-Creating feedback loops that go both ways-Aligning teams through shared values-A culture-first approach to employee retention-How to build daily habits of connection-The hidden ROI of human-centered leadership-Real-world examples from SmithGroup’s team dynamics-The power of 10-minute check-ins🛠️ Who This Episode Is For:-Team leaders building long-term culture-Designers and creatives navigating mentorship-HR professionals rethinking retention-Anyone who believes people-process

Creative Relentless Mastery - Keith Bradshaw

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Burn the Rulebook. Challenge Yourself. No Rules. Just Design + Creativity.

In this episode of the LytePOD, Keith Bradshaw — CEO and co-founder of Speirs Major — invites us into the mindset that has shaped one of the most iconic lighting design studios in the world.

From rejecting personal “style” to designing with emotional precision, Keith shares why the real competition is internal — and why great design demands risk, reflection, and the courage to start over again and again.

We talk about:

Why lighting is a chameleon-like discipline
The fear of repetition and creative stagnation
How to lead a studio without losing creative fire
Designing for feeling, not just form
What separates good work from unforgettable work

This is a masterclass in creative discipline, and a rare glimpse into what it takes to stay great — even when no one’s watching.

The Rep Explained & Understood - Caitlin Mulligan

Thu, 08 May 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Why can’t you just get a price for a light fixture? What exactly does a lighting rep do?

In this eye-opening episode, Sam sits down with Caitlin Mulligan to break down the architectural sales channel and shed light on the critical but often misunderstood role of manufacturers’ reps in the design and construction industry.From the pricing complexity of architectural products to the behind-the-scenes hustle for every purchase order, Caitlin explains the challenges, responsibilities, and realities of being a rep—and why it matters to designers, architects, and engineers alike.

Whether you’re an emerging designer, a seasoned architect, or curious about how materials actually get procured, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the sales process, so you can work smarter and build better relationships with reps.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why pricing a light fixture is more complex than you think

✅ The role of a manufacturer’s rep in the sales channel

✅ How reps support designers, architects, and engineers

✅ Why reps are tied to specific territories—and how that impacts projects

✅ How reps get compensated (and why they sometimes don’t)

✅ The hidden challenges of getting specified and staying specified

✅ The rep’s role in custom product modifications and technical support

✅ How reps influence product innovation by relaying market needs

✅ Why communication and transparency are key to mutual success

David Seok: Breaking Bias, Building Belonging

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0000

In this powerful conversation, lighting designer David Seok shares his personal journey navigating identity, cultural bias, and representation in the design industry. 🎙 Topics covered: -Growing up Asian American in the design world -Understanding unconscious bias in the workplace -Building belonging and psychological safety -Why DEI isn’t just a buzzword -How to turn awareness into meaningful action This episode goes beyond conversation—it’s a challenge to rethink how we see one another. Where David Works: https://www.thelightingpractice.com/ Asian Lighting Community: https://www.instagram.com/asianlightingcommunity/

Chip Israel: Design vs. Business

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Explore the reality of growing a design firm. Chip reflects on decades of experience—what he learned the hard way, how he approaches business decisions, and what he wishes young designers knew before launching their own studios. Whether you're a seasoned principal or just beginning your career, this episode is full of actionable advice for navigating the intersection of creativity and business.

Key Topics covered:

Starting a design business: challenges and costs
Why passion needs to be paired with business acumen
How to scale without burning out
Managing people, billing cycles, and mentorship
Building trust, reputation, and referral networks

Rebuilding LA With Better Light - Nick Albert, Cy Eaton

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:05:00 -0000

How can lighting help rebuild communities after a disaster? In this episode, we speak with homeowners who have lost everything, elected officials leading recovery efforts, and industry experts working to make reconstruction safer and more sustainable. Learn how lighting design is crucial in rebuilding efforts and what it takes to create a more resilient future.

Get involved: lightequity.org

A special thank you to these community advocates and sponsors:

Bartco - www.bartcolighting.com

Cerno- cernogroup.com

Cooper Lighting - www.cooperlighting.com

DMF - www.dmflighting.com

Prudential Lighting - www.prulite.com

Managing Your Creative Mind : Shawna Bigby-Davis

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:45:00 -0000

As a former creative agency owner turned wellness coach, Shawna Bigby-Davis explores the unique challenges faced by creative professionals. She discusses the connection between creativity and the nervous system, how stress manifests in the body, and the importance of self-regulation for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming autoimmune diseases, Shawna shares practical insights on recognizing burnout, embracing imperfection, and building sustainable creative practices.

The App: https://yourdaily.health/Summary of Topics:

1.The Creative Brain-Body Connection – Why creativity is a full-body experience, not just a mental process.

2. Understanding Burnout – How chronic stress impacts creatives and why it’s essential to listen to the body’s signals.

3. Perfectionism and External Validation – The hidden cost of seeking approval and striving for flawlessness in creative work.

4. Breaking the Cycle of Stress – Practical strategies for self-regulation and stress management.

5. Sustainable Creativity – How to balance professional demands while prioritizing personal well-being.

This episode is made possible thanks to Nightingale Lighting - Learn more

Kate Furst - Dreaming in Color

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:25:00 -0000

Kate explores the power of color in lighting design—how it shapes human experiences, evokes emotion, and influences spatial perception. Drawing from her background in theatrical and architectural lighting, she shares insights on the intentional use of color as a storytelling tool.

From museum exhibits to built environments, Kate discusses how light enhances materials, the cultural significance of color, and why thoughtful color selection is often more effective than color-changing lighting. Whether you're a designer, architect, or simply fascinated by how light impacts our world, this episode will change the way you see color.

Topics Covered

Theatrical vs. architectural lighting design
The emotional and psychological effects of color
The role of daylight and natural color variations
How historical architecture was designed with lighting in mind
Using light to enhance materials rather than overpower them
Cultural perceptions of color
The importance of intentionality in color selection
Technical advances in color lighting and controls
Balancing aesthetics and practicality in lighting projects
Sustainability and responsible color application in lighting

Key Takeaways

Color in lighting is more than just RGB. Color is present in all light, and even subtle shifts in white light can dramatically impact perception.
Lighting is a storytelling tool. The way color interacts with a space, material, and time of day shapes how people feel and engage with an environment.
Cultural and contextual meaning of color matters. Different cultures perceive colors differently, and designers must consider these associations when making choices.
Static vs. dynamic color use. Not all projects require dynamic color-changing lighting; sometimes, carefully selecting a fixed hue is more effective.
Lighting design is a team effort. Successful implementation requires collaboration between lighting designers, architects, and other stakeholders.

Kevin Houser - Understanding Human Centric Lighting

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:15:00 -0000

This conversation explores the impact of lighting on human health. Kevin Houser, Professor at Oregon State University and Lead Engineer at the Pacifica Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), discusses how circadian lighting and human-centric design influence well-being, the latest research on non-visual responses to light, and the industry’s challenge in balancing scientific rigor with practical application. The conversation also addresses the risks of over-quantifying lighting metrics too soon and the need for continued research and adaptation. Two big takeaways: Human-centric lighting is more than a marketing term – It has real implications for well-being, but the industry must be careful not to over-promise or oversimplify its effects. We’re still in the early stages of understanding circadian lighting – While there are provisional recommendations for lighting design, ongoing research and practical application will determine how effective these strategies really are. The Key topics are: The evolution of human-centric lighting and its ties to circadian rhythms The science behind non-visual responses to light and their effect on human health The role of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in regulating circadian rhythms The challenge of applying lab-based research findings to real-world architectural lighting The fine line between scientific accuracy and marketing buzzwords in the lighting industry The future of human-centric lighting, including emerging standards and recommendations The need for continued refinement of provisional lighting guidelines This episode is brought to you by Nightingale Lighting, a brand that designs lighting solutions beyond expectations in healthcare environments. Learn more at nightingalelighting.com/discover.

The State of Design: 2025 - Lisa Bartlett, Jay Wratten, Michael Lindsey, Reinhardt Swart

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:25:00 -0000

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.

Christopher Knowlton + Andrea Hartranft: Nonprofits in Design - Connecting & Elevating

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This episode dives 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. Key Takeaways: What drives associations and nonprofits to form. How mission alignment shapes the work of nonprofit organizations. The value of collaboration in design-focused nonprofits. Insights into leadership and growth in nonprofit spaces Episode Partnership: Nightingale - https://www.nightingalelighting.com/discover Episode Guests: Christoher Kowlton - CEO, IALD - www.iald.org Andrea Hartranft - President, IALD - Principal, Hartranft Lighting Studios - www.hartranftlighting.com [00:00:00] - Introduction — [00:04:00] - What Makes an Association Happen? [00:07:00] - The Role of Mission in Nonprofits [00:09:30] - Leadership and Vision [00:11:50] - Collaboration & Community Building [00:15:00] - Challenges Facing Nonprofits [00:20:00] - How Design and Creativity Drive Nonprofit Success [00:25:00] - The Future of IALD [00:30:00] - Q&A [00:35:00] - Closing Thoughts Love this episode? Please share it with someone interested in the power of nonprofits in design. Love this theme? Subscribe to get updates on future episodes.

Cecilia Ramos - Leading with Luxury

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:50:56 -0000

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.

David Warfel - Design in a New Way

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:29:00 -0000

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!)

Kimberly King - Transformative Not Transactional: Design-Minded Supply

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:00:21 -0000

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.

Elaine Cook - Equity in Lighting: An Inclusive Approach to Design

Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:36 -0000

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.

Andrea Wilkerson - Doubling Down on Data-Driven Design

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:00:35 -0000

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.

Archit Jain and Scott Hatton - Selling Time as a Service: Service-Based Businesses

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:00:07 -0000

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.

Gerald Olesker - From Curbside to Poolside: A-List Lighting Design

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:07:30 -0000

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.

[In Memory] Howard Brandston - Rules are a substitute for thinking

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:11:53 -0000

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!

Lighting up the AV Sales Channel - Trent Mulligan and David Thomas

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 09:00:15 -0000

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.

Dane Sanders - Smart Cities, Urban Light

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:07 -0000

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.

2022 Wrapped: Mix Tape of Our Top 5 Episodes

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:30:16 -0000

What a year 2022 was for lighting. From new technology to exciting trends and research, the LytePOD featured a lot of great new episodes (27 to be exact). Sam recaps the top five most listened-to episodes of the year. If your taste is anything like the rest of the listeners, we hope you like them, too.

Got a few minutes to spare? Take our short survey >> https://zurl.co/510r << to let us know how we're doing!

Kelly Jones - Master Juggling: Finding Balance in Work and Life

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:11 -0000

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.

Catherine Leskowat - Making Progress: the Art of Advocating

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:00:12 -0000

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.

Ben Cantu - Boldly Being You: Brand Secrets From an Industry Pro

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:00:45 -0000

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.

Claudio Ramos - The Art of Integration: Synergy Through Collaboration

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:42:30 -0000

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.

Karen Jess-Lindsley - Building Sustainability Into Business

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:46:09 -0000

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.

Ideas in Action: Building the Lighting Community - Lauren Dandridge and Colleen Peach

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:00:15 -0000

"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.

Dance of Design: Leading and Following

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:30:38 -0000

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.

Loren Kessel - Changemaking: How to Thrive in the Lighting Business

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:30:26 -0000

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!

Renee Borg - The Power of Specification

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:30:51 -0000

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.

Leigh Gice - A Lighting Lover's Mission: Making the Extraordinary Collectively Common

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:59 -0000

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.

Sebastien Payannet - Competing in Life, Light, + Sports

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 08:30:28 -0000

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.

John Roach - The Aesthetics of Engineering

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 08:30:16 -0000

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.

Jon Penndorf - Real Sustainability: Doing More Good (Not Less Bad)

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:30:11 -0000

"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.

Jane White - Sustainable Manufacturing: From Vision to Action

Thu, 26 May 2022 08:00:22 -0000

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.

Visualization of Light: Ernesto Pacheco and Coffield King

Thu, 12 May 2022 09:00:44 -0000

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.

Melissa Mattes - Material Transparency in Lighting: The Butterfly Effect

Thu, 05 May 2022 09:00:53 -0000

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

Ryan Poole - Building Green: The Power of Collaboration

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:28 -0000

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.

Paul Boken - The Cloud Revolution: Collaborative Platforms for Design

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

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!

Lighting Design in 2022 (Part 2) - Dan Weissman, Kate St. Laurent, and Sara Schonour

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

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.

Lighting Design in 2022 (Part 1) - Dan Weissman, Kate St. Laurent, and Sara Schonour

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

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.

Chris Slaughter - Leveraging Technology and Automation in Lighting

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

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.

[REPLAY] Jay Wratten: Smart Isn't Something You Install

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

[REPLAY] Howard Brandston: Rules are a Substitute for Thinking

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

[REPLAY] Chip Israel: The Need for Transparent Pricing

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

Lighting for Health and Wellness: WELL V2 - Rachel, Alison, and Jessica

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

Stephen Lees' Story (Part 3): Designing HLB's Legacy

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

Stephen Lees' Story (Part 2): Building Bigger Boxes

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000

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.

Stephen Lees' Story (Part 1): From Actors to Architects

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000

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.

Oscar Cobb - The JEDI Mindset: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0000

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.

Jess Krometis - Live from Lightfair: A Recap of Lights in Alingsås

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0000

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.

There's a New Color Tool in Town: TM-30's Annex E - Jason Livingston and Tony Esposito

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0000

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.

Get to Know the Queer Community - Alana, Amy, Martin

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:44:37 -0000

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.

Charles Stone - Design in 2021: Change, Challenge, and Opportunity

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:18:37 -0000

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.

Sustainability: Green Means Go - Accelerating Transparency in the Lighting Industry - Melissa Mattes, Karen Jess-Lindsley, Jonathan Penndorf, Reiko Kagawa, and Jane White

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:16:35 -0000

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.

Alriah, Alyssa, Sarah, and Michelle - WILD on the Rise: Texas Edition

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:08:57 -0000

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.

Paul Pickard - Behind the Curtain in Manufacturing

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0000

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.

Granville McAnear - School of Rock Meets School of Light

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:08:21 -0000

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.

Caitlin Mulligan + Ryan Weiss - Being a Rep: Understanding what People Need and Connecting the Dots

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:52:28 -0000

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.

Paul Pickard - The Social Responsibility of Manufacturing

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:47:22 -0000

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.

Tina Aghassian - Lighting for the Less Fortunate

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:35:39 -0000

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.

Jess Baker - Two Parallel Professions: Theatrical & Architectural Lighting

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 18:09:08 -0000

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.

Lance Bennett - Transforming The Way We Engage and Learn

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:37:52 -0000

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.

Paula Martinez-Nobles: Diversity + Minorities Are Making A Difference

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:19:01 -0000

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.

Giulio Pedota - Designing With The Next Generation

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:18:28 -0000

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.

Lars Christiansen - Creating Efficiency: Lighting + Tech

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:55:33 -0000

Everyone wants a faster and better way to do their job. Technology is a double-edged sword, access to information is critical and people want to be more efficient. Lars Christiansen Co-Founder and CEO of LightAZ talks about what the lighting industry's future might look like and how the design community is driving a need for change whether they know it or not.

Jimalee Beno - COVID Changed the World, We Survived, Let's Thrive

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:22:49 -0000

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.

Jack English - The Nature of Being a Rep

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:10:25 -0000

A transactional-oriented business requires volume, consistent opportunity, and risk. Jack English, Principal of Illumination Systems, talks about what he's learned over 40+ years in the business when it comes to defining value and capturing opportunity as a manufactures representative for architectural lighting.

Rosemarie Allaire - The CLD, A Global Lighting Credential

Thu, 20 May 2021 13:43:50 -0000

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!

Gary Trott - Innovating for the Future

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:59:00 -0000

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.

Sara Schonour - Bursting the Lighting Bubble, Creating Awareness Beyond the Profession

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 18:42:33 -0000

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.

Anne Kustner, Gregg Mackell, Lana Nathe - Buried Basketball Courts, The Mafia and More!

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:17:38 -0000

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.

Anne Kustner, Gregg Mackell, Lana Nathe - The Crazy Truth of Residential Lighting

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:05:18 -0000

Brittany Lynch - A Job With No Days Off, Working Moms

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 02:59:55 -0000

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.

Steve Nicola - The Big Pivot, Selling in 2021

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:59:16 -0000

The landscape of how people are engaging and selling took a 180 in the last 12 months but one thing hasn't changed - we still have two ears and one mouth that should be used proportionally. Steve Nicola, VP of Sales at Nuilte, talks about what his team has learned and what changed to stay operational. One thing is for sure, business still goes on even though everything is different - and that will lead to permanent change, possibly for the better.

Ann Reo - A Young Lady With a Dream

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:21:15 -0000

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.

Josie Wratten - Lighting Design, Who Cares?

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:24:50 -0000

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.

Sean O'Connor - What Lighting and Surfing Have in Common

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 22:50:18 -0000

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.

Jody Pritchard & Kristin Peck - How to Win at Work and at Home

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:48:46 -0000

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!

Jim Tetlow - Lighting the Presidential Stage

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:53:32 -0000

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?

Patrick Quigley - Three Pillars to Success

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 01:54:13 -0000

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.

Celebrating the Legacy of Barbara Horton (Part 3) - The HLB Love Story

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:15:22 -0000

Did you know every HLB office started thanks to love in the air? Listen to this final conversation with Barbara as she talks about how HLB lighting Desing has grown to what it is today. It was always important to put the employees first and build a culture that allowed everyone to work to the best of their ability. The closing of this is one you can't miss, Barbara's influence in Architectural Lighting will live on for generations to come!

Celebrating the Legacy of Barbara Horton (Part 2) - Defining Light, How it Works & what it does

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:21:00 -0000

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.

Celebrating the Legacy of Barbara Horton (Part 1) - Building a Business & Checking your Ego at the Door

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:12:25 -0000

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.

Rob Guglielmetti - Breaking Down Daylight and Why it's Important

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:17:32 -0000

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.

Thomas Paterson - How Mentorship Will Change Your Life

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 06:19:45 -0000

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.

Peter Stanway - How Does It Work? Manufacturing in 2020

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 04:50:48 -0000

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.

Kelly Roberts and Megan Carroll - Meet W.I.L.D.

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:42:22 -0000

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!

Steven Rosen - Building a Business as Husband and Wife Full of Passion and Opportunity

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:16:36 -0000

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!

Dan Weissman - How To Be an Architectural Psychologist

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 02:59:35 -0000

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.

Jennifer Sanborn - How Lighting Relates to Fashion

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 18:16:02 -0000

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.

Ira Rothman - The Academy of Sciences for Lighting Distribution

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:53:47 -0000

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.

David Ghatan - The Need for Holistic Design, Manufacturing and Innovation

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 01:11:21 -0000

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.

Matt Seconi - The Value of a One Name Spec

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000

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.

Matt Seconi - Building a new Agency in NYC

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:10:38 -0000

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.

Robert Soler - How it's made, a circadian lighting system

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:37:44 -0000

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.

Robert Soler - What the Heck is Circadian Lighting

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:53:07 -0000

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.

Andrea Hartranft - Achieving Success with a Virtual Design Studio

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 03:53:19 -0000

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.

Jay Wratten - Smart is not something you install

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 04:31:00 -0000

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.

Josh Miller (Part 2) - Innovating Design with Virtual Reality

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:34:11 -0000

Let's talk about Virtual Reality and 6 degrees of freedom. You've seen it in arcades and the gaming industry for decades, but now it's headed for the world of architecture and design. Josh Miller, Illumination Engineer at Acuity Brands dives into VR, the hardware required to get "in the game" and shares some insight about how it could change the way we design with light.

Josh Miller (Part 1) - Design is Changing, Are You Adapting?

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:04:22 -0000

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.

Lisa Bartlett - Lighting is Sexy

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 03:18:29 -0000

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.

Brad Koerner - A Timeless Light Source to Inspire Creativity

Thu, 28 May 2020 03:36:02 -0000

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.

Chris Slaughter - The Vectors to Success aren't Straight

Thu, 14 May 2020 21:50:16 -0000

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.

Charles Stone - What It Means to be a Lifelong Learner

Thu, 07 May 2020 04:58:21 -0000

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).

Kevin Frary - The State of Lighting Design in 2020

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:21:43 -0000

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!

Chip Israel - The Need for Transparent Pricing

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:47:54 -0000

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.

Chip Israel - Building a Business, Doing the Right Thing

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:43:19 -0000

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!

Gary Trott (Part 2) - 3D printing and Baby Yoda

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 18:35:17 -0000

Gary talks about what a 3D printer has the capabilities to do and why it has become a viable solution for luminaire design and manufacturing. In what might seem like unchartered territory he brings up several examples of how 3D printing is changing other industries. Baby Yoda gets a special shoutout too - make sure to listen to the end for that.

Gary Trott ( Part 1 ) - A collaborative Team Makes it Fun

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 01:28:08 -0000

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.

Rachel Fitzgerald - You Can't Measure Circadian Lighting (yet)

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 08:48:11 -0000

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.

Howard Brandston (Part 2) - How to Make a Real Contribution

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0000

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.

Howard Brandston (Part 1) - Rules are a substitute for thinking

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:09:05 -0000

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.

Gregg Mackell - Gold Plated Trims, Yacht Parties and Lava in a Driveway

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 23:16:45 -0000

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.

Addie Smith - Lighting isn't like Concrete

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 23:15:56 -0000

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.

CJ Brockway - Starting a Lighting Studio from Scratch

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 23:14:36 -0000

CJ talks about what it means to be your own boss, and how nearly 2 decades of experience was a critical part of her success when she created her own design firm, Spark Lab. Recorded on Location at the IALD conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.