January 2016

June Park, LC, LEED AP
Senior Designer
Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design


Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
My first interest in lighting design dates back to 2003, when I took one of Jim Conti’s lighting design classes in the interior design department at Pratt Institute. This was my first exposure to architectural lighting design as a profession. It didn’t take too long for me to become deeply interested in lighting, not only because it was a new discipline to me, but also because I found it fascinating that lighting is both art and science. After graduating from Pratt with a Master’s of Science in Interior Design, I took a full-time position as an interior designer at HLW International, an architecture firm. While working in HLW, I had the chance to work closely with in-house lighting designer Chang Kwon. My passion for lighting design grew and led me back to school to pursue a second Master’s degree in Lighting Design at Parsons.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Back in 2009, I joined the IESNYC Student Chapter at Parsons, but I didn’t become an active member until close to my graduation, when I started to look into student design competitions and scholarship opportunities. I entered the Student Lighting Competition, but didn’t win. I also submitted my Graduate Thesis Project, and even though I didn’t receive an award from the Section, I did receive a Thesis Award of Merit from Parsons. And in 2013, I joined the ranks of the very few and received a Richard Kelly Grant.

After graduation, as a working professional, I started attending IESNYC EP (Emerging Professional) social events. It offered me great networking opportunities and led me to work on the Student Lighting Competition Committee in 2014 and 2015 with Erin Gussert.

Q: How do you see your role as member of the IESNYC?
This is my last year as an EP member, and I am anxious to become a full member. I was very fortunate to be able to attend the recent 2015 IES Annual Conference because I was sponsored by the IESNYC, thanks in particular to IESNYC Board of Managers members Brian Belluomini and Kacie Stagliano. As an EP member, attending the conference was a great opportunity, which broadened my horizons by learning other disciplines and important topics in the lighting industry that I would like to explore further in my career.
 
 
Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
Okay, I have to admit that I had to read all previous members of the months’ answers to respond to this question. The common answer is “the people and the city.” In addition, I’d like to add two more—diversity and dynamism. We are lucky to be working in New York City, in the center of radical transitions and industry developments, because we who work here have more opportunities to experience all different kinds of projects and new trends in the lighting industry.