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

March 2024

Matthew Dacey
Architectural Sales
Synergy

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
My journey began in the world of theatrical lighting design. As a freelancer, I honed my initial skills and developed a passion for the art. However, as my interest in theater waned, I transitioned to a more traditional job, which ultimately led me to architectural lighting and the Mintz Lighting Group. This move was pivotal to my career, as it allowed me to integrate the artistic elements of theater lighting with the practical and business aspects of the industry. Working at Mintz was enlightening, teaching me the delicate balance between creativity, technical proficiency, and commercial savvy in lighting design.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Upon returning to New York from a lighting design stint in Dubai, I felt a strong desire to engage with the local lighting community. This was also around the time I began working as an agent.

With encouragement from Bob Nadel, I first contributed to the Designers Lighting Forum NY, particularly on the LEDucation Committee. I’ve watched it evolve from a local event into a major East Coast lighting showcase. Following this, I joined the IESNYC Lumen Awards committee, an extravaganza that I had admired since my first attendance at the Lumen Gala in 2003. My involvement with these key events in New York's lighting calendar has been both fulfilling to me, and instrumental in supporting and shaping the local lighting scene. Today, I am thrilled to serve on the IESNYC Board of Managers.

Q: How do you see your role as “member of the month” of the IESNYC?
In my role at the IESNYC (and my professional life in general) I see myself as a steward to the craft of lighting design. I am dedicated to assisting those who showcase lighting as a profound and artistic craft. My goal is to uplift the depth and spirit inherent in our work, emphasizing the creative and collaborative aspects of lighting. By advocating for this elevated view of our profession, I aim to inspire both current and future lighting designers. I want them to appreciate the craft and strive for the artistic and aesthetic potentials of our field.

Involvement with the IESNYC allows me to embrace and promote the core values of truth, beauty, and goodness in architectural lighting: truth in the authenticity of design, beauty in the aesthetic and functional harmony of our projects, and goodness in the positive impact our collective work has on spaces and communities.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The IESNYC excels in unification and education within the lighting community. As a member of the Board of Managers, I'm part of a group that approaches our roles with a great seriousness, always prioritizing the interests of the community and the craft, often above our individual business gains. We strive to foster a unitive and, dare I say, loving approach to the craft. This ethos strengthens our community, and enhances the quality and impact of our collective work.