Fabric of Our Society

January 2023

Why Teach?

Nathalie Faubert
Senior Associate, Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Adjunct Professor, New York School of Interior Design

Most interior design students come to my class armed with limited tools and likely a single, one-size-fits-all solution. So it’s my job to show them how much there is to the world of lighting and the many, many different techniques available to them – in addition to the basics of lighting. I think that anybody that has the bandwidth and interest in teaching should give it a try. The more professionals that teach, the more students are exposed to different design aesthetics, personalities and priorities.

Like most of my students, I got involved in lighting as an undergrad in interior design. I only had that one course on lighting, but it was enough to pique my interest. I went on to attend Parsons School of Design for my master’s, and I’ve never regretted that choice. Today, it’s a pleasure to give back to the lighting industry that has given me a rewarding career.

As the semester progresses, students start looking up. They notice things that I may see as very basic, but they proudly share their observations. And I take pleasure in seeing how their individual perspectives and perceptions of the lighted environment change.

But the chief reward is to pass my knowledge on to the next generation; to get them to push their creative aptitude; to prepare them to face the arena their heading into – the fun parts and the tough challenges of the design and construction industry. I help ensure that they’re getting a good education and are ready for the job market. 

Also gratifying is knowing that some interior design students that I taught become lighting designers, one from my very first class joined the industry. And I’ve seen lots of my lighting design students at different professional events over the years. (In addition to teaching Interior Design students, NYSID offers a Master of Professional Studies in Lighting Design that I teach in the summer.)  It’s a pleasure to reconnect, and it’s so gratifying to hear about the different paths their careers have taken. Plus, it keeps my professional network fresh. Some firms use teaching as a hiring pipeline, but that has not been my direct experience.

Teaching lighting has its own rewards
Teaching expands my “legacy.” I do good work for my clients, but my students take my expertise and run with it. With the knowledge I’m imparting, I’m hopeful that the lighting design they do themselves will be competent and at times excellent – that they’ll do a good job channeling what I’ve taught them and thinking outside the box. This allows me to extend my reach further into the built environment of today, and for generations to come.

My students inspire me in different ways. They do occasionally teach me things, and generally speaking, they have an eye for the most interesting decorative fixtures. They also push their limits and develop designs that are unexpectedly creative or truly innovative. Those flashes of inspiration do influence my design work.

I am hopeful that all of my interior design students will be cognizant of projects that could particularly benefit from a lighting design consultant, and will advocate for one.

Juggling teaching with working full time
Somehow, I manage working full time and teaching one to three classes a semester, but there are times when I am pulling my hair out! I always strive to be good at teaching and to excel at my lighting practice. It makes for long hours and working weekends, depending on my workload. The pay helps make that worthwhile. I try to tackle tasks right away and stay on top of it (and I know the students appreciate having projects and assignments graded by the next class). People say they’re afraid of time management challenges, but three of us at CBBLD are all teaching at different schools, we all seem to manage it.

The move toward online instruction might seem easier on the surface, but it has added difficulties. Particularly hybrid instruction with students both online and in the classroom, the students don’t realize how challenging it is for the professor to “be” in two places at once. I’m much happier in the classroom where I can connect with students and see that they’re engaged. I do have a few classes where I demo lighting fixtures, and that really does not translate via Zoom. Thankfully, classes are now in-person.

A great benefit for students (in my humble opinion) is that at NYSID most of the faculty is adjunct. We are still working in the field and stay on top of new technologies and current design trends. We are practicing in today’s evolving marketplace and are able to pass that knowledge on to the students.

Here in New York City, the design schools don’t have trouble finding practicing lighting designers to teach lighting classes. But in smaller markets, I wonder if interior design students are getting this kind of exposure. I encourage lighting designers in markets large and small to look at their local design programs; and teach if you are able.