This conversation explores the impact of lighting on human health. Kevin Houser, Professor at Oregon State University and Lead Engineer at the Pacifica Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), discusses how circadian lighting and human-centric design influence well-being, the latest research on non-visual responses to light, and the industry’s challenge in balancing scientific rigor with practical application. The conversation also addresses the risks of over-quantifying lighting metrics too soon and the need for continued research and adaptation.

How is AI reshaping the world of lighting design? This episode explores how technology transforms creativity, productivity, and collaboration in the industry. Dive deep into how AI tools are helping designers make data-driven decisions, streamline workflows, and push the boundaries of what's possible. We also tackle the ongoing challenges of aligning budgets with bold design visions and fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and lighting professionals. If you’re curious about the trends shaping the future of design, this episode is a must-listen!

Where They Work:

Lisa - https://akld.net/

Jay - https://www.wsp.com/en-us/

Michael - https://hlblighting.com/

Reinhardt - https://www.smithgroup.com/

Topics we explore:

• Challenges in the Lighting Design Industry- Exploring New Approaches To Design
• The Role of Collaboration- AI and Technology in Design- Delivering Quality Work
• Impact of Design on Human Experience- Pricing and Procurement Pain Points
• The Demands For Circularity

Key Takeaways:

• The shift from traditional drawings to holistic project visualization and its impact on design.
• Quality, transparency, and budget alignment are important in collaborative design processes.
• The evolution of architecture and engineering as a creative discipline.

• Practical advice for fostering meaningful collaboration between designers, engineers, and stakeholders.

Dive into the essential role of nonprofits in the design industry, examining how they fill gaps, serve mission-driven purposes, and create community impact. Andrea and Christopher discuss key themes like leadership, the importance of mission alignment, and the future outlook for nonprofits in creative spaces. If you've ever wondered about the purpose of nonprofits in design and how they bridge social impact with creativity, this is a must-listen episode.

Do you ever wish your client, the owner would just get it? Design has many different languages that might not always be easy to communicate across the table - but there are tools to do that. Cecilia Ramos, Senior Director of Architectural Markets for Lutron opens up a conversation about Luxury and how it can be a common thread that many can relate to. Explore her thoughts and be inspired to take a new approach when it comes to connecting with others to bring an otherwise (and unknowingly brilliant) experience to life.

When you understand what you want to do, and get to play with what you love - it's hard to consider it a job. David Warfel has built a design team of nearly a dozen professionals in a space that has largely never considered the value of design fees when it comes to 'good lighting'. As a pioneer in connecting with AV integrators and homeowners directly through the CEDIA channel, he's opening doors faster than people can run through them. Dive into this new exciting space and get excited about how many more are excited (about lighting design!)

The lighting industry has gone through a few evolutions, and the pathway from design to final delivery is undeniably one of them. Gone are the "transactional" days of interchangeable parts + pieces like lamps and ballasts -- for better or worse, today's lighting equipment has become unique and specialized, and staying at the forefront of change requires a new way of thinking about supply. Enter design-minded supply teams like Illuminate in Philadelphia, where Kimberly King works as a project designer and communication bridge from concept to completion. Join us as Kimberly talks us through some ways complex design outcomes can be achieved by rethinking partnerships and processes in today's evolving lighting landscape.

Born of the Black Lives Matter movement, Equity in Lighting's overarching mission is to equip the lighting industry with the ability to design for everyone — not just the white, neurotypical person that today's technology and practices have come to serve the best. Join us as Elaine Cook, Co-Founder of Equity in Lighting, talks to us about why they founded EIL and how their goals and strategies continue to evolve as new needs are recognized. From educational programming to research to outreach and more, learn how EIL is working to move the needle toward a brighter future for all.

What if the lighting system in any given space could be your teammate? What if it could help cue you, guide you, inform you, and help you achieve your goals? That's one way Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Senior Lighting Researcher Andrea Wilkerson sees lighting through the lens of her career in lighting research and analysis. Andrea believes that digging into data is the key to unlocking much of the promised potential of the digital lighting age, and she explains why you don't need a Ph.D. to do it! Listen in and learn how we can all contribute to the growing body of knowledge by embracing the power of research-informed design.

Consistency. Balance. Efficiency. Three virtues most businesses strive for, but achieving them is a different story. Oculus Light Studio's business approach may be the exception, conceived of the idea that life and life in lighting can blend and coexist. Join us as Archit Jain + Scott Hatton, co-founding principals of Oculus studio, talk to us about how they look at time—one of life's most precious and limited resources—and how their systems of time management, proactive communication, and analyzing progress help them set and meet expectations, both inside the office and out.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a lighting designer to the stars or design homes for celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and LeBron James? That's exactly the claim to fame for Malibu-based CEO of ADG Lighting Gerald Olesker. An architectural industrial designer by training, Gerald has amassed a star-studded portfolio of luxury projects around the globe, and ADG's custom lighting is the secret sauce. In this conversation, we dive into the details of what it takes to work for some of the most demanding clients, how he cultivated his design-centered mindset, and how lighting plays a crucial role in both the architectural process and the ultimate experience of a space – from curbside to poolside.