IALD appoints Christopher Knowlton as CEO
(USA) – The IALD has announced that Christopher Knowlton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the association and Executive Director of the IALD Education Trust as Ashley Robbins, CAE, steps down from her role as Interim CEO to take a new post with another association, effective 1 June.
During Robbins’ nine-year tenure with IALD as Director of Membership and subsequently Interim CEO, she has worked with members across the world to advance the association’s mission of promoting the global profession of lighting design through leadership and advocacy. “Ashley’s contribution and commitment to the lighting design profession will be felt for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to her for the work she has undertaken in very challenging conditions,” said IALD President Monica Luz Lobo.
The IALD Board of Directors selected Christopher Knowlton as the new permanent CEO for the IALD; a former lighting designer of 15 years and business owner who has been involved with the IALD and IALD Education Trust since 2010, Knowlton most recently served as IALD Treasurer. Brandon Thrasher has been selected by the board to replace Knowlton through the end of the 2021-22 term, with Carla Wilkins appointed as the President’s Selected Director to serve the remainder of the 2021-22 term.
Lobo said of Knowlton’s appointment: “Christopher has been instrumental in guiding the association through challenging times and safeguarding its future. He is exceptionally well placed to maintain continuity while also progressing new ideas and advancing the association.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with the IALD Board of Directors, IALD Education Trust and staff team. We have a great opportunity to not only advance the association’s mission and vision, but the profession of lighting design as a while,” added Knowlton.
Lucent Lighting partners with interiors company Monarca
(Middle East) – Lucent Lighting has announced a new collaboration with innovative architectural and design consultancy, Monarca. Working in partnership throughout the Middle East, Lucent and Monarca hope to revolutionise the industry with innovative lighting concepts to create breathtaking interiors that range in style and character.
Established by industry expert, Skander Dardour, Monarca will take advantage of Dardour’s wealth of expertise in construction and high-end lighting to enhance luxury interiors for contemporary homes, futuristic hotels, extraordinary landscaping and luxury retail stores.
Partnering with some of the most premium brands in the field of furniture, art, and lighting – Monarca's new collaboration with Lucent will deliver exceptional architectural lighting for some of the Middle East’s most prestigious architectural and interior design projects, reaffirming Monarca’s clear ambition to provide exquisite creations for its clients.
The long-standing reputation of Lucent, combined with the ambition and design passion of Monarca, is an exciting pairing that both companies are hopeful will deliver spectacular outcomes across the Middle East.
Skander Dardour, Founder and CEO of Monarca and Lucent Middle East Agent, said: “I have long been an admirer of Lucent’s products and I am honoured to represent them in the Middle East. High quality lighting is integral to the success of every interior and architectural design project and Lucent’s superior lighting more than delivers for our clients.”
Michael Dunk, Owner and CEO of Lucent, added: “It is a real privilege to work alongside Skander Dardour; his wealth of industry knowledge and attention to detail have resulted in the creation of world-class design projects that are much admired by the industry. We are delighted to partner with Monarca and very much look forward to seeing how our products are incorporated into some of the Middle East’s most luxurious design projects.”
Business of Light NPO launched
(USA) – A new non-profit organisation, the Business of Light, has been launched to create a new educational platform for shared knowledge and training, and to grow and strengthen the lighting industry.
With a goal to empower individuals through education and mentorship to grow and sustain lighting businesses, the organisation was formed in honour of long-time lighting design icons Barbara Horton and Stephen Lees. As well as designing award-winning lighting projects, Horton and Lees spent much of their time throughout their lighting careers focusing on the business of design and mentoring next generation leaders.
The Business of Light (BOL) has brought together a prominent team of lighting industry leaders to fulfil this vision, including: Chip Israel, Steven Rosen, Carrie Hawley, David Ghatan, Anna Sbokou, Katherine Stekr, Tom Warton and Maggie Giusto, alongside Stephen Lees and Barbara Horton.
Since forming, the BOL is in the process of developing a series of business focused educational workshops and webinars with professional consultants on various topics on a subscription basis. It has also launched an online survey, through which the organisation hopes participation will inform its programme for the business learning platform. The survey can be accessed here.
The BOL is also collaborating with the IALD, and will hold a “Leaders as Coaches” business workshop at IALD Enlighten Americas later this year.
John Cullen Lighting appoints new CEO
(UK) – Herman van Driel has taken over as CEO at John Cullen Lighting, the company has announced.
The experienced Managing Director joins the company, bringing his strong knowledge and expertise in start-ups, company development, product manufacture and business strategy within the lighting industry. His previous experience at both Orluna and Phos will ensure that van Driel fits in with the passionate team of lighting professionals at John Cullen.
Creative Director, Sally Storey, said: “Herman’s arrival represents a milestone in the continued development of John Cullen into a global brand. The LED lighting revolution might now be well established but there are still plenty of opportunities to shine within this... so watch this space.
“Herman’s proven track record of growing businesses, coupled with our experience of 40 years of lighting design and producing luminaires that “inspire with light”, represent a rare set of skills in the industry. Our aim is to grow the business with our unique products and services for the residential, hospitality and marine sectors. Discreet luxury lighting is at the heart of what we do and with Herman onboard, we look forward to creating even more exceptional lighting effects with our end-to-end service.”
Designers Mind to host conversation on rest and wellbeing
(Online) – Designers Mind is hosting an online conversation exploring the impact of rest on our wellbeing and work.
Led by Kaye Preston, Founder of Designers Mind, Interior Designer and Holistic Health Coach, and Kael Gillam, Principal Lighting Designer at Hoare Lea and Designers Mind contributor, the session is the first in a series of ‘dm talks’ sessions.
During the talk, Preston and Gillam will explore the impact of prioritising rest and incorporating more breaks throughout the day on wellbeing and work.
“It can feel counterproductive to take time out of our busy workdays, to step away and take some time out,” said Preston. “But it’s so important for our physical and mental health. In relation to our work, prioritising our wellbeing can actually lead to improved performance, creativity, productivity, better focus and ability to make decisions.”
Throughout the session, Preston and Gillam will explore the impact that not taking breaks can have on our mental and physical health; how rest is linked to our levels of focus, creativity, productivity and decision making abilities; the importance of listening to your body and mind’s needs, knowing your energy levels and building self-awareness around when you need to take a break; learning to set boundaries with yourself and others; and finally suggesting some strategies on building more rest into your days.
The talk will be 30-minutes long, with a Q&A to close – it will also be recorded and available to replay for those that register.
The session will be held on Tuesday 31 May at 1pm BST. Registration is free, or a voluntary donation can be made, more information can be found here.
ILP to host How to Be Brilliant session during Clerkenwell Design Week
(UK) - Iain Ruxton, Associate Partner at Speirs Major, will deliver the latest Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) How to Be Brilliant talk during Clerkenwell Design Week.
Entitled The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, the free talk will discuss how pixel-based LED and high-capacity dynamic control made kinetic media façades a popular element in architecture and lighting, before questioning whether the novelty has now worn off, and if this dynamic content makes the best use of the building.
Throughout the talk, Ruxton will question the impact on urban space of giant video screens, and if, in the age of sustainable design, media façades are an acceptable solution.
An expert in the technology of light and lighting, Ruxton’s talk is open to everyone in design and/or lighting - newcomers, students, interns, apprentices, and those curious about learning more about light.
The talk will be held on Tuesday 24 May at 14.00 BST on the Main Stage of Spa Fields Auditorium. Following the talk, the How to Be Brilliant team have organised an informal refreshments session at the Optelma showroom on Bowling Green Lane.
More information on how to register can be found here.
Jason Bruges Studio to hold open day for public
(UK) - As part of London Festival of Architecture’s Studio Lates, Jason Bruges Studio is inviting guests behind the scenes into its London Studio.
Based in East London’s creative hub, Neil House, the multidisciplinary team will be available to share research and prototypes of upcoming artworks, giving visitors a rare glimpse into their hands-on creative process.
Taking place from 18.00-22.00 on Friday 17th June, exhibits will include studies for an interactive media canvas inspired by William Morris wallpapers, and a dynamic liquid crystal structure that emulates clouds. A series of demos will reveal the development behind recent artworks such as Digital Phyllotaxy, a physical metaphor for a tree at Hankook Tire’s Technoplex in Seoul, and the Constant Gardners, a monumental robotic installation that coincided with the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Of the event, Jason Bruges, Creative Director and Founder, said: “After such a long period of closed doors and working from home, we couldn’t be more excited to open up the studio. It will be a great opportunity for visitors to meet the team and learn about the mechanics of our practice.”
Registration for the open day is free. More information can be found here.
HLB Lighting Design announces two promotions
(USA) - HLB Lighting Design has announced that Tina Aghassian and Ken Douglas have been promoted to Senior Principal. In their new roles, Aghassian and Douglas will continue to manage the Los Angeles and New York studios respectively, and lead firmwide initiatives in support of business development, geographic expansion and innovative design practice.
Aghassian has worked at HLB for 25 years, and has been a significant contributor to the growth of the firm’s LA studio, and today is the LA Managing Principal. She has led the design of numerous award-winning projects, spanning a variety of market sectors, including the LAX Central Terminal Area Curbside Enhancements, Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. In addition, she serves as the co-chair of the AIA LA Interiors Committee and various other non-profit causes.
“I’m looking forward to continue to leda by empowering and mentoring the future generation of designers. Listening, learning, staying curious, embracing future technologies and working towards making memorable lighting experiences with design excellence is what I strive for,” said Aghassian.
Douglas joined HLB in 2018 through a merger with Illumination Arts, a firm that he co-founded and managed for 14 years. Douglas focuses on a wide array of market sectors, including large complex projects, the firm’s international geographic expansion, as well as serving as a member of HLB’s Board of Directors.
He added: “I’m thrilled to take my role to the next level and be part of this amazing group of industry leaders. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of HLB today and in years to come.”
Recolight announce Circular Lighting Live
(UK) - Recolight has announced Circular Lighting Live, the UK’s first major in person event dedicated to sustainable lighting, taking place on 22 September at the Cavendish Centre, London.
Established by Ray Molony, and Recolight, and supported by LightingEurope and Defra, the event is a vital step on the industry’s journey to a low carbon, circular economy.
To understand this new landscape, the conference brings together the leading experts, specifiers and policy makers to share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models.
Aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, the presentations will give delegates vital insights that will drive their businesses forward and ensure they stay at the forefront of the sustainable lighting revolution.
The event includes a special sponsor programme for brands who share the aims and values of Circular Lighting Live and want to associate themselves with sustainable lighting and the circular economy.
Early confirmed speakers include John McRae, Director, Orms; Mark Ridler, Head of Lighting, BDP; Jonathan Rush, Director, Hoare Lea; Rania Georgoutsakou, Secretary General, LightingEurope; Peter Fordham, Electrical Engineering Design Manager, Sainsbury’s; James Butterworth, Senior Policy Officer, Defra; Nigel Harvey, CEO, Recolight; Ray Molony, Editor, Recolight Report; Simon Fisher, Director, F Mark; Sophie O’Rourke, GreenLight Alliance; and Marcus Steffen, Principal, MS Lighting.
Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, said “The Circular Economy will become one of the key tipping points in the development of the lighting industry. Recolight are delighted to be working with Ray Molony to support our sector as the pace of change towards greater sustainability accelerates.”
Illuminated River to honour Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with unique light show
(UK) - For four nights over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, the Illuminated River public artwork will be lit in a celebratory sequence of evolving colour and light. The special edition of the artwork will be unveiled at sunset on Thursday 2 June and will run each night until 2.00am on Monday 6 June.
Nine central London Thames bridges, from Lambeth Bridge to London Bridge, will be choreographed in the synchronised flow of subtly moving LED light with tones of platinum and purple threaded within the main colour scheme.
Illuminated River artist Leo Villareal has been specially commissioned by the Illuminated River Foundation to programme this event, which will weave gently undulating patterns of light and colour across the historic Thames bridge structures in coordination with lighting of other major landmarks on the river.
Lord Neil Mendoza, Chair of the Illuminated River Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said: “Illuminated River is delighted to be contributing to the nation’s celebrations of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the form of a unique lighting event along the Thames in central London. We hope that as many people as possible – Londoners, visitors and newcomers to the city alike, will enjoy Leo Villareal’s special display as part of a memorable weekend of celebrations marking the seventh decade of Her Majesty’s reign”.
Leo Villareal, artist of Illuminated River, added: “It is a privilege to create this special edition of Illuminated River to honour Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The hallmark colours of the Jubilee, purple and platinum, will augment the artwork across its nine bridges over the Thames, lighting up the river and its surroundings with a momentous spectacle that people celebrating across the UK can enjoy. It's very exciting to activate so many of London’s important bridges for this unique and special moment.”
Finland welcomes new design festival to Helsinki this August
(Finland) - The inaugural edition of Design Helsinki, a brand new design festival, will take place from 24-25 August.
Finland’s capital city, which this year celebrates 10 years since it was named World Design Capital in 2012, is renowned for its functional and minimalistic Nordic architecture, and boasts the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe, making it a key destination for architecture aficionados.
Marking a decade since it was named World Design Capital, Helsinki will celebrate the occasion wit a series of events and city-wide activities. Design Helsinki, the city’s first dedicated B2B contemporary design event, will be at the heart of the celebrations.
Design Helsinki will seek to highlight the profound influence that Nordic design, and its long-held commitment to sustainability, has on the architecture and design industries, as well as providing a platform for international design professionals to meet with sought-after, world renowned brands. The show will also work with two major partners in Finland - Habitare and the Alvare Aalto Foundation - to provide exciting and relevant content for visitors. Habitare and Design Helsinki will both feature in each other’s programmes; the creative director of Habitare, Laura Sarvilinna, will be interviewed as part of the Design Helsinki programme on “Regenerate”, while Design Helsinki will participate in Habitare’s programme as part of the theme “Blending Spaces”.
Design Helsinki will take place in various locations in and around the city, including an international pavilion in Kasarmitori, a topical Talks programme in the Design Museum, installations in Esplanadi Park, as well as within multiple resident design showrooms. The fair will also celebrate the area’s local design showrooms, who will welcome architects, designers, dealers, retailers and more to experience the best of Nordic and Scandinavian design.
SLL publishes updated Emergency Lighting Guide
(UK) - The latest edition of the SLL Lighting Guide 12: Emergency Lighting, has been published, providing up to date information on the procurement, design, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting.
The guide also provides information on how to comply with current statutory/regulatory framework and the standards regarding emergency lighting that apply within the UK.
The latest edition of the SLL Lighting Guide 12 has been developed for use when design work is to be undertaken, but also to assist engineers in evaluating existing installations against current standards and requirements of legislation.
With the previous edition published in 2015, key changes include an increased focus on the design requirements, aiming to facilitate a coordinated approach between all parties involved in emergency lighting. As emergency lighting is a life safety system, all parties who are involved carry a duty of care under various pieces of legislation to occupants of premises and are responsible for discharging their roles, whether it be as a building owner, designer, installer or maintainer.
The guide explores typical case studies, demonstrating differences in approach that may be required to address specific situations, reflecting different types and uses of premises. The document was written by a task group made up of members of the SLL and chaired by David Mooney.
Commenting on the update, Mooney said: “Good design of emergency lighting is not just a way of meeting target levels and complying with standards - it is a way of ensuring that people can orientate themselves and find their way confidently and safely through a building to a place of safety. It should be remembered that people, even in familiar buildings, may become frightened and disorientated during an emergency.”
The guidance in the document is written primarily for buildings within the United Kingdom, although there are minor variations for Northern Ireland and Scotland. However, the principles for emergency lighting are universal and can be applied to other locations if the appropriate local conditions, standards and regulations are respected.
More information about SLL Lighting Guide 12: Emergency Lighting can be found on the CIBSE website here.
