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

January 2025

Chelsea Kreielsheimer
The SEED, Head of Design

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I had just graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in interior design and was working at Montefiore Medical Center. During school, I was inspired by healthcare design and the idea that we can use architecture and the built environment to help people in healing. I was eager to grow and learn new skills, so I applied for a junior lighting design position; I was thinking I could learn a new skill set and then go back to interior design in the future.

But I never looked back. I now understand that lighting design is the crucial bridge between art, design, and science, as well as a major component in using space to heal people. After a couple of stops along the way, I landed at Atelier Ten where I learned next-level, interdisciplinary design and project management. I’ve begun a new adventure in leadership at The SEED Lighting, where I align my personal values with creative work every day.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I joined IES about 5 years into my career when I was a lighting designer at WeWork. It certainly broadened my horizons, and I met many other lighting designers in our community. Throughout the COVID pandemic I was feeling disconnected and was searching for inspiration while working from home. So I joined the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition Committee. I love volunteering for this committee, as it helps me stay involved with the IESNYC and foster relationships with students who are new to the industry.

At LEDucation 2025, the Student Lighting Competition entries will be on display during the entire run of the show. Please stop by and experience some of the talent and creativity coming with the next generation of our industry.

Q: How do you see your role as “Member of the Month” of the IESNYC?
I aim to be an active member of the lighting community, because I believe that a strong and committed network is key to propelling our industry forward – especially for individuals with underrepresented identities. IESNYC volunteers are essential in fostering connections among professionals. We create opportunities for students and young professionals to interact with industry leaders and to grow under their mentorship.

When we share the latest developments in education and research, we all design with more intention, in ways that make the built environment, and the natural environment, a better place for all. My contributions to the GreenLight Alliance reinforce these efforts. Working as Co-Chair of the DEIR Committee at Women in Lighting + Design has helped to keep equity issues front and center at the organization, and the IESNYC and Equity in Lighting continue to work together on these issues.

Lately, I’ve gained a new appreciation for “community,” both personal and professional. The support of women coworkers, friends, and WILD colleagues has gifted understanding, guidance when requested, and invaluable safety.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
I most appreciate the generosity of consensus-based knowledge sharing. Sustainability and lighting for health and wellness remain at the center of my career. I see these as inseparable, intrinsically linked. It always helps to read the latest findings on these topics from the IES to understand where we can push the industry forward, and which concepts need more research and funding. The IES can be a benchmark, but volunteers at the Section level should reach for the stars. Let’s regularly check in with industry assumptions and baselines, and think, “How can we do this better?”