What continues to excite you about lighting design as the field evolves?
There are several things that excite me as the field continues to evolve. One is technology. We spend so much of our lives inside buildings, and I’ m fascinated by how architectural lighting continues to evolve to better support that experience, from advances in the quality and control of light to creating environments that feel more connected to the qualities of natural light.
I’ m also excited to see lighting design becoming more integrated into the larger design and engineering process, rather than as something that is added later. I think that integration creates opportunities for stronger collaboration between lighting designers, architects, engineers, and other disciplines, and ultimately leads to better, more cohesive buildings. To me, it also reflects a growing recognition that lighting is an integral part of both how a building performs and how people experience it.
I’ m also excited about the next generation of lighting designers. When I entered the field, there were fewer educational paths specifically dedicated to architectural lighting. My own path came through architecture and theatrical lighting, and I benefited from the work of designers before me who helped establish lighting as a profession and a discipline.
Being able to mentor designers who are just entering the profession and hopefully contribute in some small way to shaping the next generation is something I find incredibly rewarding. I’ m excited not only to see where technology takes our industry, but also where the people entering it will take us next.