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

June 2024

Julia Strapp
Senior Lighting Designer
LightBox Studios

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I entered a tough job market after graduating from college with a degree in Communications & Media Studies in 2012. We were all still reeling from the Great Recession. I moved back home to Philadelphia and found an entry-level role in the nonprofit communications world. I worked a few years, learning the ropes and honing my public relations skills. I was good at my job and enjoyed the glimpse into urban planning and the global financial industry. But I knew that I ultimately wanted to make my mark in a creative field, instead of solely supporting others’ endeavors.

After much soul searching, I realized that, deep down, I always had a love for art and design. I had thought I needed to do something “serious” in order to support myself, so I pushed it aside. Given the chance to do anything, regardless of time or money constraints, I would choose to go back to school to study design. So I made it happen.

I interviewed a number of professionals in architecture and interior design. One of them mentioned that if I specialized in something like lighting, it could be the niche I was looking for. I was sold!

As a teen I always flipped through the IKEA catalog to the lamps section, and I had taken charge of the spotlights for high school musicals. But I didn’t realize then that lighting was a whole industry unto itself. By the end of that year, I’d applied to Parsons’ double MFA degree for Interior and Lighting Design. The rest is history.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
During grad school, I came to see how tight-knit and supportive the lighting community is. And I could see that the larger and more nebulous world of interior design does not necessarily offer this level of camaraderie. In the double-major program, I gravitated toward the warmth and industry knowledge-sharing from my colleagues in lighting.

When I officially became a member of the IESNYC, I was genuinely excited. Not just for the resources and vigorous research published by the parent organization, but also for the vibrant group of members here in New York City.

Every member organization has diverse needs for member participation, and the IESNYC is no different. Early in my career, I saw my role as soaking up as much knowledge and connections as possible. I attended events, asked questions, networked, studied recommended practices and white papers; generally learning how the industry functions. I’m grateful to the IESNYC for providing those crucial opportunities.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
That answer’s easy: people! The planning and heavy lifting that goes into bringing the entire NYC industry together for great events is no joke. Having served on the Student Lighting Competition Committee in the past, I’ve seen how much goes into just that one program. Then there’s the annual Lumen Awards and Gala, Moonlighting, or any one of a multitude of offerings.

A big shoutout to the IESNYC Board of Managers and all who dedicate their time and skills to bringing such value to the community, as well as my fabulous studio colleagues past and present. My career would not be the same without you.