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Venue: Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor clear filter
Tuesday, September 15
 

10:00am CDT

Humanizing the Night, A Practical Vision for Safer, More Vibrant, Illuminated Cities - Opening Keynote Session with Leni Schwendinger
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Leni has offered pioneering viewpoints to lighting designers and affiliates for more than two decades. She encourages the international community to broaden its perspectives and deepen its own insights with the goal of sharing a seat at the decision-making table. Humanizing the Night is her latest speech, crafted to open the minds of lighting and civic professionals to consider urban spaces as critical “luminous rooms” for city dwellers after dark. She makes the case for designers to join the emerging, twin disciplines of urban lighting and nighttime design.

Personal and professional, in this poetic, provocative, and practical keynote, urban lighting expert Leni Schwendinger shares how creative illumination, plus key decision-making, transforms cities after sunset into safer, vibrant, and more inclusive places: placemaking after dark.


LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Learn about the trend to consider nighttime as a “place”. Participants will be introduced to the critical need to design safer, more welcoming nighttime public spaces by addressing exterior lighting as an infrastructural system.
  • Take home an expanded vocabulary to address clients in the civic ecosystem of planners, transportation agencies, downtown organizations, business districts, public health leaders, developers, arts organizations, and residents.
  • Learn community participation approaches in lighting decisions applicable to creative lighting masterplans.
  • Advanced understanding: Examples of policies and pilots that have transformed cities worldwide to strengthen the urban lighting community’s nighttime design expertise
Speakers
avatar for Leni Schwendinger

Leni Schwendinger

Creative Director | Leader, Leni Schwendinger Light Projects LLC
Leni Schwendinger, an artist, designer, urbanist, and professional speaker, and founder of Leni Schwendinger Light Projects, divides her time between Manhattan and London. With more than 20 years of worldwide experience creating illuminated environments. Her innovative interdisciplinary... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

11:00am CDT

AI as a Lighting Designer’s Assistant: Practical Tools for Analysis, Comparison, and Clarity
Tuesday September 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Ardra Zinkon, CLD, IALD

Ardra Zinkon, CLD, IALD

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 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

12:00pm CDT

A Proposed Two-Parameter Approach To Recommended Lighting Levels
Tuesday September 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
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.

Speakers
avatar for Craig Bernecker

Craig Bernecker

Professor, Parsons School of Design
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

1:00pm CDT

Why DALI Makes Sense for Outdoor Lighting Control
Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Harris

Nathan Harris

Manager-Lighting Controls, Texas Lighting Solutions
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 →
avatar for Stephen Zhou

Stephen Zhou

Executive Vice President, mwConnect
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 →
avatar for Carol Jones

Carol Jones

Market Development Manager, North America, DALI Alliance
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

2:00pm CDT

Who Is the Integrator—and Why Your Lighting Project Depends on Them
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Bill Ellis

Bill Ellis

President, Candela Controls, Inc.
As owner and President of Candela Controls, Inc. in Winter Garden, FL, Bill Ellis has gained experience and respect in the industry for his innovative thinking and problem-solving approach to the unusual project.  Some of his most challenging projects include: the National Air and... Read More →
avatar for Chris Leffel

Chris Leffel

Architectural Regional Manager, South, ETC
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

3:00pm CDT

One Building, One System: Why We Hold the Key to Integrated, Intelligent Buildings
Tuesday September 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Gary Harvey

Gary Harvey

Director of Business Development, Delta Electronics (Americas), Ltd.
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor
 
Wednesday, September 16
 

9:00am CDT

IALD Education Trust | Student Tour - Exhibit Hall Floor
Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
STUDENTS:

Step onto the exhibit hall floor for a guided behind-the-scenes look at the products, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of architectural lighting. Led by respected IALD lighting designers known for award-winning projects, this tour gives students direct access to industry expertise and exhibitor insights.

Participants will explore manufacturer booths, learn about lighting fixtures, controls, and integrated solutions, and hear firsthand how products support successful design outcomes. Whether you're looking to expand your technical knowledge, gain career insight, or make industry connections, this tour offers valuable access to both design leaders and exhibiting brands.

TOUR STARTS AT THE EDUCATION STATION.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Hartranft

Andrea Hartranft

Principal, Hartranft Lighting Studios

Andrea Hartranft believes everyone should have access to and benefit from quality light in their environments.

She applies expertise gained since 1986 to design for commercial, municipal, institutional and residential markets. Her projects include high-end public places, energy-efficient workplaces, and cost-driven renovations, receiving international lighting design awards from the International... Read More →
avatar for Jill Cody

Jill Cody

IALD, CLD, LC, LEED AP, Principal, Darklight Design


Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

10:00am CDT

A Primer to Working with Lighting Designers
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Christien Methot

Christien Methot

Founder/Principal Designer, Design One
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

11:00am CDT

OMG The 80's are Historic? - Gregory Bateson Building Case Study
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
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. 
Speakers
avatar for Sanjana Adavi

Sanjana Adavi

Lighting Designer, CannonDesign
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 →
avatar for Coffield King

Coffield King

Senior Associate, CannonDesign
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

12:00pm CDT

Unpacking The Rainbow Connection – Lighting Design for Human Health and Wellbeing
Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Pfund

Dave Pfund

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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

1:00pm CDT

Lighting to Support Human Health and Wellbeing
Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Unlock the powerful biological potential of light and transform how people feel, function, and sleep in your buildings. This evidence-based course translates cutting-edge light-and-health research directly into your practical workflow, moving beyond aesthetics to show you how light affects the visual, perceptual, and circadian systems. You'll master the cause-and-effect of key design variables (spectrum, timing, duration) on human outcomes like task performance, alertness, and glare control. Critically, you will demystify and learn to apply advanced metrics from standards like WELL and CIE S 026 to achieve targets such as vertical illuminance at the eye, EV/EH ratios and controls. Through real-world case studies, you'll gain the step-by-step strategy for implementing "bright days, dim evenings, dark nights," empowering you to design environments that directly improve occupant sleep, safety, and overall well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Mariana Figueiro

Mariana Figueiro

Professor and Director, Light and Health Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Mariana Figueiro, PhD, is among the world’s leading experts in the area of light and health, with a focus on bridging science to practical applications aimed at improving human quality of life. She has made a significant impact on this developing field and continues to actively... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor

2:00pm CDT

Equitable by Design: Dynamic Lighting Systems for Neurodivergent Accessibility
Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for John Delfino

John Delfino

Associate Principal, Available Light, Inc
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
Education Station @ ArchLIGHT Summit Show Floor
 
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