Meet Our Honorary 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

December 2024

Cliff Smith 
Publisher, designing lighting (dl) and The Spec
Associate Publisher, designing lighting global (dlg)
(Affiliates of EdisonReport)

Editor's Note:
As publisher of designing lighting (dl), Cliff Smith supports the New York City Section’s activities and programs. With appreciation for his contributions to the industry and our successes, we recognize him as an “honorary member” of the IESNYC.

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I have worked in magazine publishing and media sales for most of my professional life. The late Dan Burke brought me to New York to work for a magazine called Facilities Design and Management (FD&M) at Miller Freeman. (The editor then was Paul Tarricone, who later served as editor of LD+A.)

Changes on the Architectural Lighting magazine (AL) team brought an opportunity to work with Craig DiLouie on AL. I could not have asked for a better technical expert to learn from than Craig. Later on, I contributed to Architect Magazine, the official periodical of the AIA, working with lighting manufacturers.

Blink, and 25 years later and here we are!

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Through my work at AL, I experienced the amazing influence that the New York spec lighting market exerts on the world. It was an honor to live and work in NYC in the lighting industry. IESNYC tours and presentations showcase outstanding projects and brought me in contact with thought leaders in many aspects of the industry.

Q: How do you see your role as “Honorary Member of the Month” of the IESNYC?
I see our role at designing lighting (dl) as supporting the IESNYC – and many other organizations – reporting everyday news, covering IES member projects, and participating in IESNYC industry events. We love interviewing on-camera IESNYC members who have a particular passion, or something new and interesting to discuss. We publish these in the magazine, post them on our site, and share them on social media to generate as much exposure as possible.    

For instance, the NYControlled show is only in its second year. I was impressed at how pleased everyone was. Congratulations to IESNYC Committee Chair and Past-President Megan Carroll and all of the team. The exhibitors were happy to be there (not just under obligation). My colleague Randy Reid, dl Editor, interviewed many exhibitors and others on-camera to uncover what’s new and exciting. We didn’t just promote the show, it was a one-stop effort for us to actively support the players in the controls sector.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
Though I’m not living in New York City now, I’m proud to be a member of the IESNYC. New York continues to be the “center” of the specification lighting community. I needed to relocate years ago due to family reasons, but still visit NYC for work frequently. I still love New York!

IESNYC is a wonderful group of enthusiastic professionals. Thank you NYC Section for your dedication to first-class lighting design, your inspiration, and your volunteer spirit!