Episode 9: Shaping Cities, Preserving Skies

11/22/24 • 50 min

How did Brittany Lynch's unique upbringing under Montana's starry skies shape her passion for sustainable lighting design and advocacy against light pollution?

In this episode, hosts Avi Mor and Lisa Reed welcome Brittany Lynch, Assoc. IALD, LC, and Senior Designer II for Clanton & Associates. Brittany shares her transformative journey from a child fascinated by architecture and stargazing to a dedicated advocate for quality lighting.

By focusing on environmentally conscious lighting practices, Brittany aims to unite communities around the shared goal of reducing light pollution. She offers insights into the importance of effective communication with the public and local governments, ensuring that technical criteria are understood and embraced by diverse communities. Brittany addresses the conflicting demands of stakeholders like police and retail businesses, and her stories reveal the ongoing struggle to update outdated lighting ordinances and the need for quality solutions aligned with dark sky principles. Though there are still many challenges, Brittany paints a hopeful future where thoughtful lighting design not only enhances our environments but also preserves the night sky for generations to come.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of Brittany Lynch, her path to lighting design from the open spaces of Montana
(14:13) Five principles for responsible outdoor lighting
(18:14) Surprising survey responses, lighting needs and perceptions from stakeholders
(23:19) Residential lighting codes and solutions
(27:34) Lighting zone regulations and standards
(34:12) Advocacy in lighting design, partnering for improvements, emergency vehicle lighting
(39:30) The unifying passion for lighting, can Netflix do a special on lighting? (46:12) Maximizing downlighting for dark skies
(49:00) Looking forward with positivity - changing ordinances, fighting light pollution
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:Brittany Lynch LinkedIn Clanton Associates Lisa Reed LinkedIn Avraham Mor LinkedIn Reed Burkett Lighting Design Morlights
Thank you to our sponsor Bartco Lighting

How did Brittany Lynch's unique upbringing under Montana's starry skies shape her passion for sustainable lighting design and advocacy against light pollution?

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of Brittany Lynch, her path to lighting design from the open spaces of Montana
(14:13) Five principles for responsible outdoor lighting
(18:14) Surprising survey responses, lighting needs and perceptions from stakeholders
(23:19) Residential lighting codes and solutions
(27:34) Lighting zone regulations and standards
(34:12) Advocacy in lighting design, partnering for improvements, emergency vehicle lighting
(39:30) The unifying passion for lighting, can Netflix do a special on lighting? (46:12) Maximizing downlighting for dark skies
(49:00) Looking forward with positivity - changing ordinances, fighting light pollution
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Previous Episode

Episode 8: Origin Stories

In this episode, hosts Avi Mor and Lisa Reed share their personal career journeys and insights. Avi Mor, founder of Mor Lights, and Lisa Reed, Principal and CEO of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, explore how Avi’s theatrical background informs his innovative approaches in architectural settings. Avi and Lisa discuss the challenges and triumphs of their industry, highlighting the importance of passion, advocacy, and technical precision in creating lighting solutions that resonate emotionally and functionally.

Avi shares his enthusiasm for problem-solving and design defense, particularly in advocating for cost-effective solutions like DALI lighting controls. Lisa, on the other hand, is driven by creating spaces that inspire and excite people, such as the impactful Pillars of the Valley installation. Together, they tackle industry frustrations, including extended payment schedules and pricing transparency, while advocating for independent, unbiased advice in lighting design. The episode wraps up with a call to appreciate the transformative power of lighting in everyday experiences.
In This Episode:

(00:00) Avi Mor's journey from high school theater to founding Mor Lights. How theatrical training influences architectural lighting design, emphasizing the shared principles and unique insights gained from both fields.
(10:50) Lisa Reed's transition from aspiring architect to a leader in architectural lighting design. Her story reflects the blend of art and science in her work, alongside personal growth and professional challenges.
(20:06) Passion and excitement in lighting design, showcasing projects like the Pillars of the Valley installation. Client interests and the role of advocacy in effective design solutions. Fixing issues, DALI controls.
(29:47) Challenges in the AEC industry, particularly around payment schedules and pricing transparency. Strategies such as Acquisition Services are discussed to manage these issues and improve project execution.
(41:33) Small businesses in lighting, working to improve the industry. Pet peeves. The importance of lighting in everyday experiences.
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:Lisa Reed LinkedIn Avraham Mor LinkedIn Reed Burkett Lighting Design Morlights

Next Episode

Episode 10: Lighting Up Presentations: Design, Technology, and Advocacy

Curious about how modern lighting design blends technological advancements with historical elements? Discover how the St. Louis Arch's evolving lighting designs tell a story of innovation and tradition in our latest episode.

Avi Mor and Lisa Reed celebrate nearing 500 followers of the Lighting Matters podcast, and reflect on our unexpected path. Tune in to hear personal stories and insights from significant presentations, such as the presentation given at the ASLA National Conference. As we dig into the evolution of lighting technology, we spotlight fascinating projects like the 25-year history of lighting upgrades to the St. Louis Arch, and the transformation of the Chicago Post Office with LED upgrades. We also discuss the essential role of collaborative advocacy in the industry. Your feedback is invaluable, and we invite you to share your thoughts on LinkedIn, join the conversation, and help us shine a light on the dynamic world of lighting design.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Lighting Matters podcast - reflecting on the journey, presentations at 2024 conferences, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, and technological advancements through the years
(13:54) DALI vs. Ecosystem, DALI lighting control standard's benefits, cost-effectiveness, and evolution in the industry, discussed at the recent summit for broader adoption
(18:10) Language and terminology updates & clarification
(23:58) Standardized certification for lighting products, DMX vs DALI 2, third-party certification, common issues, ease of installation, scheduling challenges
(41:07) Integration of LED lighting control, evolution of lighting technology from metal halide to LED, maintaining design aesthetic in iconic buildings, and advocating for recognition of lighting designers
(46:37) Lighting Advocacy and Collaboration - Lisa and Avi discuss advocating for each other, the value of feedback, and gratitude for listeners.
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:
ASLA Conference

IALD Enlighten America Conference

DALI North America Summit

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, Inc. http://www.rbldi.com

Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/

Morlights https://www.morlights.com/