Episode 6: Let's Talk Custom Fixtures
09/24/24 • 50 min
In this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Kyllene “Kelly” Jones, LEED AP, President and Co-CEO of Lighting Design Alliance, a lighting trailblazer, and our first female guest. Kelly shares her remarkable career path, from her initial dream of becoming an architect (inspired by her father), to discovering her true passion for lighting at the University of Kansas. She recounts her pivotal internships with industry giants like Randy Burkett and HOK, and how moving to Los Angeles and connecting with influential figures like Chip Israel, Andy Powell, and Lisa Reed shaped her career.
Learn about the creative challenges and innovative solutions behind high-profile projects, including bespoke fixtures for Disney and the iconic Beverly Hills Triangles street lighting. Kelly offers a masterclass in how historical and cultural research, combined with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing, plays a crucial role in refining and realizing unique lighting designs. You’ll hear Kelly discuss the hurdles of evolving lamp specifications and the necessity of consistent design aesthetics, and share anecdotes from her extensive project portfolio, including a memorable collaboration with the Cheesecake Factory. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional, this episode provides invaluable insights into the creative and technical aspects of custom lighting design.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Kelly's journey into lighting design, internships with influential figures, and skills gained along the way.
- (06:58) Custom lighting design process, themed projects for Disney, use of car paint, research for lanterns, the impact of 3D printing.
- (13:10) Collaboration between lighting and interior designers, technical guidance, custom fixtures, client standards, and budget impacts.
- (18:23) A theming project and a doubled budget, keeping important elements
- (25:50) The challenges of evolving lamp specifications and maintaining consistent design aesthetics in lighting, with anecdotes from projects and the importance of partnerships with distributors.
- (32:48) Restaurant clients, collaboration with IALD lighting designers can save costs and achieve desired looks, as seen in a Beverly Hills residential project.
- (42:07) Collaborating with experienced custom lighting manufacturers to balance creativity and practicality in unique designs.
- (51:00) Lighting is crucial in design, consult professional designers, and seek professional advice!
- 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:
Visit our Sponsor Prudential Lighting
In this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Kyllene “Kelly” Jones, LEED AP, President and Co-CEO of Lighting Design Alliance, a lighting trailblazer, and our first female guest. Kelly shares her remarkable career path, from her initial dream of becoming an architect (inspired by her father), to discovering her true passion for lighting at the University of Kansas. She recounts her pivotal internships with industry giants like Randy Burkett and HOK, and how moving to Los Angeles and connecting with influential figures like Chip Israel, Andy Powell, and Lisa Reed shaped her career.
Learn about the creative challenges and innovative solutions behind high-profile projects, including bespoke fixtures for Disney and the iconic Beverly Hills Triangles street lighting. Kelly offers a masterclass in how historical and cultural research, combined with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing, plays a crucial role in refining and realizing unique lighting designs. You’ll hear Kelly discuss the hurdles of evolving lamp specifications and the necessity of consistent design aesthetics, and share anecdotes from her extensive project portfolio, including a memorable collaboration with the Cheesecake Factory. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional, this episode provides invaluable insights into the creative and technical aspects of custom lighting design.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Kelly's journey into lighting design, internships with influential figures, and skills gained along the way.
- (06:58) Custom lighting design process, themed projects for Disney, use of car paint, research for lanterns, the impact of 3D printing.
- (13:10) Collaboration between lighting and interior designers, technical guidance, custom fixtures, client standards, and budget impacts.
- (18:23) A theming project and a doubled budget, keeping important elements
- (25:50) The challenges of evolving lamp specifications and maintaining consistent design aesthetics in lighting, with anecdotes from projects and the importance of partnerships with distributors.
- (32:48) Restaurant clients, collaboration with IALD lighting designers can save costs and achieve desired looks, as seen in a Beverly Hills residential project.
- (42:07) Collaborating with experienced custom lighting manufacturers to balance creativity and practicality in unique designs.
- (51:00) Lighting is crucial in design, consult professional designers, and seek professional advice!
- 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:
Visit our Sponsor Prudential Lighting
Previous Episode
Episode 5: Language of Light
In this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by
Joe Zamore, a ‘luminary’ in the lighting design industry, who shares his extensive journey and invaluable insights. From his early days illuminating entertainment, nightclubs, and themed environments to his pivotal roles at industry giants like Martin and Color Kinetics, Joe's career is nothing short of inspirational. Now shaping the future at USAI Lighting, he speaks about the profound impact of truly understanding the needs of lighting designers and creating adaptable, high-value lighting solutions.
Joe shares the importance of engaging all project stakeholders—from contractors to maintenance teams—to ensure seamless execution and long-term success. With practical examples like the use of QR codes for installation and the challenges faced by university maintenance teams, we explore how tailored communication can mitigate issues and enhance project outcomes. As a "concierge" for the lighting design world, Joe's dedication to supporting designers with innovative products and unyielding support from USAI Lighting stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the continuous evolution of the lighting industry. Join us for this enlightening episode filled with actionable advice and industry wisdom!
USAI Lighting, rooted in a legacy of innovation since the 1930s, stands as a leading force in the lighting industry. Based in New York's Hudson Valley and still family-owned, the company was founded by William Littman, who introduced the first fluorescent fixtures at the 1939 World’s Fair. Today, USAI Lighting continues this tradition of excellence under the guidance of the Littman family's third generation. Known for its groundbreaking advancements in lighting technologies, including LED, compact fluorescent, metal halide, and low-voltage halogen, USAI Lighting has earned numerous patents and awards for its cutting-edge products. The company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of illumination ensures that its LED solutions offer superior performance, consistent color, and precision in compact designs.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) USAI Lighting
- (04:50) Joe Zaymore shares his journey from entertainment lighting to USAI Lighting
- (09:00) Importance of values, storytelling and communication in design projects
- (16:00) Tailoring communication language to prevent mistakes and maintain project priorities
- (20:04) The Sphere project
- (22:00) Maintenance, practical examples of QR codes
- (30:49) Planning ahead for all parties, never fighting with clients
- (41:28) Initial client engagements and transparent discussions about budgets and scopes
- (47:00) Hotel case studies
- (50:00) Tailoring language to each party, pricing as the main focus
- (55:00) USAI Lighting's innovative products and support for designers
- 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:
Visit our Sponsor LSI
Next Episode
Episode 7: Mentorship
What are the hidden secrets behind the successful collaboration and mentorship in the lighting design industry?
In this episode, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Thomas Paterson, IALD, Director, Lux Populi SA de CV. Lux Populi is an architectural and artwork lighting design consultancy, based in Mexico, with clients throughout the world. In our conversation, we explore the importance of knowledge-sharing, the critical role of controls and commissioning, and the necessity of rethinking industry practices and education to better serve clients.
Mentorship and soft skills play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the lighting design industry. As we reflect on personal journeys and the impact of mentorship, we discuss how investing in mentorship for mid-career professionals and teaching key soft skills can drive industry growth. We cover the significance of effective communication, relationship management, and collective action to foster a supportive and collaborative community. We’re sending out a “Call to Arms” to the entire industry to create opportunities for knowledge sharing and mentorship.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) The industry's camaraderie, knowledge-sharing, and focus on controls and commissioning for top-notch results
- (08:18) Challenges and complexities of modern lighting in education and healthcare, including flicker concerns and the flicker validation process
- (15:33) Aligning design principles with target audience's needs, engaging clients, and understanding first principles for effective and meaningful designs
- (25:05) Generational differences in the industry, learning first principles, Thomas’ path - from failed dancing to architectural lighting, mentorship and luck in shaping his unexpected journey in the industry, lighting opportunity with the band No Doubt
- (33:06) Failures in passing knowledge and skills to the next generation in lighting design, mentorship and soft skills for effective professional interactions
- (38:41) Overton window concept, troubleshooting education, formalized training, investing in mid-career professionals
- (47:03) Investing in expertise, utilize industry-specific resources, and advocating for collective action in developing soft skills and mentorship in lighting industry
- (55:04) Resources, industry collaboration and support in such an “odd duck” industry like lighting. Collaboration and time management are crucial in addressing community issues and taking action together for meaningful change, call to arms in the lighting industry
- 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:
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