Lighting Matters!

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 

9/4/24 • 54:02

In this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Paul Beale, the co-founder of 18 Degrees, a London-based lighting studio renowned for its innovative approach to architectural lighting design. Paul shares the unexpected story of how he’s turned his focus towards sustainability by rescuing flat-panel light fixtures destined for landfills. As he finds himself with a growing inventory of saved fixtures, Paul is now on a mission to find new homes for these lights, sparking a conversation about waste reduction and the environmental impact of our industry.  With over 25 years of experience, Paul Beale is not only a leader in lighting design but also an advocate for responsible practices within the field. He has served on the board of directors of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and currently advises the European Commission on lighting-related issues. His insights are sure to inspire listeners to think differently about the life cycle of lighting products and the role of sustainability in design.  Tune in as we explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainable practices into the world of lighting design, and enjoy a few laughs along the way as Paul recounts his journey from design projects to renting new space for storing his salvaged fixtures.  Paul Beale was a founder of the London-based lighting design studio18 Degrees in 2017.  He believes that great lighting changes lives for the better and has build a practice to bring excellence in lighting design to projects of all kinds all around the world. Paul has served on the board of directors of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and currently serves on the IALD Europe steering committee and advises the European Commission on lighting-related issues. He also regularly writes articles for industry publications, speaks at design conferences, and participates in panel discussions.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Intro and background on Paul Beale, ‘unflinching’ co-founder of 18 Degrees  (05:00) The Cambridge project story - Reusing LEDs and the sustainability challenge 

8/20/24 • 46:46

Welcome to the second half of our “Jumping Over Dollars” episode. Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights continue their conversation with special guest Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek touches on how lighting designers tackle budget constraints, forensic analysis of bids, and the pursuit of truth, beauty, and client satisfaction. We then examine trust and deception in lighting design (and car sales), highlighting the importance of shared commitment to excellence. Finally, we discuss how we help clarify project goals, handle contractor input, and emphasize the need for clear communication and strategic decision-making. Derek Barnwell, Assoc. IALD, Managing Principal, Raleigh Studio/Available Light is a seasoned lighting pro with over 21 years of experience in lighting system design across museum, architectural, and entertainment sectors. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology from Wake Technical College, Raleigh NC. Derek's career spans roles at Design & Production in Lorton VA, where he managed lighting design and show control for diverse projects. He has also contributed significantly to the architectural lighting industry, serving in software/marketing roles and as a manufacturer's representative. Derek's expertise integrates creative, technical, and logistical insights, evident in his contributions to landmark projects like the National Museum of the Marine Corps, BB King Museum, and the Liberty Science Center renovation. Available Light brings together a diverse team with extensive expertise in architecture, theater, computer automation, lighting control, interface design, equipment specification, and special events production. Their comprehensive services encompass every phase of lighting design, from master planning and documentation to final equipment adjustment and maintenance scheduling. They excel in LEED accreditation management, photometric calculations, computer daylight studies, simulations, photographic representations, and mock-up production. Committed to precision, accurate budgeting, and timely delivery, the company prioritizes creativity, technical excellence, and practicality in realizing clients' visions through collaborative teamwork. In This Episode: (00:00) That “magic moment”, lighting is over budget (06:16) The honor and protectiveness over earned lighting jobs, innovative parking garage design in Boston (00:12:43) Navigating game playing, trust and trickery (00:18:59) Bad actors that threaten your designs and projects, value engineering pressures (00:26:40) Standing up for your vision in the 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: Derek Barnwell LinkedIn Available Light Lisa Reed LinkedIn Avraham Mor LinkedIn

8/7/24 • 35:06

Welcome to the second episode of Lighting Matters, hosted by Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights. Our special guest today is Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek reveals the invaluable role of relationships in the lighting sector. Available Light’s commitment to customer service and innovative products has been a game-changer in lighting design, and Derek's insights will offer you a fresh perspective on collaborative success. Derek sheds light on the critical importance of transparent communication and effective collaboration among designers, manufacturers, and representatives. Hear firsthand how his experience as a rep has equipped him with unique insights into managing specifications and maintaining equitable relationships. We'll also discuss how remote work has transformed industry dynamics and the necessity of clear protocols to honor the time and efforts of local reps. Join us for an episode packed with practical advice and insider knowledge that no lighting design professional should miss.  Derek Barnwell, Assoc. IALD, Managing Principal, Raleigh Studio/Available Light is a seasoned lighting pro with over 21 years of experience in lighting system design across museum, architectural, and entertainment sectors. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology from Wake Technical College, Raleigh NC. Derek's career spans roles at Design & Production in Lorton VA, where he managed lighting design and show control for diverse projects. He has also contributed significantly to the architectural lighting industry, serving in software/marketing roles and as a manufacturer's representative. Derek's expertise integrates creative, technical, and logistical insights, evident in his contributions to landmark projects like the National Museum of the Marine Corps, BB King Museum, and the Liberty Science Center renovation.  Available Light brings together a diverse team with extensive expertise in architecture, theater, computer automation, lighting control, interface design, equipment specification, and special events production. Their comprehensive services encompass every phase of lighting design, from master planning and documentation to final equipment adjustment and maintenance scheduling. They excel in LEED accreditation management, photometric calculations, computer daylight studies, simulations, photographic representations, and mock-up production. Committed to precision, accurate budgeting, and timely delivery, the company prioritizes creativity, technical excellence, and practicality in realizing clients' visions through collaborative teamwork.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Introduction and Derek Barnwell background and career 

7/23/24 • 47:34

Welcome to the first episode of Lighting Matters, sponsored by Luminii Lighting, and hosted by Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights. Our special guest is Dan Weissman, Associate Principal & Director of Lam Labs at Lam Partners. Dan, Lisa, and Avi dive into the Lam Partners design process and discuss how to communicate designs to our clients. Dan shares his incredible journey from an architecture enthusiast to working on iconic projects like the Kansas City Performing Arts Center and the United States Institute of Peace. Dan walks us through the strategic use of tools like 3D Studio Max to enhance client presentations, ensuring that what you see on the screen translates perfectly into the real world.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Introduction  (04:18) Dan Weissman discusses his history and career in architecture (08:37) Lighting design renderings are created in the early design phase, with a focus on accuracy and use of 3D Studio Max for realistic visuals. (13:20) Designing and Refining Lighting Aesthetics - materiality, iterative refinement, simplification, and effective lighting to align with the initial vision. (25:54) Physically-based modeling systems, detailing, made-to-order lighting solutions (34:11) Spec Integrity in Design Process - Complexities in producing architectural details and lighting specifications, including the use of Revit libraries and the role of spec writers. (41:04) Lighting for a wide variety of needs- activity vs. biological, etc.  (45:04) Closing thoughts, Aspen restaurant issues, working with architects and contractors 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: Dan Weissman LinkedIn Lam Partners Lisa Reed LinkedIn Avraham Mor LinkedIn Reed Burkett Lighting Design Morlights

7/10/24 • 53:14

See why Lisa and Avi are starting this podcast.

7/8/24 • 02:14