IES Announces 2025 Award Recipients
The IES recognized the following members for technical and service achievements:
IES Medal
In recognition of meritorious technical achievement that has conspicuously furthered the profession, art, or knowledge of illuminating engineering.
Kevin Houser, Oregon State University professor and chief engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has contributed noteworthy accomplishments in teaching, research, innovation, and academic advising. He has published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been awarded five patents. Under Houser’s leadership, LEUKOS, the Journal of the IES, became the highest-ranked journal in the lighting industry and increased the international reach of the Society. He has supervised seven completed Ph.D. degrees and 14 completed master’s degreees; Houser’s students have gone on to make significant contributions to the lighting industry. He has an impressive record of service, participating on dozens of committees for the IES, CIE, IALD, and more throughout his career.
IES Louis B. Marks Award
In recognition of exceptional service to the Society of a non-technical nature.
Charles E. “Chip” Israel, CEO and founder of Lighting Design Alliance, is recognized for his enthusiastic support and mentoring of the lighting industry’s Emerging Professionals and entrepreneurs as well as his leadership as a past president of the IES. Israel’s diplomacy in both work and travel as a lighting industry spokesperson and his demonstration—through action—of the IES’s mission has benefited Society Members around the world.
IES Distinguished Service Awards
In recognition of significant non-technical contributions to the IES mission, with at least 15 years of dedicated service.
Antonio Garza, partner, Iluminación Total, is the first Mexican to serve as IES president and has played a pivotal role in globalizing the Society. His leadership in establishing the Global Development Committee and creating accessible membership rates for developing nations has strengthened the IES’s international presence. During his time on the IES Board of Directors, Garza served as director at large, vice president, president, and past president and has also been a member of the Nominating, Louis B. Marks, Medal, and IES Board of Directors Strategic Planning Committees. As a bridge between Mexico, Latin America, and the IES, Garza has inspired many to follow his path, fostering a more inclusive and globally connected lighting community.
Liliana González de la Cueva, CEO of Luminográfica, has been a driving force in expanding the reach of lighting education beyond Mexico, integrating professionals from across Latin Ameria into the global lighting community. Through her leadership in the IES Mexico Lighting Seminar and her active role in the Global Development Committee, she has created opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking, and professional growth. She has held several offices for IES Mexico City including president, treasurer, director of the Communications Committee, and board member as well as played a key role in the implementation and use of social media for IES Mexico City. Her dedication has strengthened the presence of the Society in the region, fostering collaboration among emerging and established professionals, and ensuring that Latin American voices are heard on the international stage.
Fellow Designations
Paul Gregory, founder, partner, and principal designer of Focus Lighting, is recognized for his leadership in championing the role of lighting designers and advocating for a design process that enhances the quality of the built environment. He has devoted countless hours to raising funds, researching grant recipients, and managing finances, thereby enhancing the work of organizations including the IALD Education Trust, the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education, the Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund, and the steering committees for multiple IES Research Symposiums.
Matthew Hartley, consultant, is recognized for his long-time, broad, and continuing leadership in lighting education, including developing and teaching classes, seminars, and workshops, as well as decades of mentoring. In 2004, he created three standing courses: Fundamentals of Lighting, Lighting Application, and Computer Aided Design. Hartley has led the development of a young education program for the IES Street and Area Lighting Conference and grew the membership of the SALC Education Subcommittee.
Kimberly Mercier, managing principal, Lighting Design Innovations, is recognized for her role as an innovative thinker and communicator with the ability to convey technical material to her students in unique and entertaining ways. She wrote the textbook Architecture for Light and has served as an instructor at several institutions including Rochester Institute of Technology, The State University of New York at Buffalo, and the University of Calgary. Additionally, Mercier was a prominent organizer and author of Recommended Practice 45.
Presidential Awards
In recognition of member excellence
Amardeep M. Dugar, founding principal, Lighting Research & Design, is recognized for his dedication and work advancing the IES’s global mission. By raising awareness and building connections across diverse regions, Dugar has significantly expanded the Society’s impact.
Antonio Garza, partner, Iluminación Total, is acknowledged for his outstanding dedication and selfless commitment to the IES. His leadership, responsibility, and steadfast support have been vital to the Society’s success and stability.
Billy Tubb, theater consultant, is recognized for his exceptional dedication and willingness to extend his volunteer role during a challenging time. When called upon to continue leading the IES through adversity, Tubb responded with resilience and responsibility, inspiring all those around him.
