(Mexico) – The global lighting community was saddened this weekend to hear of the passing of former IALD President, Victor Palacio.
Widely regarded for his gentle nature and wealth of knowledge in the field of lighting, Palacio has long stood as a mentor to emerging lighting professionals. For more than 35 years, he dedicated himself to educating future lighting professionals and would regularly share his wisdom through museum and architectural lighting courses, his role at the IALD, as a Silhouette Awards Mentor, and speaking at international lighting conferences – including IALD Enlighten, LightFair, and UNESCO’s International Day of Light.

Initially trained in electronics engineering, Palacio first entered the world of lighting as an electronics specialist for a flux metre manufacturing company, before moving on to work with Fuji Film during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Shortly afterwards, Palacio joined his father’s commercial lighting business, working alongside an architect in the projects department on electronics drawings. Always driven to continue expanding his knowledge, Palacio completed various technical course throughout his early career, before delving into the study of light and the technical attributes of a lighting engineer. Becoming, as he put it, the “ultimate geek”, he would heavily study the IES Lighting handbook while making lighting calculations.

Building his interest in the lighting industry, while working for his father, he was taken on board to work on a museum lighting project, which would determine his passion for lighting design and historic preservation for years to come.

When working inside some of Mexico’s most renowned museums, Palacio began to pay close attention to the impact that lighting was having on their many historic artefacts, as well as the buildings themselves. After completing a brief course at Mexico’s National School of Preservation at the National Institute of Anthropology and History, Palacio developed a course specifically focused on museum lighting.

In 2006, Palacio established his own lighting design firm, Ideas en Luz, where the idea of preservation continued as a key focus in his work. Speaking to arc in 2018, he said: “Highlighting architecture, façades, and features were what we originally focused on as a firm. Then I began to think, as did my colleagues, that even though it’s an important factor to architectural lighting, it’s not the main goal that we are striving to achieve.

“We began to consider other factors related to the functions of places, for example the working place, to the productivity in residential spaces, to relaxation and commercial places to experience shopping. All of which, to some of us, came intuitively, and to others in a knowledgeable way. We started focusing on peoples’ experiences.

“Our philosophy of working is to create the visual experience of spaces. When we talk about visual, we relate it to lighting, experience is related to people, the spaces are related to the places where people perform activities, whether they’re recreational or commercial, interiors and exteriors; we focus our design ideas on that. When we are defining what lighting will be in a place, we will contribute in an important way to the experiences people will have in that space.”

Throughout his career, Palacio was heavily involved in the work of the IALD, helping to establish it as an international association, and serving as President in 2016-17. As the association first looked to expand beyond the USA, Palacio penned a metaphor for its globalisation efforts that many in the industry will still be familiar with; instead of chasing butterflies and catching them with a net, it’s better to build a beautiful garden that will attract all the butterflies.

During his term as President, Palacio also witnessed the first steps of the IALD’s Certification of Lighting Designers (CLD) programme. Not wanting to enforce a lighting programme into universities, Palacio believed it was better to formulate an internationally recognised certification through the association. Alongside his term as President, Palacio’s roles within the IALD also included terms as Chair of the IALD Membership Committee, and as a member of the IALD Education Trust’s Board of Directors, among many others.

In 2024, Palacio was inducted into the prestigious IALD College of Fellows, with the association recognising his exceptional contributions to lighting design and the IALD, and his unwavering commitment to advancing the profession.

Speaking at the time of his induction, IALD President Andrea Hartranft said: “Victor’s exceptional talent, dedication to the IALD, and passion for lighting design have made a lasting impression on our industry. We are honoured to recognise his achievements and contributions to the organisation and profession.

“His passion for lighting goes beyond professional achievements; he shares it with friends, colleagues, students, and other professionals, recognising the profound presence of light in nearly every facet of human activity.”

Following the news of his passing, a statement from the IALD described Palacio as “a visionary in the lighting design community, a leader whose passion and dedication shaped the profession. As the founder of Ideas en Luz in Mexico City, he shared his passion for lighting with colleagues and the world. His immeasurable contributions, mentoring countless designers, and elevating the profession globally, leave a legacy of excellence and inspiration. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he touched.”

The Asociación Profesional de Diseñadores Iluminación (APDI), to which Palacio was an honorary member, said: “His departure leaves a great void in the global community of lighting designers, but also a valuable legacy that will continue to illuminate the path of those of us who share his passion for lighting design. His commitment to excellence and his tireless curiosity to innovate have led to significant contributions to the development of our profession, influencing generations of designers around the world and leaving a deep mark on the sector.

“Beyond his professional career, those of us who had the privilege of knowing him closely know that Victor was a generous, close person and always willing to share his knowledge. His warmth, his enthusiasm for learning, and his ability to inspire others made him a great mentor and a dear friend to many designers.”

Sarah Cullen, now editor of darc, but formerly Editorial Assistant on arc magazine, interviewed Palacio for a feature in arc #103. Reflecting on her time with him, she said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Victor in Mexico City in 2018 for an interview in arc magazine issue #103, when I was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Editorial Assistant for the publication. Seven years later, and no longer formally part of the architectural lighting world (now I am submersed in the decorative lighting and interior design sector on darc magazine), the news of Victor’s passing still shocked and saddened me.

“Our brief interaction left a mark on me in the early days of my career at [d]arc media. Victor was a warm and inviting character to interview and settled my nerves immediately with his calm temper and words of encouragement. I wrote in my article, “A clear personality trait Palacio carries is that of a caring mentor”, and from what I have perceived over my time in the industry, he was exactly that for so many lucky people.

“Victor dedicated his life to light, in all its shapes and forms, particularly its relationship to people, architecture and history. He was a modest man that held a quiet power, which left a loud, bold mark on the international lighting industry, and he will be missed dearly by so many.

“And remember: “Instead of chasing and catching butterflies in a net, it’s better to build a beautiful garden that will attract all the butterflies.” A metaphor that he used to represent the IALD, but one that holds true in so many parts of life.”

Paul James, [d]arc media Managing Director, said: “Victor was not only a colossus of the lighting design profession, he was a colossus of a human being. His kind-hearted and warm nature meant he was always generous with his time and expertise. As we tried to establish arc magazine following its launch 26 years ago, he was available to offer advice in his typical humble way – never condescending, always encouraging. It is something I have never forgotten.

“Victor will be hugely missed by the lighting design family. It is a testament to his inspirational, yet modest spirit that his passing has touched so many people. We have lost a titan of lighting design.”

A mentor, inspiration, and dear friend to many, Palacio will long be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the lighting design profession.