July 2015

Monica Fuerderer, LC, IES
Project Manager, WSP Group
IESNYC Board of Manager

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
My attraction with lighting began at a young age when my Mom bought me a pink colored incandescent light bulb for my bedroom lamp. Every night I would move the lamp around in different locations of my room just to see what kind of mood would emerge, or if I just wanted to bring focus to my collection of teddy bears. Years later, while studying art history at Ohio State University, I wrote a paper about Chiaroscuro, the art of using of contrasts between light and dark to shape composition. I was mesmerized by artists like Gerard van Honthorst, whom used the technique. (I recommend googling his Dinner with Lute Player painting!) It wasn’t until I moved to New York City and started working for L’Observatoire International that I was introduced to lighting design in the constructed environment. I learned many valuable lessons while there, the most notable one being that quality lighting design requires strong vision as well as technical prowess.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I wanted to be more involved in community work, so I reached out to Tim Milton, our past President. At the time, our section had just forged a partnership with Building Energy Exchange (BEEx) and a lot of events and programs were starting to be held there. There was a need for someone to streamline the communication required between the two organizations, so he suggested I help out by being the point person for that effort. It was a natural progression to become more involved in the Programs Committee due to my level of involvement with each event, so I gladly accepted when Tim and Brian Belluomini invited me to serve as Programs Committee Chair this past March. As the new chair, I look forward to expanding our scope of programming to include new topics and themes, as well as to help establish strategic partnerships with associated organizations.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
Our leaders and participating members. They take time out of their demanding schedules to organize events that educate, unite and build a stronger community of designers. It's through their passion and commitment that we have such a thriving section.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Mangers?  
My role as a member of the Board of Managers is to support the mission of IES and the president's goals for the section. I believe it is important that our section continuously provides value to our members by offering a broad programs base that includes information on emerging technologies and design considerations relevant today, as well as networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections amongst designers and allied professionals.