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

November 2024

Craig Young
Lighting Designer, Ventresca Design

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I was so fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood in Central Pennsylvania with lots of afternoon light. The beauty of the metamorphosing sunlight, nourishing the valley farmlands below, was splendid. And the twinkle of the houses lighted at night fascinated me.

It’s funny, I failed my first lighting course in college, but I ended up as a theatrical lighting designer. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my high school had great theatrical design aesthetics. Then in grad school, I found a mentor in Randy Ward at Virginia Tech. He taught me how to develop a language with light and create worlds.

After a few years working on shows in Baltimore, I was surprised to be invited to mentor and teach at SUNY Buffalo. Florida International University later invited me to teach, followed by the University of Southern Indiana. The professional regional theater and student theater department there worked together, which attracted both professionals and talented, energetic students.

Later, with a head full of steam, I struck out to make it on the Great White Way. But before long, family obligations drew me back to that hilltop home in Pennsylvania.

In 2017, I was at a crossroads in my life. I was a theatrical lighting designer and educator considering reinventing myself by transitioning into architectural lighting. But I was not really sure how to do it. Or if I wanted to. I had been testing the waters by attending industry events and talking to people. But I was not sure I understood my pathway. At LEDucation, that all changed.

At LEDucation, I happened to stop by the table for the New York School of Interior Design. I had been considering going back to school, but was fearful of taking on new student loan debt. After a long conversation with Shaun Fillion, the head of the program at NYSID, I realized that this would be a great opportunity to gain the training I needed. It was exactly what I was looking for: a place where my years of theatrical experience were appreciated and valued as an asset. A year later in 2019 I graduated with my second master’s degree and began working for Ventresca Lighting Design.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I was first introduced to the IESNYC through the Moonlighting event. When I was doing my initial research on architectural lighting, I came across the event online and got myself invited. It was fantastic and made a huge impression on me! I met so many people that night and realized that the NYC lighting community is much like a theater community. It truly is like a family in its camaraderie and taking care of each other. Everyone was so supportive, and I got a ton of advice.

After I was accepted to NYSID, it was suggested that I join the IES Emerging Professionals program. I applied for the stipend to attend my first IES Conference, and I was so glad I did. I learned so much about the different parts of the lighting field and the roles necessary to make it work. I also made a bunch of lifelong friends and met professionals whom I consider role models and mentors.

At NYSID we were encouraged to participate in the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition. I received an honorable mention in the 2019 competition. Then the next year I was recruited to join the committee.

Q: How do you see your role as “member of the month” of the IESNYC?
From the start, I planned to volunteer and contribute in some way. The Student Lighting Competition is a perfect fit for me, because it gives me the opportunity to interact and use my talents as an educator. I love working with the students, and I’m looking forward to helping grow the competition. We are building and fostering opportunities for creativity and mentorship, and helping students build a professional network.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The IESNYC does so much to bring together the lighting community, both locally and nationally. One of its strengths is the support and engagement it provides for the next generation of lighting professionals. There are many different opportunities, like NextGen and the new mentorship program, that offer a space where up-and-coming professionals can learn and grow under the guidance of established experts. Students and other lighting newbies inspire me with their energy and fresh perspectives.

The Student Lighting Competition is open NOW!

The IESNYC invites students from New York City design, engineering, or architecture programs to construct “A Sight for Sore Eyes,” to be displayed and judged at LEDucation 2025 in the spring. Win Prizes! Networking! Publicity!
LEARN MORE