Light always felt magical—visible but untouchable, soft yet powerful. It first drew me in as something poetic, even mysterious. Over time, this fascination became a deep, lasting commitment. I’ve spent six years studying lighting design—from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute to Parsons School of Design—exploring how light shapes emotion and transforms space. What keeps me inspired is its ability to comfort, ground, or uplift people in subtle, profound ways. Light isn’t just what we see—it’s what we feel, often before we realize it.
I’m most drawn to projects where lighting feels seamlessly woven into the architecture and interior—not just as an accent, but as an emotional foundation. I value designs that balance aesthetics with function, but above all, I value lighting that brings emotional clarity and comfort.
“I’ve always imagined light as a quiet kind of healing”
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing how lighting can shift people’s emotions. When the atmosphere becomes calmer, softer, or more welcoming just because of how the light is set—it’s moving. I love exploring how small adjustments in tone, direction, or timing can create a big emotional difference. It reminds me that lighting is how people connect with their surroundings.
The ongoing challenge has been finding the right balance between technical precision and emotional sensitivity. Lighting requires structure—calculations, systems, standards—but what I care deeply about is how it makes people feel. These two sides don’t always align. Learning to move between them, to trust both instinct and logic, has been a constant part of my growth. It takes time, reflection, and sometimes letting go of perfection to preserve the emotional quality that light can hold.
As the boundaries between work, rest, and everyday life continue to blur, lighting needs to do more than provide visibility. It should help people feel balanced and at ease—especially in high-pressure environments. I believe the future lies in designs that are not only energy-efficient or intelligent but also emotionally responsive. Lighting should support our rhythms, reduce sensory stress, and create moments of serenity. When we begin to treat light as part of emotional well-being, not just aesthetics and functionality, the impact is transformative.
I’ve always imagined light as a quiet kind of healing—subtle and intuitive. My dream is to create lighting experiences that offer comfort, clarity, or even a moment of joy. Whether in therapeutic spaces, public environments, or everyday life, I’m drawn to the idea that light can support emotional well-being in ways we don’t always notice. If light holds that kind of power, I want to keep exploring how to shape it with care and intention.
The Emerging Professional column explores issues affecting younger lighting professionals and those new to the industry.