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
Illuminance, measured in foot-candles or lux, has long been the metric used to recommend lighting levels for specific applications. From Waldram’s Designed Appearance Method to Cuttle’s Mean Room Surface Exitance (MRSP) approach, there has been considerable interest over the years in moving away from illuminance as a basis for lighting design in favor of luminance and exitance.
This session will provide participants with a perspective of illuminance recommendations over time, along with a bit of history of some of the approaches to design criteria beyond illuminance. But it then takes the perspective that two metrics are likely necessary to adequately address end users’ perception of the adequacy of illumination in various applications.
This paper explores the combination of illuminance and MRSP in a systematic way through a series of analyses of representative applications to determine the efficacy of these metrics for lighting design recommendations and practice. Both illuminance and MRSE are determined for a series of scenarios using multiple room sizes, reflectances, and lighting systems for several application types (e.g., office, classroom, conference room, etc.). Proposed recommendations for these two parameters are then suggested for a variety of applications.
Dr. Bernecker has been a lighting educator for over 40 years. He is founder of The Lighting Education Institute, providing professional education, and Professor of Lighting Design and Director of the Masters of Fine Arts in Lighting Design program at Parsons School of Design, The... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT TBA
The scale of outdoor lighting offers bigger challenges for controls selection and operation. Installation costs, encompassing wiring and labor, can be prohibitive. Post-installation adjustments can require burdensome additional efforts. Wouldn’t it be great if there was some control solution that bypassed these challenges yet offered superior control capabilities and ease of installation? Enter DALI! By using this open standard, project professionals can unlock a range of benefits including: • Multi-vendor compatibility for luminaires, drivers, sensors, and controllers without being locked in to a single vendor’s solution • Design flexibility and future proofing with individual addressability, ease of grouping or regrouping • Flexible design and future-proofing • Reduced operating costs with predictive maintenance reports on failing components • Centralized remote monitoring with fault detection and integration into other building management systems
This session delves into the use of DALI standards for designing outdoor control projects like parking garages and other site lighting applications. The panelists explore common misconceptions, best design and installation practices, and lessons learned from real-world projects.
Nathan Harris is a lighting controls professional with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in the design and implementation of intelligent control systems that improve building performance, occupant experience, and long-term flexibility. At Texas Lighting Solutions, he works... Read More →
Executive Vice President at mwConnect, a pioneering lighting and IoT company headquartered in Sacramento, California, Stephen is responsible for overseeing the company’s daily operations and managing its subsidiaries across Asia. He leads a cross-functional R&D team that has developed... Read More →
Carol is an industry veteran and national leader in market transformation working on the digitization, standardization, and interoperability of commercial lighting. She has a diverse background having been a lighting designer, a ‘labbie’ at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT TBA
As lighting control systems become more sophisticated, the role of the controls integrator has become increasingly important—yet often misunderstood by design teams. This session explains what a lighting controls integrator actually does and why their involvement can be critical to project success. Attendees will learn how integrators bridge the gap between architectural intent, engineering documentation, and field execution, helping to coordinate complex systems, resolve issues during commissioning, and protect lighting quality. Through real-world examples, the presentation highlights common project challenges that arise when integrator roles are unclear or introduced too late, and how early collaboration can reduce risk, improve system performance, and support long-term operation. This session provides lighting designers, architects, and engineers with practical insight into when and how integrators can save time, preserve design intent, and deliver lighting control systems that perform as intended throughout the life of the building.
Chris Leffel is the South Architectural Regional Sales Manager at ETC, where he leads strategic engagement and specification efforts across the Southern U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean from his home base in Orlando. He joined ETC in 2023, bringing deep industry experience and... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT TBA
When upgrading a facility or exterior space with a new lighting system, capturing the existing conditions is absolutely fundamental to the success of any retrofit project. Without an accurate assessment, lighting practitioners cannot possibly deliver an effective retrofit cost and savings proposal. Join us as we explore the proven process of collecting existing conditions and maximizing the chances for a successful project.
Highlighting the capabilities of using a singular platform of controls. Leverage the core and shell of a building control system to control the lighting, as well as deploy an infrastructure of fully networked building. Allows users to be able to have a smart building, running efficiently, automatically and provides key data points to allow for key business decisions.
With over 15 years of deep-rooted experience in the LED lighting industry, Gary Harvey has been at the forefront of the digital lighting revolution. Throughout his career, he has transitioned from mastering the technical nuances of illumination to pioneering the future of Integrated... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT TBA
In recent years there has been a proliferation of LED products with combined attributes of selectable wattage, CCT, beam angles, etc. A primary benefit of integrating these features is a reduction in the SKU or part numbers for manufacturers and suppliers, but is it beneficial to the design community? In this panel discussion which brings perspectives from the lighting design and lighting manufacturer’s perspectives, we compare and contrast selectable lighting attributes in luminaires and consider which applications may benefit and where the use of a “one size fits most” lighting approach should be avoided.
Michael Lunn is a seasoned professional in the lighting industry, currently serving as the Product Marketing Manager for the HALO Recessed Product Line at Cooper Lighting Solutions. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at Eaton - Lighting and various technical support... Read More →
Paula Ziegenbein discovered her passion for lighting as an undergraduate in electrical engineering, inspired by a professor’s course on Illumination Engineering. This sparked a 25-year career with OSRAM SYLVANIA, where she held leadership roles in applications engineering, product... Read More →
Shanna Brown is an Associate at Hartranft Lighting Studios with over a decade of experience in architectural lighting design. She holds a Master’s degree from Parsons School of Design and brings a human-centered approach that blends form and function, with a focus on the emotional... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm 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.
The Gregory Bateson Building in Sacramento CA was "the most sustainable building" in the united states when it was built in the 1980's. This among other features gave the building a historic listing/presence. While renovating the building there was a focus on preserving the lighting to maintain the historic character while also updating it to meet current energy codes and light level recommendations. Trying to accomplish this sparked wild discussions of what is historic when it comes to recently antiquated light sources.
Sanjana Adavi is an emerging professional in the lighting design industry. After studying Architectural Engineering at Penn State University, she joined the Cannon Design Lighting Studio in 2023. Over the last three years, she has built a diverse portfolio in architectural lighting... Read More →
Coffield began his career working in architecture firms with a strong focus on 3D visualization and custom detailing. Projects included larger commercial buildings, as well as the design and fabrication drawings for custom light fixture installations. Over the last 16 years he has... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT TBA
For decades, architectural lighting design has focused on vision and aesthetics. More recently, however, discoveries and a growing understanding of the connection between light, human circadian biology and certain chronic health issues have challenged lighting designers to also account for how light affects physiological wellbeing. Considerations related to the intensity, direction, duration and timing of exposure to short wavelength blue light has altered both product and practice. Now, the industry is beginning to learn that wellbeing isn’t just influenced by blue light, but also far red and near infrared (NIR) radiation. New products, bold claims, and nascent science offer an intriguing story of how an NIR-rich interior lighting spectrum like sunlight could improve cognition, boost mood, reduce pain, repair tissue, and more. This presentation will introduce the science of photobiomodulation, outlining what is currently known and what could change in the future. It will also cover how lighting practice might change, and what to watch for as the science emerges.
Designing with photobiomodulation in mind will be a substantially different exercise than designing for vision or even for circadian effect. This is primarily because photobiomodulation works through the mitochondria present in living cells rather than only through the eyes. Thus, there are important discussions about the dose of light, where it is delivered, and how it can function independently of lighting for vision. There are also broader questions about accounting for potentially large increases in energy use, balanced with the potential benefits to society. This presentation will help attendees be at the forefront of what could be the next major disruption to lighting practice, allowing them to deliver better solutions for clients.
Senior Vice President Research and Product Management, The Lighting Quotient
Dave Pfund is an innovation-driven lighting industry thought leader focused on technologies that advance personal wellbeing and sustainable building initiatives. He is passionate about lighting science, biological and psychological responses to light, and related health impacts. In... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm 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
