Lighting Designers in Architecture.

23 March, 1997

Our Panelists were: Carl Haas, Gyogos Lighting Design, S.F.Drew Franklin, Illuminating Concepts, N.H., Patty Glasow, Auerbach & Glasow, S.F., Bob Shook, Freelance Lighting Designer

Bob talked first about the skills that make the crossover from theatre to architecture easier for us. We, it seems, have a unique understanding of quality of light, the ability to collaborate, we formulate project concepts, and are not afraid to use all of the qualities of light (especially color, movement, and texture).

Patty filled us in on what architecture firms look for in hiring. The skill that Bob outlined certainly impress, so will adaptability, and the willingness to augment skills. She looks for the following things when hiring:

An understanding of the architectural process.
What do you deliver
1. An active interest in the field (have you investigated architecture?)
2. Drafting skills (both Manual and CAD)- Higher standards than Theatre
3. Sketching skills- design charettes are the medium of Architects.
4. Product knowledge- There are 20 times the amount of diverse fixtures.
5. Calculations- quality of light balances with needs
6. Communication- Verbal & written
7. Knowledge of Day lighting- Penetration, amounts, sunlight angles
8. Project Management Skills
9. Business Practices
10. Creativity

Drew’s talk covered making the transition between theatre and architecture. He stresses the need to familiarize oneself with New Product Knowledge, i.e.: fixtures, lamps, cables, connectors, paths, and programming. He further emphasized the importance of learning the art of Documentation & Specification of the Total Intent of the Design. He reiterated the importance of drawing skills, and introduced the tie in to A.V. equipment and controllers.

Carl gave us practical insight into making the transition. He emphasized the importance of maintaining contact with theatre. He recommended Understanding the Long-term aspect of designs, and brushing up on networking skills (schmoozing).
He made a point to be up front by saying that entry-level employees tend to take other people’s concepts and do the architectural-specific tasks it takes to realize them. There are training programs for architectural lighting, but this makes for greater competition. The short list of schools: Parsons School of Design, Rensilier in Troy, NY, Cal State Poly, UC Boulder, U of K, Kansas, Penn State. These offer Masters in Architectural Lighting, or Architectural Engineer with a Lighting emphasis.

Patty talked about balancing aesthetics with the architectural process.
The architectural process is as follows:

Programming
Schematic
Design development
Construction documentation
Bidding or negotiations
Construction administration (building phase) Observe factory, site tour.
Post-occupancy

Carl talked about custom fixtures (and showed a lot of slides of some)

Bob talked about the Particle Considerations of an architectural design.

Other Notes:
I.E.S.N.A.- The Illumination Engineering Society of North America offers dry classes as research for the architectural industry.
I.A.L.D. - The International Alliance of Lighting Designers is also a resource for designers.
Most of all «Be an Observer of Light»