Member of the Month

November 2022

Luis J. Carrasquillo-Alicea, MIES, Jr. Assoc IALD
He/Him/His
Senior Lighting Designer, HLB Lighting

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
As it is the case for many people, I stumbled into the world of lighting by accident. It was luck. When I was applying to universities, around 2012, I was trying to figure out what academic path to pursue. Architecture aligned with my artistic interests, but civil engineering fed my technical inclination. My left brain and right brain were struggling!

I ended up applying to several higher-education institutions, and one of them was Penn State. I was accepted with an academic scholarship for students from underrepresented ethnic groups. When I attended a prospective student's reception in San Juan, PR, the presenter mentioned how his nephew was completing his architectural engineering degree. I was intrigued. After a bit of research, I learned that the degree offered a lighting/electrical design program. I applied to this very niche program, not knowing what to expect. And now here we are, almost 10 years later! 

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I was first involved with IES through Penn State’s student chapter, which held an annual trip to different centers of the lighting industry (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, etc.). We met with different lighting design and electrical engineering firms, and some lighting manufacturers. I started working at HLB right out of school, and through my colleagues there, I connected with IESNYC. I wanted to join a group where I could stay connected with all sorts of other lighting professionals. I wanted to stay in touch with trends that impact the lighting design community and share experiences with people from other firms. IESNYC was a great fit for this, so I decided to join.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
My involvement with IESNYC is mostly a supporting role. While I’m not currently a huge volunteer or organizer, I can support the Section with my attendance and participation. And by helping to foster a safe space where designers can share their lived experiences and learn from each other’s journeys. I’m interested in us all growing as professionals, adding to our skillsets, and enlarging the lighting community overall while being as inclusive as possible.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
What IESNYC excels at is strengthening the bonds within the local lighting community. The Section provides valuable space, activities, and other opportunities for fellow lighting designers, lighting scientists and researchers, and lighting manufacturers and sales professionals to connect, and build a stronger, more well-rounded network of colleagues. The educational experiences are excellent. I will never be done learning!  And IESNYC often provides a relaxed give-and-take where knowledge is not just imparted or acquired. Through IESNYC, we get the chance to exchange ideas and set the standard for the industry alongside the leaders in our field.