Member of the Month

April 2022

Laetitia Stephanos
IALD, Emerging Professional Member of IES
Lighting Designer
Fisher Marantz Stone

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
My path is just as individual as most of us who found our way into the lighting industry. I studied at the New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island, where I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. At the time, my focus was solely on Interior Design. I worked in the field for a couple years until I was unexpectedly offered a job at a lighting manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My curiosity about lighting got the best of me and so began my interest in becoming a lighting designer.

Coming from a background in interior design, I understood how critical lighting is in making a space come to life. At the same time, working for a lighting manufacturer allowed me to get more involved with the technicalities of light. As one of the in-house lighting consultants/salespeople, it quickly became apparent that I wanted to continue designing with light.

I decided to move back to Connecticut to be closer to my family in late 2018. It was short lived as Fisher Marantz Stone (FMS) and I found each other in March of 2019. I was referred to Fisher Marantz Stone by “a friend of a friend” who I had previously met at a networking event. It was through that introduction to FMS, that I was able to express my thirst for knowledge about lighting and my eagerness to learn everything they could teach me.

I have been with FMS for three years, and I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects – museums, educational institutions, theaters, office buildings, high-end residential, and high-end retail projects. Although I have gone to a few job sites to see progress, I have yet to see any of the projects I work on completed. I also had the opportunity to work on focusing the lights for the 9/11 Tribute In Light in 2019, which is a yearly ritual I want to continue and be part of.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I joined the IESNYC immediately after I started working at FMS. Since my background was in interior design, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the lighting industry from professionals involved in all of the different areas that make up the industry.

One of my favorite events is LEDucation, where I usually attend lectures given by IESNYC members and where I am also able to see new lighting products exhibited by manufacturers. Joining the IESNYC led me to become even more involved in the industry by also becoming a member of the IALD, DLFNY, and WILD.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
I enjoy participating in virtual seminars and classes from time to time. I’m currently enrolled in “Fundamentals of Lighting,” a series that starts this month. I also appreciate being part of a community that shares knowledge and uses each other as a resource to stay relevant in topics and issues related to lighting.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best assets of the IESNYC are the educational and networking events, which I have attended. As the world around us is continually evolving, so is lighting. It is important to stay equipped with knowledge on latest developments. It is also just as important to stay connected with like-minded professionals – and the IESNYC provides that for us