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

April 2026

Jacqui Cacan
Head of Architectural Design & Specification, i2Systems

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
Coming from architecture and printmaking, my introduction to lighting began when I met Ann Kale. As we worked together, I saw her breathe life into design in a way I had not experienced before. Changing careers, with her guidance, made more innate sense than anything I had strived for previously.

Ann was instrumental in shaping my early career. Her mentorship opened my eyes to the artistry and technical precision of lighting design, channeling my training into a rigorous practice of deep listening for design intention, color, and technology. Together, we found commissions to start developing my work in fixture design. From Ann, I learned that lighting is not an accessory to architecture: it’s integral to how people experience space.

Those formative years taught me the importance of detail, low-glare solutions, and the emotional impact of light. That foundation carried through my 15 years as a designer and now informs my work in manufacturing, where I strive to ensure that products support the same principles of quality and human connection. 

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
My involvement with the IESNYC was inspired by leaders like Suzan Tillotson, who demonstrated that creativity and community engagement go hand in hand. Suzan’s commitment to giving back, whether through mentorship or industry dialogue, showed me that advancing lighting design isn’t just about what happens in the studio. Contributing to the larger conversation shapes standards and best practices.

Seeing Suzan balance her richly creative work with a strong backbone of advocacy motivated me to join the IESNYC. I wanted to be part of an organization that values education and collaboration. This group has fostered my desire to share our collective knowledge beyond the lighting community.  

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
For me, the IESNYC is a valuable platform to further that outreach, nurture collaboration, and enhance the diversity of our industry. I see my role as a bridge between design and manufacturing, fostering better understanding across the industry. Having worked on both sides, I bring my own unique perspective on how design intent translates into product development, and how we manufacturers can support designers in achieving their vision. I enjoy contributing meaningfully to conversations about quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Beyond technical expertise, I plan to advocate strongly for lighting education that reaches interior designers, architects, developers, and especially end-users; to lay the groundwork for the incredible lighting designers in our community. Good lighting practices shouldn’t be confined to the lighting design profession. Quality lighting should influence broader design decisions and improve everyday experiences. Through IESNYC, I hope to expand that reach and ensure that lighting is recognized for its role in shaping the built environment and human well-being. 

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The IESNYC’s Board and committee leadership continue to foster the growth and development of new professionals, who bring fresh ideas and unique contributions. The organizers impress me with their countless volunteer hours, shaping support systems and avenues to promote wider interests. The IESNYC unites passionate professionals who care deeply about quality lighting.

Our community’s values strengthen not just our industry but Design at-large. The diversity of expertise within the Section creates a rich environment for learning and innovation. It’s not just about technical excellence, it’s about shaping spaces that enhance human experience. That mission resonates deeply with me.