AI is already showing up in the lighting industry—sometimes in places designers don’t even see—so this session takes a practical, no-hype look at how lighting designers can use AI as an assistant rather than a threat. Instead of focusing on futuristic promises, the talk centers on real-world design tasks and the importance of asking the right questions, exploring how thoughtful prompts and well-defined inputs allow AI to support analysis, comparison, and documentation while keeping design authorship firmly in human hands. Through candid examples and lessons learned, the session highlights where AI actually helps (and where it absolutely doesn’t), offering a grounded, approachable conversation about using these tools strategically to save time, reduce friction, and stay in control as the profession evolves.
President, Director of Lighting Design, Zinkon Creative Studio
Ardra Paige Zinkon, CLD, IALD is President and Director of Lighting Design at Zinkon Creative Studio, a certified WBE firm specializing in architectural lighting and technology design. Designing professionally since 1997, she is known for balancing technical precision with creative... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT TBA
BIM is transforming how architects, lighting designers, and manufacturers collaborate and manage projects. This session will explore how digital practice management helps firms streamline workflows, improve coordination, and maintain strong BIM standards. Attendees will learn how to develop efficient BIM templates, train teams effectively, and integrate BIM into their lighting and architectural workflows. Through real-world examples, we’ll show how structured BIM implementation can reduce inefficiencies, enhance teamwork, and improve project outcomes.
Over the past decade, Sam has worked with more than 50 architecture, interior and lighting design firms, as well as construction companies, to implement BIM technologies. Sam began his career as an architect, and transitioned to the BIM consulting during the early days of architecture... Read More →
Andrea is a dedicated member of 4 Ideal Design (4iD), bringing her diverse expertise in interior and lighting design to the team. With seven years of experience in the design industry, Andrea’s career began at a large architecture, interiors, and engineering firm, where she worked... Read More →
Co-Founder | Services Direct | Digital Practice Architect, 4ideal Design
Susy has more than 11 years of architecture experience. She’s an expert in the creation and implementation of Architecture BIM Standards, and has extensive knowledge of New York City documentation requirements and multifamily Revit workflows.Her hands-on experience as an architect... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT TBA
The world of museums is a multiverse of experiences. These experiences span from historic houses, with the most subtle lighting, to the most immersive and interactive environments where lighting is a noticeable interpretive element. Join us to learn from creative designers who have brought these amazing experiences to life. Dig into the details as each panelist will share design, technical and relationship insights from a past project at a worldclass museum. They will delve into the competing requirements of creating a compelling experience for the visitors while being a good steward of the objects. The panel will then engage in some curated questions to contrast experiences before opening up for audience questions. This is an expanded and revised version of a presentation that was given at ETC NYC recently.
Anita Jorgensen (IALD, IES, LC, CL) is the founding principal of Anita Jorgensen Lighting Design (AJLD) located in Tribeca, NY, and has been practicing architectural lighting design for over twenty years. Her background in art history and theatrical lighting design brings a strong... Read More →
Chuck Cameron works with specifiers, distributors and contractors to provide effective and efficient lighting controls creating environments for people. He recently joined the factory team at ETC, supporting architectural projects with control and fixture solutions, after 4 years... Read More →
John Delfino has spent over a decade creating narrative-rich lighting designs for permanent installations. At Available Light, he has contributed to major museum and architectural projects, in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the National WWII... Read More →
Amy Nelson is the Design Manager of Lighting Design at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she has worked for the past 13 years. Currently, she oversees the design, installation, and maintenance of lighting across the institution. At the Met, she leads projects that balance innovation... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT TBA
As protocols, networked systems, and software-driven platforms evolve faster than traditional project delivery models, the gap between design intent and field reality in modern lighting systems continues to widen. This one-hour panel, proposed by members of the United Lighting Controls Forum (ULCF) and the Council for Lighting Controls Startup and Integration (CLCSI), is designed for technicians, integrators, distributors, and industry leaders who are navigating this rapid change firsthand. Panelists will represent both the technician perspective through ULCF members and the distributor and sales channel perspective through CLCSI members, offering a balanced view of the challenges shaping today’s lighting and building environments. Drawing from direct involvement in design, coordination, commissioning, startup, and long-term system support, this moderated discussion will focus on lessons learned rather than debating whether emerging technologies are “good” or “bad,” the panel will center on what the boots on the ground are actually experiencing, the gaps between involved parties and how they are looking to bridge the.Topics will include the real-world impacts of new and evolving protocols, interoperability challenges, documentation and labeling gaps, and the growing role of IT infrastructure and network security in lighting systems. Attendees will leave with clearer insight into where friction is occurring, what markers indicate a successful installation in this new landscape, and how stronger collaboration across manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and technicians can improve outcomes. This session aligns directly with the mission of the ArcLight Summit conference by fostering informed dialogue, raising competency, and helping the industry adapt responsibly to rapid technological change.
Successful lighting design is built on collaboration. This presentation offers an accessible introduction to working with Lighting Designers, exploring how their expertise integrates with architectural and interior design teams. Through real-world perspectives, attendees will learn how to engage Lighting Designers more effectively, streamline coordination, and elevate the visual and experiential quality of their projects.
Christien Methot is an American lighting designer and light artist, for architecture and entertainment. Christien specializes in large-scale televised live concerts, shows, and events, including the US Open Ceremonies, WTA Opening Ceremony in Singapore, and the Jio Launch in Mumbai... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT TBA
Using the recently completed La Nubé STEAM Discovery Center as a case study, this presentation explores how dynamic lighting and complex control systems can address the sensory needs of neurodivergent visitors through accessible and equitable lighting design. La Nubé is the first children's museum in the United States where the exhibit lighting can change to meet the unique needs of its visitors: a full suite of stimulus control modes modulate the exhibits to maximize accessibility and minimize environmental stimuli for neurodivergent individuals. The presentation delves into the lighting and control system challenges these requirements presented, and how to navigate similar challenges to advance accessible lighting in future work. Topics include design advocacy and client coordination; systems design strategy and pitfalls; sensory-friendly design strategies; project-specific lessons learned; and real-world impacts from museum staff and local advocacy groups.
John Delfino has spent over a decade creating narrative-rich lighting designs for permanent installations. At Available Light, he has contributed to major museum and architectural projects, in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the National WWII... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT TBA
