I always joke about how I received my first pair of glasses so early in life—that it was the unintentional start of my lighting design journey because of how differently I viewed light before and after glasses. However, I choose light because it’s a beautiful, intangible medium that can create memories that are both ephemeral and timeless.
Right now, it is being the recently appointed president of B.U.I.L.D. (Black United in Lighting and Design). I am fortunate to work with a group of strong leaders and designers to grow the network and camaraderie of Black lighting-industry professionals. It is rewarding to help build a community that I was looking for when I was in school: A group of designers that I can relate and connect with.
“A dream project is working with thought leaders and advocates to find ways to reuse fixtures from projects in tenant spaces…and repurpose the ‘junked’ but functioning fixtures to other projects and communities”
The best part of my job is working across different sectors and regions. Having projects located across the U.S. is such a valuable opportunity at this stage in my career. Getting to build a larger design vocabulary, learning various construction techniques, and expanding my manufacturer and representative catalog is amazing. As a new team member to my job, I enjoy having the opportunity to work across all phases of a project depending on which project I’m working on.
One of the obstacles I currently face is finding a better balance in utilizing my multidisciplinary design interests in my day-to-day job. I have both an architectural and lighting design background, and I want my work to have more of a blend of the skills from both professions.
There are two important considerations. The first is that lighting designers need to push more toward being part of a design project earlier in the process and to keep sharing the value we provide, so as not to be looked at as a luxury consultant added to a project ‘when budget allows.’ Second, our industry needs to consider up-and-coming, industry-wide changes due to new technology within design as well as the expansion of lighting education.
A dream project is working with thought leaders and advocates to find ways to reuse fixtures from projects in tenant spaces, which typically have turnover rates of roughly five to 10 years, and repurpose the ‘junked’ but functioning fixtures to other projects and communities. Specifically, projects and communities that didn’t originally have a lighting designer, nor have the funds or outreach to have a lighting designer in their community.
The Emerging Professional column explores issues aff ecting younger lighting professionals and those new to the industry.