Meet Our Member

December 2022

Attila Uysal, LC
Principal, LumenArch 

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I studied architecture at Middle East Technical University (METU - ODTU) in Ankara, Turkey. Early on, while studying under Professor Mustafa Pultar (1897–1988) who taught building science, I became intrigued by acoustic design and was fascinated by the architecture of Alvar Aalto. I researched the acoustic quality of Alto's buildings and discovered that sound behaves very similarly to light. It was at this time, that my obsession with lighting began. 

Later on, at Pratt Institute, I studied under Peter Barna, who is not only an educator, but an electrical engineer, and a lighting designer and with him, I was able to focus on the light fixture as a design object. Peter provided me with a platform that allowed me to explore lighting from many dimensions such as light as a medium of art, installation as an object that provides light, and most intriguing, was the design process with light. And so, it was while studying at Pratt that I caught the “lighting bug.” 
 
After graduating from Pratt in 1994 with a master’s in industrial design, I wanted to look for a position in the architectural field. It was Peter who suggested that I also send my resume to lighting designers. Suzan Tillotson, who was working with Jerry Kugler at the time, hired me. For three years, I learned the tools of the lighting designer including specifications, calculations, mock-ups, etc. This is also when and where I experienced the lighting industry’s entrepreneurial spirit.
 
I started work with SBLD in 1996 and became a partner in 2005. Over time, I worked on a variety of project types and scales. I was very fortunate to be awarded numerous industry awards during my journey with SBLD. Some of the notable projects include the MET Breuer Museum in New York City, the  US Tennis Association South Campus in Queens, and The Smith Center for Performing Arts in Las Vegas. 

I have also worked on corporate interior projects including the New York Times HQ, which I’ve worked on for over eight years!  In 2019, I joined LumenArch, and as a team we continue working on the offices of the New York Times HQ, converting the existing fixtures fluorescent source to LED and upgrading the lighting control system. It while working on the NYT HQ that I learned the  importance of control systems in lighting. 

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I joined the IESNYC in 2001. From 2007 to 2014, I taught at a Lighting Design Studio at Parsons where I worked with students to prepare for their submissions to the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition. In 2012, I was a judge for the IESNYC Lumen Awards. Currently, I am a member of the IESNYC Board of Managers and am the NYC Section’s Treasurer.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
I was always curious about how a nonprofit organization runs, and I am also a detail oriented and financially savvy person. So when I was asked to be part of the IESNYC Board of Managers (BOM) and serve as the Section’s Treasurer, I was not only intrigued by the possibilities. It also seemed like a good opportunity for me to further connect with the lighting community and contribute to the lighting industry. I think it also the right time for me to be more social. I am already loving the challenges that this new position brings and am enjoying the social aspects of being on the BOM. I like working with the other board members and committee chairs while developing a financial strategy that can continue support the IESNYC’s activities and those of the lighting community.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
I have always liked the IESNYC because of its inclusiveness and ability to bring diverse lighting industry members under one umbrella. I learn from each of these members, certainly from their diverse backgrounds, and truly enjoy exchanging ideas. I follow most of the IES publications and attend IESNYC educational programs as much as possible. Nowadays, I’m realizing that the lighting design community will continue to grow as new lighting technologies develop, energy related challenges get bigger, and the clients need changes and we’re here to support and meet the challenge.