Meet Our Member

The IESNYC spotlights a member each month whose volunteerism, perspective or personal story helps advance our goals, piques our curiosity, and makes the IESNYC become a more vibrant and diverse lighting community. We value their expertise and thank them for volunteering their time and energy for the betterment of the section and NYC Lighting Community. #the_iesnycmom

October 2025

Adrienne Bixler 
Director of Design and Partner
Luna Lux LLC 

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
Like many of my peers, I got my start in high school theater. I was very fortunate to attend a school with a well supported afterschool drama program.  Under the guidance of my school’s incredible Technical Director, Michael Grieco, I was able to develop my skills in design and programming. His mentorship and support during those years was invaluable and inspired me to pursue a career in lighting.

I went on to pursue my studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, in the undergraduate drama program’s Production & Design Studio. In the fall of my junior year, I interned at Luce Group with Traci Klainer and Richard Chamblin, which marked a turning point in my professional journey. I was seeking to leave the theater as my interests turned to theme park and museum environments. This internship provided a wealth of knowledge and skills. So exhibition lighting became my passion and career.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
The Lumen Gala was my first time attending a professional awards ceremony. I loved the celebratory nature of designers supporting designers. I feel that this camaraderie within our industry is not only uplifting, but also serves as a source of inspiration for everyone involved. Plus, I enjoy any opportunity to talk about lighting with lighting people.

A few years ago, I formally joined the IES, recognizing the opportunities and benefits that membership offers: LD+A magazine, complimentary admission to LEDucation, and the wide variety of local IESNYC events for education and networking throughout the year. These local events enhance my professional development, sure; but it’s the sense of community within the lighting industry that I truly value.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
I’m a proud member of the IESNYC! For the past year and a half, I have been participating in the IES (national) Museum and Art Gallery Lighting Technical Committee, where I’ve been privileged to collaborate with dedicated professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Contributing to the latest version of ANSI/IES RP-30-25 Recommended Practice: Lighting Museums has been particularly fulfilling. Our monthly meetings have featured exceptional guest speakers, who have broadened my understanding of the scientific complexities involved in human perception and how it influences successful museum lighting.

Additionally, I served as a judge for the Illumination Awards this past year, and I look forward to volunteering in this role again. It’s a great opportunity to engage with innovative lighting projects and study the outstanding achievements in our field. As I advance in my career, I am committed to remaining involved in the various committees and events offered by the IES, both on a local level with IESNYC and globally.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The community, of course! The IESNYC boasts an engaged community of experienced professionals with a healthy dash of new and exciting talent. These folks come from myriad walks of life and geolocations, with passions for different sectors of the industry. The IESNYC events bring the different design disciplines together to intermingle, trading ideas, technical information, and points of view. This cross pollination enhances our unique lighting scene.

It’s exciting that the IESNYC lighting community attracts professionals from outside the region, drawing them in to share their knowledge and to experience the offerings we provide. This injection of outside talent and perspective enriches our discussions and collaborations. A broader understanding of lighting practices and trends can only benefit us as we nurture this hub of inspiration and creativity.