February 2015

Erin E. Gussert, IES, LEED AP BD+C
Associate
Kugler Ning Lighting Design

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I did not know that being a lighting designer was an option until I moved to New York, and answered a Craigslist ad to become one at Kugler Ning Lighting Design. I had recently left a job as an iron work designer and shortly before that graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Four years in, surrounded by inspiring and creative coworkers and an encouraging home of a company, I couldn’t imagine myself on any other path.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Two wily coworkers took in a girl, new to the industry and excited to get involved, and I love them dearly for it. When I attended that first student competition meeting, incredibly wide-eyed, I hit the ground running and am so happy and honored to be the chair of that committee four years later.

Q: How do you see your role as a committee chair?
Being co-chair for a year and now chair of the student competition has been quite incredible.  My committee is so dedicated and all of the previous chairs and mentors, Shaun Fillion, Randy Sabedra, and Brian Belluomini, have passed on a lot of enthusiasm and love for the competition. It’s exciting to be a part of an event that fosters the creativity of future members of our lighting community. I am consistently inspired by the work submitted, and honored to be so involved. This year is the 15th annual Student Lighting Competition, and we are putting a lot of thought into celebrating it.  We are encouraging members of our lighting community to visit the competition on March 3rd, at the 404 Event Space—a new, larger venue—and experience for themselves all of the students’ hard work. This year’s theme—Residual Sparks—is about incorporating light and the memory of light and its effects over time. We are including our past competition winners as judges, as well as inviting the first competition winner to be our guest speaker, Sang Lee of CBBLD. You can find out more about the details for the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition by clicking here.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best assets of the IESNYC are the people. I have met so many friendly, unique, encouraging people that are excited about the things the IESNYC is doing for our community.