Shows
Lighting Matters!Episode 20: Landscape Architecture Meets Lighting Design "No amount of photometric studies is gonna tell you how it's actually gonna perform until you actually see it at 10 o'clock at night." - Rob Reuland What happens when someone starts taking out trash at 17 and becomes a principal at one of Chicago's leading landscape architecture firms? Rob Reuland from Site Design Group joins hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor for a fascinating exploration of how lighting and landscape professionals must collaborate to create truly exceptional spaces. "I couldn't agree more that landscape architecture is so misunderstood," Rob admits early in the conversation. "A lot of people do...2025-06-2559 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 19: The Tsunami of Maintenance: How Lighting Designers Are Preparing Clients"A 50,000-hour fixture, if it's on 24/7, like in many municipal buildings or hospitals…it won't even last six years." - Anne Kustner-Haser Anne Kustner Haser, President of AKLD Lighting Design joins hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor to tackle the urgent challenge of lighting maintainability in an industry where "lifetime" LEDs often fail within years. Drawing from three decades of experience designing for hospitality, retail, and high-end residential projects, Anne challenges manufacturers' assumptions about fixture longevity while advocating for serviceable components. "How sustainable is a fixture if you throw it away in seven years because you can't main...2025-05-281h 13
Lighting Matters!Episode 18: What Happens When Architects Ignore Lighting Design?Why are architects who collaborate with lighting designers winning more ambitious clients? Architect Michael Byrd of Core10 Architecture in St. Louis shares his journey from skeptic to advocate for professional lighting design. "We bought an existing firm and thought we knew everything," he admits. Yet as projects grew more ambitious, his team discovered critical blind spots. A high-end restaurant renovation gone wrong forced them to confront their limitations. Who would have thought dimming LEDs could cause such client distress? The emergency call to lighting designer Lisa Reed saved the project and transformed their approach forever. Through standout ex...2025-05-0649 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 17: Fixture in Hand: The Focus Lighting MethodWhy are 90% of lighting designers making a critical mistake by not designing the control systems for their projects? Tune in as Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Brett Andersen and Kenny Schutz of Focus Lighting. What sets them apart? Their innovative business model combining design with procurement expertise. Both Brett and Kenny trace their paths from theatrical lighting to architectural design, revealing how theater's "ultimate deadline" mentality shaped their approach. Focus Lighting's dedicated lighting lab—a 25' x 25' two-story space with seven line sets—serves as their testing ground, where Brett insists: "Seeing is believing." The ep...2025-04-301h 08
Lighting Matters!Episode 16: Handcrafting LightHow did the Smithsonian cut lighting energy usage by 80% while actually improving visibility and preservation? Tune in as Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Scott shares his 30-year journey from theater lighting to museum environments, revealing how he "handcrafts" light for 5,000 luminaires across 125,000 square feet. We explore the critical intersection of technology and artistry, as Scott details how he's reduced energy consumption by 80% while improving quality through innovative LED implementations and sophisticated control systems. The discussion delves into the profound impact of t...2025-04-1654 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 15: Lighting Emotional CurrencyWhat makes lighting designers "psychotically passionate" about their work when they're constantly battling value engineering? In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Katherine Stekr, CLD, IALD, MIES, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, Founder + Principal, STEK Design. Their conversation explores the unique position of lighting designers as visual professionals alongside architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. Katherine shares her journey from architectural engineering student to establishing her own firm, emphasizing how lighting's psychological impact requires designers to expertly translate abstract concepts into tangible experiences for clients.
The discussion delves into industry challenges incl...2025-04-021h 00
Lighting Matters!Episode 14: Innovative Illumination: Global Trends and Local AdvocacyHave you ever wondered how the vibrant and competitive architectural landscape of Dubai influences global lighting design trends? Discover the secrets from Lisa Reed's experience at the Light Middle East Conference! In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed dive deep into the world of lighting design, sparked by Lisa's recent trip to the Light Middle East Conference in Dubai. Lisa shares her observations about the global lighting design community, highlighting a consistent theme of restraint and intentionality in design. The discussion centers on advocacy for the lighting design profession, and Avi and Lisa brainstorm creative approaches to...2025-03-0442 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 13: Work-Life Harmony in Lighting DesignHow does the lighting industry foster a unique sense of community, and what lessons can we learn from its collaborative environment despite competition? In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed welcome lighting designer and podcast host Rachel Fitzgerald CLD, LC, IALD, IES, LEED AP BD+C. Rachel shares her 21-year journey through the lighting design world - from childhood curiosity about architecture to a degree in architectural engineering, Rachel’s path is driven by both passion and expertise. Avi, Lisa and Rachel delve into the rapid evolution of the industry, where technology and diverse projects continually resh...2025-02-1838 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 12: The Evolving Role of Light in ArchitectureIn this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed chat with Giulio Pedota, IALD, LC, LEED AP, and Principal at Schuler Shook. Giulio shares his fascinating journey from computer programming in Venezuela to becoming a renowned figure in architectural lighting design. Giulio, Avi and Lisa discuss the unique blend of art and technology required in lighting design. From the irreplaceable expertise of skilled designers vs. software-generated visualizations, to the importance of real-world mock-ups, a collaborative relationship between architects and lighting designers is key to achieving aesthetic and functional goals. Giulio feels a great optimism about the future of the industry, p...2025-02-0446 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 11: Insights on Sales and Design EvolutionIn this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed have a captivating discussion with Richard Wyton of Louvers International. As a veteran of the lighting industry, Richard shares his expansive career journey, along with perspectives on the evolution of lighting design. Can passion and historical knowledge help drive innovation within the field? The discussion covers the rise of LED technology, which has increased competition but often at the expense of quality. Design quality must be balanced with cost considerations, particularly in an industry where passion for creating and maintaining high-quality lighting solutions remains paramount. The conversation also delves into the...2025-01-2143 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 10: Lighting Up Presentations: Design, Technology, and AdvocacyCurious about how modern lighting design blends technological advancements with historical elements? Discover how the St. Louis Arch's evolving lighting designs tell a story of innovation and tradition in our latest episode.
Avi Mor and Lisa Reed celebrate nearing 500 followers of the Lighting Matters podcast, and reflect on our unexpected path. Tune in to hear personal stories and insights from significant presentations, such as the presentation given at the ASLA National Conference. As we dig into the evolution of lighting technology, we spotlight fascinating projects like the 25-year history of lighting upgrades to the St. Louis Arch...2025-01-0947 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 9: Shaping Cities, Preserving SkiesHow did Brittany Lynch's unique upbringing under Montana's starry skies shape her passion for sustainable lighting design and advocacy against light pollution?
In this episode, hosts Avi Mor and Lisa Reed welcome Brittany Lynch, Assoc. IALD, LC, and Senior Designer II for Clanton & Associates. Brittany shares her transformative journey from a child fascinated by architecture and stargazing to a dedicated advocate for quality lighting.
By focusing on environmentally conscious lighting practices, Brittany aims to unite communities around the shared goal of reducing light pollution. She offers insights into the importance of effective communication with the publ...2024-11-2250 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 8: Origin StoriesIn this episode, hosts Avi Mor and Lisa Reed share their personal career journeys and insights. Avi Mor, founder of Mor Lights, and Lisa Reed, Principal and CEO of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, explore how Avi’s theatrical background informs his innovative approaches in architectural settings. Avi and Lisa discuss the challenges and triumphs of their industry, highlighting the importance of passion, advocacy, and technical precision in creating lighting solutions that resonate emotionally and functionally.
Avi shares his enthusiasm for problem-solving and design defense, particularly in advocating for cost-effective solutions like DALI lighting controls. Lisa, on the othe...2024-10-3044 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 7: MentorshipWhat are the hidden secrets behind the successful collaboration and mentorship in the lighting design industry?
In this episode, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Thomas Paterson, IALD, Director, Lux Populi SA de CV. Lux Populi is an architectural and artwork lighting design consultancy, based in Mexico, with clients throughout the world. In our conversation, we explore the importance of knowledge-sharing, the critical role of controls and commissioning, and the necessity of rethinking industry practices and education to better serve clients.
Mentorship and soft skills play a pivotal role in shaping the fu...2024-10-0853 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 6: Let's Talk Custom FixturesIn this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Kyllene “Kelly” Jones, LEED AP, President and Co-CEO of Lighting Design Alliance, a lighting trailblazer, and our first female guest. Kelly shares her remarkable career path, from her initial dream of becoming an architect (inspired by her father), to discovering her true passion for lighting at the University of Kansas. She recounts her pivotal internships with industry giants like Randy Burkett and HOK, and how moving to Los Angeles and connecting with influential figures like Chip Israel, Andy Powell, and Lisa Reed shap...2024-09-2450 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 5: Language of LightIn this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Joe Zamore, a ‘luminary’ in the lighting design industry, who shares his extensive journey and invaluable insights. From his early days illuminating entertainment, nightclubs, and themed environments to his pivotal roles at industry giants like Martin and Color Kinetics, Joe's career is nothing short of inspirational. Now shaping the future at USAI Lighting, he speaks about the profound impact of truly understanding the needs of lighting designers and creating adaptable, high-value lighting solutions.
Joe shares the importance of engaging all pr...2024-09-0454 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 4: Lights, Landfills, and LiabilityIn this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Paul Beale, the co-founder of 18 Degrees, a London-based lighting studio renowned for its innovative approach to architectural lighting design. Paul shares the unexpected story of how he’s turned his focus towards sustainability by rescuing flat-panel light fixtures destined for landfills. As he finds himself with a growing inventory of saved fixtures, Paul is now on a mission to find new homes for these lights, sparking a conversation about waste reduction and the environmental impact of our industry.
With over 25 yea...2024-08-2046 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 3: Jumping over Dollars to Pick Up Nickels - Part 2Welcome to the second half of our “Jumping Over Dollars” episode. Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights continue their conversation with special guest Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek touches on how lighting designers tackle budget constraints, forensic analysis of bids, and the pursuit of truth, beauty, and client satisfaction. We then examine trust and deception in lighting design (and car sales), highlighting the importance of shared commitment to excellence. Finally, we discuss how we help clarify project goals, handle contractor input, and emphasize the need for clear communication and strategic decision-making.2024-08-0735 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 2: Jumping over Dollars to Pick Up Nickels - Part 1Welcome to the second episode of Lighting Matters, hosted by Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights. Our special guest today is Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek reveals the invaluable role of relationships in the lighting sector. Available Light’s commitment to customer service and innovative products has been a game-changer in lighting design, and Derek's insights will offer you a fresh perspective on collaborative success. Derek sheds light on the critical importance of transparent communication and effective collaboration among designers, manufacturers, and representatives. Hear firsthand how his experience as a rep ha...2024-07-2347 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 2: Jumping over Dollars to Pickup NickelsWelcome to the second episode of Lighting Matters, hosted by Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights. Our special guest today is Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek reveals the invaluable role of relationships in the lighting sector. Available Light’s commitment to customer service and innovative products has been a game-changer in lighting design, and Derek's insights will offer you a fresh perspective on collaborative success. Derek sheds light on the critical importance of transparent communication and effective collaboration among designers, manufacturers, and representatives. Hear firsthand how his experience as a rep ha...2024-07-2341 min
Lighting Matters!Episode 1: Design ProcessWelcome to the first episode of Lighting Matters, sponsored by Luminii Lighting, and hosted by Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights. Our special guest is Dan Weissman, Associate Principal & Director of Lam Labs at Lam Partners. Dan, Lisa, and Avi dive into the Lam Partners design process and discuss how to communicate designs to our clients. Dan shares his incredible journey from an architecture enthusiast to working on iconic projects like the Kansas City Performing Arts Center and the United States Institute of Peace. Dan walks us through the strategic use of...2024-07-1053 min
Lighting Matters!Lighting Matters TeaserSee why Lisa and Avi are starting this podcast.2024-07-0802 min