Lighting Matters!

By Avraham Mor & Lisa Reed

Welcome to the podcast about Lighting Matters! Our unflinching conversations uncover the nuances and complexities which shape the craft of lighting design. Tune in to explore the pivotal ‘whys’ behind... more

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FAQs about Lighting Matters!:

How many episodes does Lighting Matters! have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

Lighting Matters! episodes:

August 20, 2025Episode 22: Studio K's Karen Herold: Why Bad Lighting Kills Good Design
"If someone would say we have $1 million for finishes but no lighting designer, or $600,000 with a lighting designer - I choose that second one every day of the week." - Karen Herold

Interior designer Karen Herold of Studio K joins hosts Lisa and Avi for an in-depth discussion about the critical relationship between interior design and lighting. With 25 years in hospitality design, Herold shares insights from her work with notable restaurateurs and her philosophy that "lighting makes or breaks every project." The conversation explores how lighting creates emotional environments, the challenge of selling lighting design services to clients, and innovative approaches like rechargeable table lamps changing traditional restaurant lighting strategies. Herold emphasizes the collaborative nature of successful projects, stating "if you don't light it correctly, you might as well not design it" - echoing Steve Wynn's design philosophy that has guided her career from Vegas casinos to mountain resorts.
In This Episode:
(00:00) From fashion to hospitality design
(05:25) Why lighting makes or breaks every project
(11:27) Restaurant design challenge: layering light between tables and the ceiling
(13:09) Selling lighting design services to skeptical clients
(16:12) Rechargeable lamps are changing restaurant lighting strategies completely
(24:18) Building client trust through clear boundaries and expertise
(26:28) Bridging the knowledge gap with better visual tools
(34:15) Training junior designers and continuing education importance
(39:42) Beyond restaurant: lighting that reduces the need for expensive finishes
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.
Resources:
Karen Herold www.studiokcreative.com
Lighting Matters Podcast LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
44min
August 05, 2025Episode 21: From Overlooked to Essential: The Four Visual Professionals in Architecture
"No amount of photometric studies is gonna tell you how it's actually gonna perform until you actually see it at 10 o'clock at night." - Rob Reuland

Avi Mor of Mor Lights and Lisa Reed of Reed Burket Lighting Design reflect on their first year hosting Lighting Matters, outlining their evolved mission to advocate for lighting design as the fourth essential visual profession alongside architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. They discuss the critical need for unified industry advocacy through organizations like IES and IALD. "Why would you create something new when there's already brand recognition?" Mor asks about working within existing structures. The hosts examine how lighting gets overlooked by major design organizations and their strategy to bring lighting conversations to broader industry events. Reed emphasizes that quality lighting design isn't about project size but about "meeting the visual needs of the people occupying that space."
In This Episode:
(00:00) One-year celebration of the podcast, and advocacy mission evolution
(03:12) Four primary visual professionals in the built environment
(18:37) IES technical standards versus IALD design advocacy
(25:25) Bringing lighting conversations to broader industry events
(31:58) New IES standard addresses visual and physical needs
(39:43) Real-world lighting impact on emotions and business
(45:57) Future podcast direction and listener engagement strategy
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/

Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
48min
June 25, 2025Episode 20: Landscape Architecture Meets Lighting Design
"No amount of photometric studies is gonna tell you how it's actually gonna perform until you actually see it at 10 o'clock at night." - Rob Reuland

What happens when someone starts taking out trash at 17 and becomes a principal at one of Chicago's leading landscape architecture firms? Rob Reuland from Site Design Group joins hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor for a fascinating exploration of how lighting and landscape professionals must collaborate to create truly exceptional spaces. "I couldn't agree more that landscape architecture is so misunderstood," Rob admits early in the conversation. "A lot of people do think it's just about plants, but we do so much more." From hardscape detailing to community engagement to serving as therapists between consultants, the profession demands far more than plant knowledge.
But here's where it gets interesting for lighting professionals. Should the industry push for "lighting architect" status instead of "lighting designer"? Rob's perspective from the licensed landscape architecture world offers compelling insights. The conversation tackles Chicago's disastrous LED streetlight conversion - a $280 million project completed without lighting design input that resulted in harsh, glaring fixtures. "It just drives me crazy that it went LED, but to some 6,000K the brightest white thing you can possibly imagine," Rob reflects. They dive deep into the five principles of responsible outdoor lighting, tree uplighting challenges, and why the new lighting standards focusing on human health rather than foot candles represent a massive shift for the profession.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Rob's early career journey - starting at 17 taking out trash at a Chicago landscape firm, discovering the profession through a greenhouse teacher
(03:16) Understanding landscape architecture beyond plants - hardscape design, stormwater management, community engagement, serving as consultants between design professionals
(06:08) The evolution challenge - how landscapes mature over time, educating clients about day one versus the 2-5 year sweet spot when projects reach potential
(14:08) The four visual professionals concept - architecture, interiors, landscape architecture, and lighting design as essential visual disciplines in construction
(19:25) Professional recognition and licensing - comparing landscape architecture's regulated status with lighting design's lack of formal licensure
(25:11) Health, safety, and welfare impacts - new lighting standards focusing on human circadian rhythms rather than foot candles
(32:08) Chicago's lighting transition disaster - problematic switch from sodium to harsh LED streetlights without proper lighting design input
(35:17) Five principles of responsible outdoor lighting - useful, targeted, low levels, controlled timing, warmer colors to protect wildlife and human health
(42:00) CPTED and spatial quality - crime prevention through environmental design, coordinated lighting and landscape discouraging crime
(47:07) Tree lighting techniques and challenges - lights in trees versus uplighting, importance of mockups, balancing tree health with illumination
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.
Resources:
www.site-design.com
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
Thank you to our sponsor Lumen Pulse: https://www.lumenpulse.com/
...more
1h
May 28, 2025Episode 19: The Tsunami of Maintenance: How Lighting Designers Are Preparing Clients
"A 50,000-hour fixture, if it's on 24/7, like in many municipal buildings or hospitals…it won't even last six years." - Anne Kustner-Haser

Anne Kustner Haser, President of AKLD Lighting Design joins hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor to tackle the urgent challenge of lighting maintainability in an industry where "lifetime" LEDs often fail within years. Drawing from three decades of experience designing for hospitality, retail, and high-end residential projects, Anne challenges manufacturers' assumptions about fixture longevity while advocating for serviceable components. "How sustainable is a fixture if you throw it away in seven years because you can't maintain it?" she asks, highlighting the disconnect between energy savings and total lifecycle costs.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for project longevity, from remoting drivers to specifying spare fixtures. When a Wisconsin seminary expects lighting to last 65 years while tech companies expect the same from their buildings, how do we design accordingly? Avi, Lisa, and Anne explore maintainability ratings, controls ownership, and stocking strategies that keep spaces illuminated for decades instead of years. For professionals who want lighting that works as long as the spaces they illuminate, this episode offers crucial insights into the industry's looming "tsunami of maintenance."
In This Episode:
(00:00) Introduction to Anne Kustner Haser of AKLD Lighting Design and episode sponsor Lumenpulse
(05:40) Anne's journey into lighting design - from fine arts background to engineering firm experience and starting her own business
(12:55) The concept of maintainability in lighting - moving beyond basic sustainability to address fixture longevity and serviceability
(20:10) Research findings - manufacturer survey results on driver lifespan and maintainability considerations
(25:20) Evolution of lighting fixtures - from replaceable components to integrated systems and the challenges with serviceability
(30:10) The critical importance of lensing, remote drivers, and thinking through maintenance access in various installation scenarios
(37:35) Driver technology challenges - potential improvements with DC input and the need for longer-lasting components
(42:25) Strategies for spare parts - programmed drivers, fixture replacement versus component replacement approaches
(48:39) Real-world challenges with replacement lamps - discontinuation issues and the need for future-proofing specifications
(54:29) Solutions for maintainability - hiring lighting designers, asking the right questions, and understanding lifecycle expectations
(57:42) Lumenpulse sponsor message highlighting their interior lighting solutions with focus on maintainability features
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:
Anne Kustner Haser LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/annekustnerhaser/
AKLD Lighting Design www.akld.net
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
Thank you to our sponsor Lumen Pulse: https://www.lumenpulse.com/
...more
1h 14min
May 06, 2025Episode 18: What Happens When Architects Ignore Lighting Design?
Why are architects who collaborate with lighting designers winning more ambitious clients?

Architect Michael Byrd of Core10 Architecture in St. Louis shares his journey from skeptic to advocate for professional lighting design. "We bought an existing firm and thought we knew everything," he admits. Yet as projects grew more ambitious, his team discovered critical blind spots. A high-end restaurant renovation gone wrong forced them to confront their limitations. Who would have thought dimming LEDs could cause such client distress? The emergency call to lighting designer Lisa Reed saved the project and transformed their approach forever. Through standout examples—a glass-clad bank that glows at night, a 1950s building renovation where lighting changes made immediate impact—Byrd demonstrates how professional lighting elevates both spaces and photography.
The conversation tackles practical challenges lighting professionals face daily: when to bring designers into projects, how to convince cost-conscious developers, and the frustration of maintenance issues when non-matching replacements destroy carefully crafted lighting schemes. For lighting designers seeking to expand their client base, Byrd offers invaluable perspective on making your case to architects. "We're getting better projects, more ambitious clients," he explains, directly attributing this growth to embracing lighting expertise. This episode isn't just informative—it's ammunition for your next client meeting.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Michael Byrd - From failed engineer to architect and his journey into understanding the importance of lighting design
(06:42) The evolution of Michael's firm - From a practical problem-solving practice to embracing lighting design expertise
(10:34) Learning the hard way - How a problematic restaurant project with LED dimming issues led to seeking lighting design expertise
(18:11) Bank renovation success story - How working with a lighting designer created the perfect nighttime glow for a seamless glass building
(20:23) Building renovation impact - How changing lighting fixtures and focus dramatically improved public spaces in a 1950s building
(24:36) Expanding appreciation for lighting design - How architects can learn to value technical design expertise to elevate their projects
(29:45) When to engage lighting designers - Michael's approach to making lighting design part of full services on nearly all projects
(32:53) Making the case to clients - Using visual examples and cost-benefit arguments to demonstrate the value of professional lighting
(39:03) Maintenance challenges - The problems when replacement lamps don't match original specifications and the importance of speaking up
(44:28) Looking toward the future - Issues with early LED failures, control system obsolescence, and the need for better modularity in fixtures
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:
Michael Byrd, CCS CCCA AIA LinkedIn
CORE10 Architecture
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
50min
April 30, 2025Episode 17: Fixture in Hand: The Focus Lighting Method
Why are 90% of lighting designers making a critical mistake by not designing the control systems for their projects?

Tune in as Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Brett Andersen and Kenny Schutz of Focus Lighting. What sets them apart? Their innovative business model combining design with procurement expertise. Both Brett and Kenny trace their paths from theatrical lighting to architectural design, revealing how theater's "ultimate deadline" mentality shaped their approach. Focus Lighting's dedicated lighting lab—a 25' x 25' two-story space with seven line sets—serves as their testing ground, where Brett insists: "Seeing is believing." The episode, sponsored by Lumen Pulse, underscores why lighting designers must control system specification rather than leaving it to engineers who "call their favorite rep."

Later the discussion shifts to procurement challenges and the heavy responsibilities involved. Kenny warns designers considering this path that "your motivation has to be in the right place." Memorable project stories abound. Kenny recalls positioning lights beneath a T-Rex skeleton, while Brett shares how his park design transformed disconnected Dallas neighborhoods into vibrant community spaces. Could lighting design be the most influential but overlooked factor in architectural success? The episode closes with reflections on IALD membership and Brett's deceptively simple advice: pick up a fixture every day. Their parting wisdom? Lighting matters—not just aesthetically, but in how we experience our built environment.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Kenny and Brett's career journeys - from theater backgrounds to architectural lighting design
(13:51) Connecting with students and promoting lighting design to theater program graduates
(17:28) Memorable projects - Kenny's dinosaur exhibit lighting and Brett's transformative park design
(25:06) Lighting's impact on architecture - the power of well-designed lighting to shape experiences
(29:02) The importance of mock-ups and testing - how Focus Lighting's lab accelerates design learning
(34:23) Focus Lighting's project management approach - design implementation and technical expertise
(40:32) Control systems design - the critical importance of lighting designers owning the control specification
(47:47) Supply-side considerations - balancing product specification with responsibility for installation
(56:12) Final advice - having a fixture in hand every day and ensuring the right motivation for design work
(58:03) IALD membership discussion and the future of the lighting design profession
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Focus Lighting
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
Thank you to our sponsor:
https://www.lumenpulse.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumenpulse/
...more
1h 9min
April 16, 2025Episode 16: Handcrafting Light
How did the Smithsonian cut lighting energy usage by 80% while actually improving visibility and preservation?

Tune in as Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Scott shares his 30-year journey from theater lighting to museum environments, revealing how he "handcrafts" light for 5,000 luminaires across 125,000 square feet. We explore the critical intersection of technology and artistry, as Scott details how he's reduced energy consumption by 80% while improving quality through innovative LED implementations and sophisticated control systems.

The discussion delves into the profound impact of thoughtful lighting design on museum experiences, from commissioning challenges to long-term maintenance. Scott has even collaborated with the Department of Energy, and explains the integration of lighting with IT infrastructure, and introduces the iPOP framework for understanding visitor experiences. Lighting shapes human perception, emotional responses, and accessibility—revealing that lighting truly matters in creating meaningful environments for diverse audiences.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Introduction to Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery
(11:17) Handcrafted lighting - Scott's philosophy on serving the material with precisely focused light and creating dynamic museum experiences
(14:40) The architecture of museum lighting - managing 5,000 luminaires, color tuning capabilities, and strategic angle placement
(17:32) Commissioning challenges - control systems, manufacturer inconsistencies, and the imperative of on-site adjustments, Scott's unique perspective after 30 years at the Smithsonian and collaborations with DOE
(23:30) Real-time lighting design excellence - the critical importance of hands-on focusing and the power of physical adjustments
(30:14) Designing for diverse visual abilities, reducing consumption from five watts to under one watt per square foot while improving quality
(35:21) The convergence of lighting and IT - managing complex Bluetooth BLE systems with seven-day, 24-hour support requirements
(46:31) Intuitive control interface design - balancing user simplicity with backend complexity and avoiding generic implementations, inhabiting spaces mentally and physically to create meaningful lighting experiences
(54:00) The iPOP framework - understanding how visitors approach museums through Ideas, People, Objects and Physical experiences
(58:25) Scott’s favorite podcast recommendation - Design Matters
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.
Resources:
Design Matters Podcast https://designmattersmedia.com/
Smithsonian American Art Museum https://www.si.edu/museums/american-art-museum
Scott Rosenfeld LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenfeld-fies-77b84412/
Smithsonian Institution https://www.si.edu/
[email protected]
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
55min
April 02, 2025Episode 15: Lighting Emotional Currency
What makes lighting designers "psychotically passionate" about their work when they're constantly battling value engineering?

In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Katherine Stekr, CLD, IALD, MIES, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, Founder + Principal, STEK Design. Their conversation explores the unique position of lighting designers as visual professionals alongside architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. Katherine shares her journey from architectural engineering student to establishing her own firm, emphasizing how lighting's psychological impact requires designers to expertly translate abstract concepts into tangible experiences for clients.

The discussion delves into industry challenges including procurement complexities, value engineering struggles, and the critical need for stronger professional advocacy. All three lighting professionals debate practical strategies for maintaining design integrity through budget constraints and substitution attempts. The episode culminates with powerful reflections on lighting's profound ability to transform spaces and influence human wellbeing, reinforcing why lighting designers must stand united as essential contributors to the built environment.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Katherine Stekr's journey - from University of Colorado to starting her own design firm after 16+ years in the industry
(08:52) Lighting designers as visual professionals - examining our unique role alongside architects, interior designers, and landscape architects
(12:23) The psychological impact of lighting - discussing how lighting affects human behavior beyond mere aesthetics
(21:20) The procurement challenges - navigating the complex path from specification to installation and advocating for quality, professional advocacy - exploring how IALD and other organizations can better elevate the lighting design profession
(34:44) Design excellence vs. client service - debating whether clients choose lighting designers for their portfolio or service approach
(37:49) Practical strategies for budget control - methods lighting designers use to maintain design integrity during value engineering
(48:23) Standing firm on professional standards - discussing the importance of unified industry positions on submittals and substitutions
(53:26) Payment challenges in the industry - examining "pay when paid" issues and alternative approaches
(56:08) The power of lighting - concluding with reflections on the profound impact lighting has on human experience and wellbeing
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:

[email protected]
www.stekdesignco.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-stekr-cld-21b40214/
https://www.whelmedpodcast.com/
[email protected]
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
1h 1min
March 04, 2025Episode 14: Innovative Illumination: Global Trends and Local Advocacy
Have you ever wondered how the vibrant and competitive architectural landscape of Dubai influences global lighting design trends? Discover the secrets from Lisa Reed's experience at the Light Middle East Conference!

In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed dive deep into the world of lighting design, sparked by Lisa's recent trip to the Light Middle East Conference in Dubai. Lisa shares her observations about the global lighting design community, highlighting a consistent theme of restraint and intentionality in design. The discussion centers on advocacy for the lighting design profession, and Avi and Lisa brainstorm creative approaches to help people understand the crucial role of lighting designers, from potential outreach at home improvement stores to emphasizing the emotional and functional impact of thoughtful illumination. They discuss the profession's unique position of balancing technical precision with artistic creativity.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Lisa shares her transformative experience at the Dubai Light Middle East Conference, highlighting international connections and the universal design principle of lighting restraint
(05:19) The complex world of lighting design awards, project submissions, and the intricate balance between technical specifications and creative vision
(15:07) Strategies for promoting lighting design as a crucial professional service, the need to communicate the profession's value beyond technical jargon
(24:47) How lighting design transcends mere illumination, focusing on creating emotional experiences and improving human well-being in various spaces
(28:00) Advocating for lighting design in various contexts, community outreach, importance of lighting design in diverse settings, from high-end homes to low-income housing
(39:22) Community and Future Vision, Avi and Lisa invite listeners to engage, support, and spread awareness about the critical role of lighting design in creating meaningful spaces
Would you be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us.
Share your thoughts, comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:

Light Middle East 2025 Conference Highlights
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
43min
February 18, 2025Episode 13: Work-Life Harmony in Lighting Design
How does the lighting industry foster a unique sense of community, and what lessons can we learn from its collaborative environment despite competition?

In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed welcome lighting designer and podcast host Rachel Fitzgerald CLD, LC, IALD, IES, LEED AP BD+C. Rachel shares her 21-year journey through the lighting design world - from childhood curiosity about architecture to a degree in architectural engineering, Rachel’s path is driven by both passion and expertise. Avi, Lisa and Rachel delve into the rapid evolution of the industry, where technology and diverse projects continually reshape the landscape. Rachel emphasizes the importance of budget transparency and open communication for project success. There is also a delicate balance between creativity and technical expertise, often at the heart of the designer’s role. Lastly, Rachel offers valuable insights on maintaining work-life balance, particularly through her “Whelmed” podcast, advocating for self-care in an increasingly competitive and demanding field.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Rachel Fitzgerald shares her journey into lighting design, reflecting on the evolving industry and the importance of embracing change and learning from each project
(09:58) Budget transparency, detailed pricing, and open communication
(14:23) The challenges lighting designers face in a growing industry, maintaining camaraderie and advocating for value
(21:20) Fostering community in the lighting industry, work-life balance through the Whelmed podcast
(27:42) Being overwhelmed, balancing life and stress
(32:29) The “art and science” of lighting, living in the middle of the two, balancing creative and technical in construction
(42:55) Closing thoughts, dynamic evolution and growth in our industry, the promise of 2025, and the importance of adaptability and engagement
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:

Rachel Fitzgerald LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fitzgerald-44901839/
Stantec https://www.stantec.com/en/services/lighting-design
Whelmed Podcast https://www.whelmedpodcast.com/
Lighting Matters Podcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/
...more
39min

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How many episodes does Lighting Matters! have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

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