Episode 14: Innovative Illumination: Global Trends and Local Advocacy

03/04/25 • 42 min

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
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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/

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:

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/

Previous Episode

Episode 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:

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/

Next Episode

Episode 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!