HLB Lighting Design

It was my great pleasure to join such esteemed colleagues on a Bisnow panel last week. Our Topic, “Winds of Change”, is so timely as design professionals face big advancements in material technologies, sustainable initiatives and the overwhelming desire for building owners to provided amenity rich environments that don’t always have the financing to back the desired outcome. Of course, AI came up – many pros and cons regarding this topic.    Thank you, Kimberly Dowdell (HOK), Ray Hartshorne (HPA), Joe Cliggott (HKS), Andre Brumfield (Gensler) and Lauren Visco (Continua Interior) for a lively and very informed panel discussion.

Congratulations to Abigail Iorio, CPSM, Associate Director | Marketing & Business Development, for earning the prestigious Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification! This accomplishment reflects Abby's commitment to excellence and AEC marketing expertise. We're proud to have such a skilled and dedicated leader on our team at HLB. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of her expertise on our work and industry!

Once a historic naval and aviation hub, the Alameda Point Waterfront Park now serves as a dynamic gathering place where light bridges past and present. The lighting design integrates seamlessly with the landscape, enhancing the park’s industrial character while fostering safety, wayfinding, and visual comfort. Subtle illumination reveals textures and contours, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere without overpowering the natural ambiance. Signature waterfront poles echo the site’s heritage while providing functional illumination for the promenade. Durable, efficient luminaires minimize glare and preserve expansive views. Thoughtfully curated lighting extends the park’s use into the evening, supporting recreation, social engagement, and reflection. Experience more: https://ow.ly/36Gb50VwRW3

Announcing spring leadership appointments at HLB! Please join us in congratulating Lee Brandt, Senior Principal, Simi Burg (Veit) CLD, IALD, LC, MIES, Principal, Joanna Billy, Director | Controller, and our newest Associate Directors Clifton Manahan, Erik Stroemberg, Hadar Bendriem (Koren-Roth), Julie Donovan (She/her), and Michelle Tessier on their recent promotions. Each of these leaders has made significant contributions to our firm, and we are excited to see how they will continue to inspire growth, collaboration, and innovation in their new roles. We asked them to describe their leadership approach in just three words, and their answers reflect the values that drive our success every day.

The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) North Atlantic Regional Conference kicks off today, and HLB is proud to be a gold sponsor! Our Senior Principal and CEO Carrie Hawley, along with Senior Principal Lee Brandt, will be in attendance, engaging with peers and supporting SCUP’s commitment to innovation in higher education. We’re excited to be part of this important event and to collaborate with industry leaders shaping the future of campus planning. If you're at the conference, don’t miss the chance to connect with Carrie and Lee!

We’re excited to announce that HLB Lighting Design is sponsoring the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Pacific Regional Conference in Monterey, California, from 2-4 April! Brandon Thrasher, Senior Principal, and Kevin Frary, Director, will be attending and representing HLB as supporters of this incredible organization. We’re proud to be a part of the SCUP community, which fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in higher education. If you’re attending the conference, be sure to connect with Brandon and Kevin!

Did you miss the print edition of designing lighting at LEDucation last week? View the online edition to read the article penned by Associate Director Stacie M. Dinwiddy, CLD, IALD, LC, LEED BD C to explore the key elements that define exceptional residential lighting: https://ow.ly/9qOc50VnGhy

What are the lighting "must-haves" for an architecture firm's new studio? In our latest edition of Lighting Design Talk, we dive into the lighting design behind HKS’s new Los Angeles office. From flexible lighting for versatile spaces to integrating natural light, discover how light plays a vital role in shaping a dynamic, design-focused workspace.

On 9 April, HLB Director Ann Reo will take the stage at the Bisnow Chicago Architecture & Design event, where she’ll be part of a panel discussion titled Winds of Change: What Do Advancements in Financing, Design, and Development Operations Tell Us About Where Projects Are Headed? The panel will dive into how shifts in financing, design innovation, and development operations are influencing the future direction of Chicago’s world-class skyline. This is your chance to hear from industry leaders shaping the city’s architectural landscape and learn about the exciting changes on the horizon - sign up today to join the conversation! https://ow.ly/iMjF50Vf2rx

HLB takes on LEDucationNYC! Exciting to see team members from New York, Montreal, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and beyond coming together for LEDucation 2025! This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to stay on the cutting edge of lighting innovations. Through ongoing learning and engagement, we continue to shape the future of lighting design and are proud to be a part of an event that fosters collaboration across the industry.