Lutron Electronics acquires Orluna LED Technologies
(USA / UK) – Lighting controls specialist Lutron Electronics has acquired Orluna LED Technologies, the company has announced – its first acquisition outside of North America.
Founded in 2010, Orluna is known for its high-quality downlights, uplights, and surface and track fixtures. Orluna’s sleek, compact architectural fixtures complement Lutron’s advanced lighting, shading, and control solutions for luxury residential and hospitality markets, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional precision.
“This strategic move strengthens Lutron’s commitment to delivering exceptional lighting solutions, further expanding our global portfolio to meet the needs of our customers,” says Ben Bard, Vice-President, Luxury Residential Business at Lutron Electronics. “Orluna’s broad and elegant fixture portfolio, combined with Lutron solutions, will raise the bar for quality and design. Together, we will drive innovation and transform the way spaces are illuminated, blending technology and aesthetics seamlessly.”
Andrew Kilborn, Managing Director at Orluna, adds: “As we enter a world where luminaires and controls continue to merge, we are delighted to team up with the leading lighting, shading and controls partner, Lutron. Lutron and Orluna are both family-run companies with a similar long-term outlook. We look forward to this next chapter where, together, we will create beautiful interiors through the harmony of light, while maintaining consistent loyalty to our customers.”
Orluna products are available in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, and will continue to be purchased through existing sales channels. Currently, Orluna products are not available for purchase in North America. The company will maintain operations at its UK headquarters, ensuring continuity for its customer base while benefiting from Lutron’s global reach and resources.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Orluna team to the Lutron family,” says Javier Segovia, Vice-President of Sales and Services for the UK and Europe. “This acquisition supports Lutron’s long-term strategy to grow our presence in key regions and enhance our position in the global luxury residential and hospitality lighting markets. Our team looks forward to working with our shared customers on this next chapter.”
Paul Marantz, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone, dies
(USA) – The lighting design community is mourning the loss of Paul Marantz, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone, who has passed away.
A lighting visionary who, through his extraordinary contributions to architectural lighting design, has helped to transform the perception of lighting design as a profession.
Alongside Jules Fisher, Marantz co-founded the company that would become Fisher Marantz Stone in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to inspire to this day.
Initially working in theatre lighting, Marantz held a strong interest in light from the tender age of 10 years old, thanks to a marionette workshop. When he was 11, he built a model theatre, complete with lighting, and between the ages of 13-15, he lit modern dance recitals.
Most of Marantz’s undergraduate years were focused on theatre, particularly stage design and lighting – he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College, Ohio, with graduate work at Case Western Reserve University and Brooklyn College.
His first job in New York was as Chief Engineer at Lighting Services Inc., which was followed by heading Research and Development at Century/Strand Lighting, before starting what is now FMS with Jules Fisher in 1971.
As a designer, Marantz’s legacy spans across five decades of groundbreaking work – some of his most iconic projects include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE; Tribute in Light memorial in New York, honouring 9/11 victims, the Times Square Ball, and Broadway theatre, Studio 54.
An inductee into the IALD College of Fellows, Marantz is widely considered a pioneer of lighting design, helping to establish the profession as an essential design discipline.
Rest in peace, Paul.
Paul Marantz – 1938-2025
EPDs: A tool to decarbonise lighting
In this article, Darren Smith, Specification Lead at Signify UK&I explores what an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is, why it matters, and how EPDs can help the design community to align with sustainability goals and project expectations.
As the UK, like all global communities, grapples with the pressing challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion, there is a growing imperative on manufacturers, government, and consumers to understand and minimise the environmental impacts associated with what they produce, regulate, and consume. This pursuit of environmental sustainability has sparked a heightened demand for reliable and transparent information that can guide informed decision-making towards more environmentally conscious choices.
For stakeholders in and customers of the UK lighting industry, the situation is no different. Manufacturers, designers, installers, specifiers – they are all looking for that holy grail of a single, understandable, and reliable method to guide their decisions.
However, quantifying and comparing the multifaceted environmental footprints of products across various impact categories poses a formidable challenge. The intricate web of supply chains, manufacturing processes, and disposal or re-use methods that underpin the lifecycle of a product makes it exceedingly difficult to accurately assess and compare the environmental implications of different products and their alternatives. The need for assessing environmental impacts has indeed led to a proliferation of green labels, circularity scores, and sustainability rating methods aimed at simplifying the comparison of products. However, reducing the complex matter of evaluating various environmental impacts to a one-dimensional, simplified rating system or a single logo is problematic and can be misleading.
Enter EPDs
As sustainability becomes an increasingly vital consideration in architectural and construction projects, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) serve as essential tools for navigating the myriad choices available. First, what is an EPD?
An EPD is a standardised document that provides comprehensive information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. This includes data on raw material extraction, production, usage, and end-of-life disposal, ensuring that this is a source of information that is transparent, reliable, and comparable across similar products. EPDs provide invaluable insights into a product's environmental impact throughout its life cycle, offering data on energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource usage. By utilising EPDs, consultants and architects can make informed decisions that align with their sustainability objectives, ultimately contributing to greener and more eco-conscious designs. EPDs are derived from Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), which consider all stages of the product life cycle including raw material extraction and transport, product manufacturing and delivery including installation, operation, disposal and recycling.
EPDs vs other regulations
As a steppingstone towards full EPDs, the UK’s Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) developed a Technical Memorandum in 2021: TM65, “Embodied carbon in building services: A calculation methodology”, which is basically a narrowed-down EPD focusing on carbon footprint only. TM65 simplifies but builds on international ISO standards that have been developed by experts over the years. As such, it is a halfway step towards a practice where full EPDs are being created to demonstrate all environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycle. By TM65, the UK lighting industry is being pointed towards more robust and complete calculation methods. It should also be noted that TM65 states that if a product EPD exists, then the TM65 assessment does not need to be applied.
In 2021, CIBSE introduced TM66, which sets out what designing and manufacturing to comply with circular economy principles entails and includes a checklist, a method of assessing a product’s circular economy performance, and real-world examples of good practice. TM66 was created to address an immediate need that was emerging in the lighting industry. Manufacturers were seeking ways to make their products more sustainable, create circular designs, explore re-manufacturing and substantiate their green claims. Likewise, customers and specifiers were seeking independent evidence of claims made, and a simple scoring system to compare at least some of such product claims was more than welcome. The TM66-CEAM tool was filling a gap.
EPDs on the other hand, offer a comprehensive assessment across a product's entire life cycle, covering all environmental aspects, following standardised formats, and undergoing independent verification. In some cases, a product might have both an EPD and a TM66 report, providing an even more in-depth look at its environmental impact. Think of an EPD as a detailed environmental biography of a product, while TM66 is a specific chapter focusing on its end-of-life potential. Use an EPD for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment across any product category. Use TM66 for a quick assessment of a lighting product's circularity characteristics, particularly embodied carbon (manufacturing emissions).
EPDs for the lighting industry
As lighting currently accounts for 12% of global electricity consumption and 5% of global CO2 emissions, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting can significantly reduce global electricity consumption. EPDs quantify products’ environmental impact over their full life cycle, enabling comparisons to comparable products and empowering customers to make informed decisions on lighting investments.
In addition to driving greater transparency for customers, EPDs are advancing evidence-based sustainable innovation within Signify, providing a quantified footprint that acts as a baseline for further improvements in next generation product iterations.
EPD certification is particularly relevant to several key stakeholders: specifiers, end users and environmentally conscious consumers. For manufacturers, EPD certification is a proactive approach to environmental responsibility and compliance with international sustainability standards. For businesses and end users, especially those with sustainability goals, EPD-certified products are invaluable. Incorporating the EPD-certified products into their infrastructure allows these companies to align with their environmental objectives and meet regulatory requirements. EPD certification also provides the data needed to substantiate sustainability claims, making it easier for businesses to report on their environmental impact.
Specifiers, on the other hand, benefit from the assurance that comes with EPD certification. In an age where environmental awareness is high, specifiers are increasingly seeking products that minimise their project’s ecological footprint. The transparency offered by EPD certification empowers our specification partners to make choices that align with their and their customers values, contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts.
At Signify, we recognise that and so have already made available more than 2,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), covering more than 70,000 product variations around the world. Due to customer demand, the Americas are currently served by the Declare labelling system. As the EPD programme continues, all products worldwide will ultimately receive EPDs. We have also committed to sharing the environmental impact of its full range of products. In addition to driving greater transparency for customers, EPDs are advancing evidence-based sustainable innovation within Signify, providing a quantified footprint that acts as a baseline for further improvements in next generation product iterations.
In conclusion
By providing transparent and verified information about a product’s environmental impact, EPDs empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and contribute to global sustainability goals. Whether you are a manufacturer seeking certification or a designer selecting materials for a project, understanding the importance of EPDs ensures alignment with industry standards and a commitment to a sustainable future.
EPDs are advancing evidence-based sustainable innovation within Signify, providing a quantified footprint that acts as a baseline for further improvements in next generation product iterations. The time is now, for the UK lighting industry to raise its ambition and embrace EPD methods tailored for the industry that will better stand the test of time.
Neko Lighting - Space 60
Crafted for the modern office, this luminaire sculpts light with adaptive intelligence precision engineered glare control meets fluid modularity. Modular magic (L/T/X connectors) unlocks infinite spatial choreography, while scalable silhouettes shift effortlessly from solo elegance to boundless harmony. Beyond illumination, it architects ‘lightscapes’, where productivity and artistry converge, transforming workplaces into luminous ecosystems of inspired focus.
Acolyte and Applelec Group announce UK partnership
(UK) - GENLED Brands has announced the partnership between Acolyte and Applelec Group.
Acolyte is the architectural lighting division of GENLED Brands, a growing international LED manufacturer with headquarters, production and operations in Europe, North America and Asia. Acolyte offers a complete range of customisable RibbonLyte and channel fixtures, wall washers and grazers, flexible LED neon, pendants, backlighting panels and programmable Pixel products. Their work is found in high-end hotels, restaurants, retail shops, offices, public spaces and private homes around the world.
“Applelec Group’s versatility, wealth of knowledge, proven experience and quality craftsmanship is unparalleled,” said Scott Vontobel, President and CEO of GENLED Brands. “Customer service is paramount in our business, and Applelec’s expert teams and specialists keep their customers at the heart of what they do. Acolyte’s custom products fit right into their offerings.”
Founded in 1998, Applelec has four divisions: Lighting, Supply, Signage and Projects. The Lighting group supplies premium architectural lighting solutions. The Supply team is a dedicated distribution service of off-the-shelf solutions for architectural lighting, signage, controls and power supplies. The Signage division creates brilliant signs. And the Projects team joins experts across the business from design through installation to bring complex bespoke lighting schemes to life utilising a vast range of materials and finishes.
“The partnership between Applelec and Acolyte marks an exciting new chapter for us,” said Carl Eastwood, Director of Applelec Group. “Combining our expertise in bespoke lighting with the innovative Acolyte product range significantly enhances our offerings to meet the diverse needs of our clients while continuing to push the boundaries of quality and innovation in the industry.”
www.applelecgroup.co.uk
www.genledbrands.com
HLB Lighting Design announces merger with CS Design
(USA & Canada) – HLB Lighting Design has announced a merger with Montreal-based lighting design firm, CS Design.
The merger supports HLB’s strategic planning efforts to expand its global footprint while providing clients with exceptional service, cutting-edge design, and a comprehensive range of lighting solutions. The CS Design team will now operate as part of the HLB Lighting Design brand, marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion, and enhancing its capability to serve clients worldwide. The combined strength of both teams will continue to drive the firm’s leadership in architectural lighting design.
Carrie Hawley, Senior Principal and CEO of HLB, says: “This merger is a thrilling opportunity to further our mission of positively impacting lives around the world through light.
“CS Design has an exceptional track record of delivering remarkable projects, and together, we will continue to provide the most transformative client experience in the industry. We look forward to expanding our presence throughout the North American continent, and this merger represents a key step in strengthening our support of clients across Canada.”
Founded in 2008, CS Design has gained recognition for its innovative and award-winning project work. With expertise spanning a wide range of sectors – from high-end residential to institutional and commercial buildings, as well as urban design and exterior illumination – CS Design has built a distinguished portfolio that aligns seamlessly with HLB’s commitment to delivering world-class lighting solutions.
CS Design’s founder, Conor Sampson, a registered architect and seasoned lighting designer, will become a Principal at HLB Lighting Design. A respected educator, he is an Adjunct Professor teaching lighting design at McGill University and serves as the Canadian Liaison to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) Technical Committee 274.
“We are very excited to join the HLB team,” adds Sampson. “We look forward to being part of a larger community of design experts and leveraging HLB’s global platform to elevate our work. We anticipate expanding our presence in Montreal and the surrounding areas, all while contributing to HLB’s ongoing legacy of excellence in lighting design.”
www.hlblighting.com
www.designcs.ca
Silhouette Awards unveils 2025 winners
(Global) – The winners of the fourth edition of the Silhouette Awards mentorship programme have been revealed.
After a record number of submissions from 26 countries, 20 winners were revealed during a virtual celebration that took place on 28 February.
The 2025 Silhouette Awards winners and their mentors are as follows:
- Agathe Tiret, mentored by Ratna Kumari
- Allison Lau, mentored by Shahrzad Abtahi
- Anthony George Girgis, mentored by Armaghan Ahmadi Venhari
- Diana Andrea Niño Bogoya, mentored by Ximena Munoz
- Gabriel Pinheiro, mentored by Cherine Saroufim
- Göknur Kayır, mentored by Sergio Boccia
- Ksenia Chubenko, mentored by Tim Hunt
- Lally Widelska, mentored by Philip Hammond
- Lucie Koháková, mentored by Marcos Juarez Nicolau
- Lucrezia Seghi, mentored by Lee Barker-Field
- Luis Mora D, mentored by Myriam Patricia Lopez Yanez
- Maya Gribby, mentored by Daniel Blaker
- Melissa Toasa, mentored by Sacha Abizadeh
- Petra Koza, mentored by Eugenia Cheng
- Petros Kitsantas, mentored by Vinod Pillai
- Rezvan Shahrabi Farahani, mentored by Maneck Tandon
- Santiago Navarro Castro, mentored by Magdalena Gomez
- Sudipti Varadharajan, mentored by Camila Blanco
- Tiago Winer, mentored by Fabiana Nery Pardhanani
- Zahra Shojaei, mentored by Andy Powell
Over the next six months, the winners will engage in personalised mentorships, enhancing their skills and advancing their career aspirations – benefiting not only the mentees but also the mentors.
Katia Kolovea, Co-Founder of the Silhouette Awards, said: "Each year, we are inspired by the incredible talent that emerges through the Silhouette Awards. This mentorship journey is more than just recognition – it’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering growth, and empowering the next generation of lighting professionals. The passion and creativity we see in our winners reassure us that the future of the industry is in great hands."
Eve Gaut, Co-Founder of the Silhouette Awards, added: "The overwhelming response to this year’s programme has been truly incredible. We are so proud to see the Silhouette Awards evolve into a global movement that not only highlights emerging talent but also actively nurtures it through mentorship. The collaboration between mentees and mentors is what makes this programme so special, and we are thrilled to see it continue to make a real impact in the industry."
A stream of the winner’s celebration is available here.
SLL to host conference on Illuminating the Future
(UK) – Taking place on 27 March at the Senate House, University of London, the Society of Light and Lighting is hosting a thought-provoking conference that will take a deep dive into the complexities of night-time lighting.
Titled Illuminating the Future: Balancing Light and Dark Nightscapes, the conference will feature experts from various fields, including environmental science, urban planning, criminology, and social psychology, offering a balanced examination of the pros and cons of artificial light after dark.
From the lighting industry, key speakers include Mark Major and Benz Roos, Speirs Major Light Architecture; Chiara Carruci, Noctua; Dan Lister and Florence Lam, Arup; Ruth Kelly Waskett, Hoare Lea; Elettra Bordonaro, Light Follows Behaviour; and Andrew Bissell, Ridge & Partners.
Key topics of discussion, include:
- Impact on Nocturnal Species: Exploring the latest research on how artificial lighting affects wildlife, including shifts in behaviour, migration patterns, and ecosystem health. Experts will discuss potential strategies for minimising disruption while accommodating human needs.
- Crime Reduction and Public Safety: Delving into the contentious issue of whether increased lighting truly reduces crime rates. Experts will present data and case studies that either support or challenge this notion, considering the nuances of urban design and community dynamics.
- Social Interaction and Community Well-being: Assessing how night-time lighting influences social behaviour and community interaction. Discussion will include the role of lighting in fostering a sense of safety, encouraging night-time activities, and its psychological effects on different demographics.
- Design Considerations for All: Focus on the importance of inclusive lighting design that considers the needs of vulnerable groups. Experts will discuss best practices in urban planning that promote safety and accessibility in night-time environments.
For more information and to register see https://www.cibse.org/sll-illuminating-the-future.
CIBSE/SLL, LIA and ILP members can attend at member rate of £100+VAT (Standard rate is £200+VAT). Email sll@cibse.org to get your discount code.
The conference is sponsored by DW Windsor, Urbis Schreder, and We-ef, with a drinks reception sponsored by Lug Lighting. The event is presented in partnership with the Insitution of Lighting Professionals (ILP), and Lighting Industry Association (The LIA).
www.cibse.org/sll-illuminating-the-future
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism
David Atkinson Lighting Design (DALD) recently completed the lighting design for the Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London.
This major exhibition features more than 130 works by 10 important Brazilian artists from the 20th century, capturing the diversity of Brazilian art at the time.
In the early 20th century, a new modern art was emerging in Brazil. Starting in the 1910s and continuing into the 1970s, Brazilian artists were adapting contemporary trends, international influences and artistic traditions to create a new type of modern art; art informed by the vibrant cultures, identities and landscapes of Brazil.
Everyday life in Brazil was the subject of this new modernism, and the Indigenous identity and Afro-Brazilian experience were among the many influences these artists drew upon in their work. This was a group of people looking inward at their rich cultural resource to set a new course for modernism that was borne out across South America.
The exhibition brings an expanded view of Brazilian Modernism to UK audiences, showing work by artists who have historically received less exposure in this country, including Anita Malfatti, who spearheaded the movement, and Tarsila do Amaral, now internationally celebrated as a leading female figure of Brazilian Modernism. The exhibition includes the self-taught artists Alfredo Volpi and Djanira da Motta e Silva, an artist of indigenous descent, Afro-Brazilian artist Rubem Valentim and performance artist, Flávio de Carvalho.
The majority of works come from rarely seen Brazilian private collections, as well as Brazilian public collections, most of which have never been exhibited in the UK.
The brief from the Royal Academy and exhibition designer Carla Jucaba to DALD was for the lighting to create tonal contrast between the galleries, without detracting from the artwork, as well as adhering to conservation constraints.
The lighting design approach was simplistic but immersive, with each gallery being painted in a different shade, subtle hues of colour washed the walls from high level track fixtures fitted with colour correction filters and carefully controlled by the addition of Barndoors.
Central to the majority of gallery spaces the exhibition designer included different shaped seating benches that incorporated LED strips in a warm colour temperature to the underside to create a floating quality from the floors.
Within each gallery, important work was displayed on stepped “Focus Panels”, which incorporated LED strips creating a halo offset with each LED strip being tuned to the appropriate gallery colour. The focus panel artworks were lit by softly focused zoom profile fixtures mounted off the existing high-level tracks.
The majority of artwork was lit by a combination of medium and narrow fixtures at 2700K, while the sculpture was lit from softly focused profile fixtures.
DALD utilised The Royal Academy’s stock of iGuzzini Palco fixtures with various accessories along with a supplement of LED zoom profiles, which were all controlled via Casambi.
In Conversation: Paul Nulty & Martin Klaasen
Following the news of Nulty's acquisition of Klaasen Lighting Design, arc caught up with Paul Nulty and Martin Klaasen for an exclusive chat about the deal, how it came to be, and what the future now holds for both brands going forward.
How did the two of you first meet?
Paul Nulty (PN): We had crossed paths at industry events, but it wasn’t until about five years ago that we had our first real conversation. The relationship developed from there, primarily due to our shared passion for light. Martin and I are completely aligned when it comes to the way that lighting design should be done and the value that lighting designers bring to a project.
When and how did the topic of acquisition come about?
Martin Klaasen (MK): It might surprise a few people to hear that I am 70, so I have been ruminating over the future of Klaasen for a while. I love what I do and have no plans to stop anytime soon, but getting a succession plan in place had been at the back of my mind for a few years. The most important thing for me was finding a home for my loyal team, some of which have been with me for nearly 17 years. Merging with an architecture practice or engineering firm never felt like the right move. What I had in mind was a like-minded practice that shared Klaasen’s values – hence Nulty came into the picture, and Paul and I started talking.
What was it about Klaasen that appealed? Were you specifically looking to expand into the Southeast Asia / Australian market?
PN: The Klaasen brand comes with a fantastic pedigree of projects and is preloaded with a wealth of experience in the Asia-Pacific market. We obviously gave the whole thing a great deal of consideration, but in the end the decision felt like the logical next step. It allows us to solidify our presence in Asia and bring additional resource into the practice – the added benefit being that this design talent has been nurtured by Martin.
How were the negotiations?
MK: The negotiations were surprisingly smooth because I made a conscious decision not to put up any barriers. We were clear about what we wanted and genuinely appreciative about what the other party could offer.
PN: There are not many instances of lighting design practices coming together, so in many ways, we were making it up as we went along. The negotiations were helped by the fact that we see this as the beginning of a new beginning – we came together because of our mutual love of lighting design, and because of this, the partnership makes us stronger.
What added benefits will the acquisition bring both to Nulty as a whole, and the Klaasen team?
PN: The end result is undeniably better than the sum of its parts. Klaasen amplifies Nulty’s international profile and design capabilities in Asia and Europe. Conversely, Nulty gives Klaasen the scope to enhance its processes and evolve as part of a global brand.
MK: The collaboration was a no brainer because it works both ways. I have always admired Nulty from afar, particularly Paul’s business acumen and how he has harnessed this to build the company on the global stage, while ensuring the company stays true to its original values. This was a key motivator for me, as I want my team to achieve great things in a supportive and caring environment.
How does Klaasen fit within the wider Nulty brand?
PN: As we knit the two companies together, our priority is creating the best space for our team to flourish. When designers are engaged and empowered, they produce their best work – it’s a simple equation. Martin and I know that we’re only as good as the people we employ, so we are singularly focused on building an inspiring and collaborative culture as we integrate Klaasen into the wider Nulty family.
How has the integration process been? Has it impacted on the workload of the Klaasen team? How are both they and the wider Nulty team adjusting?
PN: We had a lot of conversations about the integration process early on to prepare everyone for the transition. Our Managing Partners Mark [Vowles] and Ellie [Coombs] went out to Singapore to get to know the team and bring them up to speed on our philosophy and processes. Jordan [Faust], who now heads up our Nulty Lisbon studio, also worked closely with the team in London to put in place a plan for Europe. We wanted the integration process to be seamless but incremental, so while there will be modifications behind the scenes, there won’t be any disruptions or changes to the service our clients have come to rely on.
MK: My team is like a small family, so I was as open as I could be about the plans for the transition. It was important to me that we were transparent about our strategy and that there were no surprises or bumps along the road.
How will the Klassen and Nulty teams collaborate going forward?
MK: Nulty and Klaasen have been good friends over the last few years, which has been built on trust and mutual respect and we are confident that this will stand us in good stead. I can’t tell you exactly where we are going, but we are clear about the direction of travel, and it’s that 1 + 1 adds up to a great deal more than two.
PN: We’ve always prided ourselves on being an energising force in the industry, taking whatever direction that we want, and making up our own rules. We have got big plans for the next 12 months, and now that we have strength in depth and the right people around us to facilitate boundary-breaking design and thought-provoking ideas, the future is looking bright.
What is next for you both?
MK: Paul jokingly describes me as the grandad of the company! It’s a term I like, because being a grandparent is about having the best of both worlds. I’ll continue to oversee the team in Singapore and nurture client relationships in the region, but I’ll also be able to redirect some of my energy to the part of my role that gives me joy – mentoring designers.
PN: Nulty is a global organisation that values local cultures, so we will be tapping into Klaasen’s knowledge of the regions central to our expansion plans. The key focus will be knowledge sharing, as this is something that is personal to Martin and inherent to the Nulty movement. You can expect to see much more of this as we harness our collective expertise to facilitate further growth.
www.nultylighting.co.uk
www.kldesign.co
Lam Partners Principal, Paul Zaferiou, retires
(USA) – After 40 years with the company, Lam Partners has announced the retirement of its Principal, Paul Zaferiou.
Transitioning into the role of Principal Emeritus, Zaferiou will occasionally advise on projects still in progress as needed, along with mentoring junior design staff about the principles of lighting design.
Throughout an extraordinary career in lighting design, Zaferiou has been an integral part of Lam Partners, beginning in 1984 under the mentorship of the firm’s founder, Bill Lam. Over the years, he experienced and contributed to major transformations in lighting technology, from incandescent and fluorescent systems to the widespread adoption of LEDs. His work has been instrumental in the success of countless architectural and landscape projects worldwide.
During Zaferiou’s time with the firm, Lam Partners has grown and evolved significantly, expanding from its roots in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to include offices in Pittsburgh, Denver, and Washington DC.
Speaking on his retirement, a statement from Lam Partners reads: “While the firm has embraced change, its core values of “People, Passion, and Craft” have remained steadfast. The Lam culture of integrated design and collaboration is stronger than ever, and Paul leaves the firm in the capable hands of a talented and accomplished new generation of designers and partners.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Paul for his contributions and commitment over the years, and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new and exciting phase of life.”
Former IALD President Victor Palacio dies
(Mexico) - The global lighting community was saddened this weekend to hear of the passing of former IALD President, Victor Palacio.
Widely regarded for his gentle nature and wealth of knowledge in the field of lighting, Palacio has long stood as a mentor to emerging lighting professionals. For more than 35 years, he dedicated himself to educating future lighting professionals and would regularly share his wisdom through museum and architectural lighting courses, his role at the IALD, as a Silhouette Awards Mentor, and speaking at international lighting conferences – including IALD Enlighten, LightFair, and UNESCO’s International Day of Light.
Initially trained in electronics engineering, Palacio first entered the world of lighting as an electronics specialist for a flux metre manufacturing company, before moving on to work with Fuji Film during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Shortly afterwards, Palacio joined his father’s commercial lighting business, working alongside an architect in the projects department on electronics drawings. Always driven to continue expanding his knowledge, Palacio completed various technical course throughout his early career, before delving into the study of light and the technical attributes of a lighting engineer. Becoming, as he put it, the “ultimate geek”, he would heavily study the IES Lighting handbook while making lighting calculations.
Building his interest in the lighting industry, while working for his father, he was taken on board to work on a museum lighting project, which would determine his passion for lighting design and historic preservation for years to come.
When working inside some of Mexico’s most renowned museums, Palacio began to pay close attention to the impact that lighting was having on their many historic artefacts, as well as the buildings themselves. After completing a brief course at Mexico’s National School of Preservation at the National Institute of Anthropology and History, Palacio developed a course specifically focused on museum lighting.
In 2006, Palacio established his own lighting design firm, Ideas en Luz, where the idea of preservation continued as a key focus in his work. Speaking to arc in 2018, he said: “Highlighting architecture, façades, and features were what we originally focused on as a firm. Then I began to think, as did my colleagues, that even though it’s an important factor to architectural lighting, it’s not the main goal that we are striving to achieve.
“We began to consider other factors related to the functions of places, for example the working place, to the productivity in residential spaces, to relaxation and commercial places to experience shopping. All of which, to some of us, came intuitively, and to others in a knowledgeable way. We started focusing on peoples’ experiences.
“Our philosophy of working is to create the visual experience of spaces. When we talk about visual, we relate it to lighting, experience is related to people, the spaces are related to the places where people perform activities, whether they’re recreational or commercial, interiors and exteriors; we focus our design ideas on that. When we are defining what lighting will be in a place, we will contribute in an important way to the experiences people will have in that space.”
Throughout his career, Palacio was heavily involved in the work of the IALD, helping to establish it as an international association, and serving as President in 2016-17. As the association first looked to expand beyond the USA, Palacio penned a metaphor for its globalisation efforts that many in the industry will still be familiar with; instead of chasing butterflies and catching them with a net, it’s better to build a beautiful garden that will attract all the butterflies.
During his term as President, Palacio also witnessed the first steps of the IALD’s Certification of Lighting Designers (CLD) programme. Not wanting to enforce a lighting programme into universities, Palacio believed it was better to formulate an internationally recognised certification through the association. Alongside his term as President, Palacio’s roles within the IALD also included terms as Chair of the IALD Membership Committee, and as a member of the IALD Education Trust’s Board of Directors, among many others.
In 2024, Palacio was inducted into the prestigious IALD College of Fellows, with the association recognising his exceptional contributions to lighting design and the IALD, and his unwavering commitment to advancing the profession.
Speaking at the time of his induction, IALD President Andrea Hartranft said: “Victor’s exceptional talent, dedication to the IALD, and passion for lighting design have made a lasting impression on our industry. We are honoured to recognise his achievements and contributions to the organisation and profession.
“His passion for lighting goes beyond professional achievements; he shares it with friends, colleagues, students, and other professionals, recognising the profound presence of light in nearly every facet of human activity.”
Following the news of his passing, a statement from the IALD described Palacio as “a visionary in the lighting design community, a leader whose passion and dedication shaped the profession. As the founder of Ideas en Luz in Mexico City, he shared his passion for lighting with colleagues and the world. His immeasurable contributions, mentoring countless designers, and elevating the profession globally, leave a legacy of excellence and inspiration. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he touched.”
The Asociación Profesional de Diseñadores Iluminación (APDI), to which Palacio was an honorary member, said: “His departure leaves a great void in the global community of lighting designers, but also a valuable legacy that will continue to illuminate the path of those of us who share his passion for lighting design. His commitment to excellence and his tireless curiosity to innovate have led to significant contributions to the development of our profession, influencing generations of designers around the world and leaving a deep mark on the sector.
“Beyond his professional career, those of us who had the privilege of knowing him closely know that Victor was a generous, close person and always willing to share his knowledge. His warmth, his enthusiasm for learning, and his ability to inspire others made him a great mentor and a dear friend to many designers.”
Sarah Cullen, now editor of darc, but formerly Editorial Assistant on arc magazine, interviewed Palacio for a feature in arc #103. Reflecting on her time with him, she said: "I had the pleasure of meeting Victor in Mexico City in 2018 for an interview in arc magazine issue #103, when I was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Editorial Assistant for the publication. Seven years later, and no longer formally part of the architectural lighting world (now I am submersed in the decorative lighting and interior design sector on darc magazine), the news of Victor’s passing still shocked and saddened me.
"Our brief interaction left a mark on me in the early days of my career at [d]arc media. Victor was a warm and inviting character to interview and settled my nerves immediately with his calm temper and words of encouragement. I wrote in my article, “A clear personality trait Palacio carries is that of a caring mentor”, and from what I have perceived over my time in the industry, he was exactly that for so many lucky people.
"Victor dedicated his life to light, in all its shapes and forms, particularly its relationship to people, architecture and history. He was a modest man that held a quiet power, which left a loud, bold mark on the international lighting industry, and he will be missed dearly by so many.
"And remember: "Instead of chasing and catching butterflies in a net, it's better to build a beautiful garden that will attract all the butterflies." A metaphor that he used to represent the IALD, but one that holds true in so many parts of life."
Paul James, [d]arc media Managing Director, said: “Victor was not only a colossus of the lighting design profession, he was a colossus of a human being. His kind-hearted and warm nature meant he was always generous with his time and expertise. As we tried to establish arc magazine following its launch 26 years ago, he was available to offer advice in his typical humble way – never condescending, always encouraging. It is something I have never forgotten.
“Victor will be hugely missed by the lighting design family. It is a testament to his inspirational, yet modest spirit that his passing has touched so many people. We have lost a titan of lighting design.”
A mentor, inspiration, and dear friend to many, Palacio will long be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the lighting design profession.