Member of the Month

June 2022

Diana Mesh
NYC Specification Sales Manager
Selux 

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I graduated with a BA from Adelphi University with a major English Literature and a minor in Fine Arts.  My intention was to go into film production, but then I realized that my real passion was interior design and architecture. So I went back to school, this time to Parsons School of Design where I earned an AAS in Interior Design.  Parsons didn’t have a lighting degree back then but had courses in it. One of my teachers knew of my interest in working in lighting design, so when a position opened up at CBBLD, I was recommended for the job and hired by Carroll Cline (the “C” in CBBLD) and Francesca Bettridge. Carroll had designers learn to draw sections of light fixtures by sawing samples in half!  It didn’t make the manufacturers very happy, but we were able to learn so much. We also created many custom light fixtures for architects including Robert A.M. Stern, because the variety of forms we have today, just didn’t exist then. I then went on to work at Fisher Marantz Stone (FMSP). as a lighting designer, where I had the opportunity to present projects to large teams that at times included developers, which opened my eyes to their priorities. Looking back, both Carroll and Paul Marantz taught me to approach lighting as being integral and in harmony with the architecture and that every downlight you placed in a ceiling had an impact on the composition of the design as well as the light level. From there, I started my own lighting design firm, Mesh & Juul with Steven Mesh and at that time, I was known as Diana Juul.

After many years as a lighting designer, I was introduced to the world of global luminaire design and the great capabilities manufacturers had to innovate and to help realize the dreams of designers.  So, I went into manufacturing and then into sales. I worked for Litelab, Zumtobel, and Light Abilities, which made me see the design process from another side.  I had to interface closely with the company engineers on either developing new products for the market or providing custom solutions for projects.  I found this collaboration to be the most fun and rewarding. Now at Selux, my goal is not only to increase sales, but to be the bridge between the designer and the factory.  I so enjoy working with various people in their varied roles.  It still thrills me to see a job come from the drawing board to reality.

As far as my long history in the lighting field—over 30 years at this point!—I have seen our industry change radically. I have seen products change, approach to design change, issues like energy usage, sustainability, and codes change. Throughout my career, I’ve participated in not only the IESNYC, but DLFNY, and IALD.  I’ve spoken numerous times at LightFair and LEDucation, and have taught lighting design at Parson, NYSID, and FIT.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Right from the start my employers and colleagues encouraged me to join IESNYC as well as the IALD and DLFNY. Back then we were also building awareness of how critical good lighting is not only to architecture but the human experience. For a while, I was part of Hudson Valley Section which had terrific programs. And because it was an even smaller group, the comradery was great. Later on, when that Section got absorbed into the IESNYC I was a co-chair and programmed events for our members. 

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
There was a time that there was no LightFair and that the IES, particularly with IESNYC, and members founded it.  IESNYC gave us the Lumens which started out as a small dinner for a few and has become the event of the season for lighting design community. Talk about committee work yielding results!   I probably don’t do nearly enough to pay back the debt I owe to the Section as it continues to be so relevant to my personal and professional needs. The IESNYC has given us all so much that we take for granted.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
What is wonderful about being a member of the IESNYC is you are part of a very large industry that includes designers, manufacturers, salespeople, scientists, educators and industrial designers. All of these groups united by a common interest in creating excellence in lighting. The IESNYC opens doors to meeting people outside of one’s own company. For me, these conversations lead to joining committees, committee work leads to friendships, and friendships lead to support when needed. In addition to the comradery, the IESNYC provides great technical education and support in a time when it is not so easy to keep up with changing technologies.