the IESNYC

09/14/2026

09/09/2026

💡 Meet Our Member: Brian Stacy

This month, we’re featuring Brian Stacy, Principal / Fellow at Arup.

Brian’s introduction to lighting came through theater and opera, where he discovered how much more light can do than simply illuminate a space. His career since then has taken him through museums, multidisciplinary design, and more than 25 years of involvement with the IESNYC.

Today, he sees giving back to the profession—and bringing people together—as an important part of his role in the lighting community.

Read Brian’s full profile at the link in bio.

09/04/2026

2026 IESNYC Thesis Awards 🏆

The IESNYC proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Thesis Awards, recognizing exceptional academic work and emerging voices shaping the future of lighting.

Congratulations to:
✨ Harithra Navaratnam — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
✨ Rory Shamlian — New York School of Interior Design
✨ Hemkar Sharma — Parsons School of Design

From 3D-printed baffle optics designed to reduce glare, to lighting that uses lantern-inspired wayfinding in a public library, to an iOS tool that connects human perception with measurable luminance data, their research demonstrates the creativity, curiosity, and innovation of the next generation of lighting professionals.

Each recipient receives a $2,500 award in recognition of their outstanding work and contribution to the lighting community.

Congratulations, Harithra, Rory, and Hemkar! We look forward to seeing where your work takes you next. 💡

Read the full announcement at https://iesnyc.org/Thesis_Awards

08/27/2026

CRI Has One Job. That’s the Problem. 💡

What if CRI isn’t telling you everything you need to know about color?

In this month’s Fabric of Our Society, Jason Livingston, Principal at Studio T+L, LLC and Co-Chair of the IES Color Committee, breaks down why relying on CRI alone limits lighting design—and how TM-30 provides the tools to handle color preference, vividness, and low-light environments.

Head to the link in bio for the full story.

08/21/2026

Today’s the day! ✨

There’s still time to take the next step in your lighting career.

Applications for the 2026–2027 IESNYC Guiding Lights Circle close today, August 21.

Entering its third cycle, this nine-month mentorship program connects emerging lighting professionals with experienced members of our community through meaningful one-on-one mentorship, open conversations, group programming, and lasting professional relationships.

Whether you’re looking for guidance, perspective, or a new connection within the lighting community, this could be the beginning of something meaningful.

🌟 Apply today and join us for the 2026–2027 Guiding Lights Circle.

Find all details and apply today via the link below.

https://iesnyc.org/Mentorship

08/19/2026

Moonlighting 2026: Calling All Artists + Sponsors!
IESNYC, DLFNY, WILD, and IALDNY are once again joining forces for Moonlighting, a unique exhibition celebrating the creativity and artistic talents of New York City’s lighting community.

Beyond our professional work, there are so many passions and creative pursuits that inspire us. Moonlighting shines a spotlight on those talents through artwork, photography, crafts, writing, sculpture, mixed media, and more.

📅 Save the date for this year’s exhibition: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Join us for an evening of inspiration, conversation, and discovery as we celebrate the creative spirit of our lighting community.

Artists: Apply today to showcase your work!�Sponsors: Don’t miss your opportunity to support this special community event.

Learn more via www.moonlightingnyc.org

08/12/2026

Meet Our Member | August 2026 💡

This month, we’re featuring Phat Quach, Director at Domingo González Associates.

Phat’s journey into lighting began somewhat unexpectedly — with an architectural degree, a challenging job market, and a chance application that led him to DGA as an intern. More than a decade later, lighting has become a career shaped not only by design, but by mentorship, volunteerism, and community.

Through the IESNYC, Phat has served as a mentor, shared his experience as a speaker, and volunteered with Equity in Lighting to introduce young students to the world of lighting. For him, being part of the community is also about bringing your whole self to the industry and inspiring others along the way.

As Phat puts it, one important role we have as IESNYC members is to “inspire each other.”

Read Phat’s full story in this month’s Meet Our Member.

https://lnkd.in/eenzPH5W

08/06/2026

IESNYC is taking the stage at IES26.

We’re proud to see so many members of the IESNYC—and IESNYC Thesis Award recipients—sharing their knowledge, research, and ideas at this year’s IES Annual Conference in Denver.

We’re proud to see our community represented across so many sessions, sharing ideas, advancing research, and contributing to meaningful conversations across our profession.

If you’re attending IES26, be sure to catch their presentations and say hello.

There’s still time to register—visit the link below for conference and speaker details and registration.

https://iesnyc.starchapter.com/blog/Members_at_IES26

08/02/2026

✨ ‚In Conversation With…‘ is an IESNYC series exploring the ideas, experiences, and perspectives of creators and innovators whose work intersects with light in meaningful ways.

In our latest conversation, IESNYC President Zachary Pearson sits down with Daniel Joseph, Executive Illusions & Effects Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, to discuss how light shapes illusion, storytelling, and the guest experience.

From „chasing shadows“ to designing immersive attractions, Daniel shares how curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with light.

Read the full conversation through the link below.
https://iesnyc.org/blog/In_Conversation_DanielJoseph