Meet Our Member

The IESNYC spotlights a member each month whose volunteerism, perspectives or personal story helps advance our goals, pique our curiosity, and whose contributions help 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

December 2023

Kalynn Amadio
Principal
Goldstick Studio 

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
Since I was little, I wanted to be an architect. One influential conversation with my high school guidance counselor got me enrolled in the Architectural Engineering program at the University of Kansas in 1982. It was there I met my first mentor, Ronald Helms. Professor Helms ran the program, and his love was lighting. His textbook, Illumination Engineering for Energy Efficient Luminous Environments, still sits on my desk.

At the end of the mandatory 5-year program, I found myself holding the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering with an emphasis on electrical systems and lighting design. With a recommendation from Professor Helms, I packed all my worldly possessions into a cartop U-Haul and moved from Kansas to the Big Apple where I met my second mentor, Frank Lorenz.

Frank was a Principal with Edwards & Zuck, an engineering firm in Midtown where he ran the electrical department. On a large open floor with rows of drafting tables perpendicular to the window wall on the 31st floor, I had a view of the Statue of Liberty and my first paying job. My assumption was that Frank hired me because of the electrical blueprints I showed him during my interview. It was later that I discovered Frank was keenly interested in lighting design and my studies with Professor Helms had been my real ticket in.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
After working at E&Z for a few months, Frank asked me to tag along with him to an IESNYC meeting that was happening in the conference room during lunch. At the time, Frank was the Treasurer of the IESNYC and our office hosted the monthly Board of Managers meetings. For several months I attended the Board meetings and got to know all the Board members, like Frank Conti, Jeffrey Milham, Addison Kelly, Phil Cialdella, and so many others. Of course, I was drafted into various committees; became editor of the newsletter under Helen Diemer; and ended up chairing the Lumen Awards in 1988 and 1989, which we held at the Central Park Boathouse with an attendance of 125 people. Eventually, I took over from Frank as Treasurer of IESNYC, an office I held for several years before passing the baton.

Q: How do you see your role as “member of the month” of the IESNYC?
As "member of the month" I want to encourage other members to join in and always be learning. The lighting industry has changed dramatically since I joined the cause in 1987. I still look forward to receiving LD+A in the mail each month to keep up on the latest trends and technology. I occasionally fall back on older rules of thumb. But LED has changed everything, and there’s always something new to learn. The IES helps me stay informed on all that is new and the potential for emerging technologies.

The only constant is change, and it’s becoming more rapid each year. All IESNYC members should be taking advantage of these opportunities to learn and grow.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
New York City is the center of both theatrical and architectural lighting design, in my opinion, and always has been. The IES as an organization provides so many opportunities to get more involved in a vocation I have practiced and adored over 36 years. As an engineer, I have gravitated toward the more technical presentations by the IESNYC that keep me up to date. And these remain my favorite.

But I will never forget the friends I have known and the mentors who have helped me and my projects succeed. That kind of guidance is priceless and has helped me forge a career to enjoy and take pride in.