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

August 2026

Phat Quach
Director
Domingo González Associates

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I graduated with an architectural degree in 2011 from Temple University in Philadelphia, my hometown. But in the aftermath of the housing market bubble crash, there was a shortage of architectural job openings. I applied to almost every job posting that had design in its description: from graphic design to kitchen design and by chance stumbled upon a job posting by Domingo González Associates. I had zero experience in architectural lighting design other than a brief fundamentals course on MEP and building support systems. The only job experience I had was working as a waiter at a couple of chain restaurants, to cover some tuition, rent, and living expenses.

I participated in an initial online interview with two of my now-dear friends and colleagues, Sherry Lin and Nancy Lok, and they saw enough potential to recommend me for a second in-person interview with Domingo González and AC Hickox. I had to complete an AutoCAD evaluation (which I thought had taken an eternity to complete) before I sat for my interview with the principals. The interview went on for over an hour, and at the end, I was unsure if I had been successful (having gone through several unsuccessful interviews beforehand). Immediately following the interview, they offered me employment, starting as an intern since I had no architectural lighting education or experience. Despite the title, I was ecstatic. And the rest is history.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I became an IESNYC member shortly after rising to Junior Designer at DGA in 2012. DGA supports professional memberships and continuing education, and the IESNYC provides great resources. I took the Fundamentals of Lighting course early in my career. This was especially important after passing the Lighting Certified (LC) test (by the National Council of Qualifications for Lighting Professions [NCQLP]) because the LC requires continuing education units (LEUs). IES also offers a great series of webinars.

Later in my career, I started to get more involved with the IESNYC, attending in-person events to network and get to know my peers in the industry. I quickly saw the benefits of participating in these events. I both heard from inspiring people and realized that my presence is important. I represent my firm, my ethnicity, and my queer identity. I want to perhaps inspire emerging professionals to bring their whole selves to the industry.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
I participated in the IESNYC’s initial Guiding Lights Circle mentorship program as a mentor to Hamilton Guillén, and honestly, I probably learned a lot more from him than the other way around! I plan to continue with the mentorship program, as it was quite insightful.

I have a growing sense of responsibility to share my experience in whatever capacity I can. I volunteered to be a speaker at LEDucation and LightFair, and later this year at the IES Street and Area Lighting Conference (SALC). I enjoy sharing my knowledge and hard-won experience. I also recently volunteered for Equity in Lighting at the Youth Enrichment Program at PS 166 in Queens, teaching and inspiring curiosity about lighting in third-grade students.

I am quite an introvert and homebody, but I find it important to put yourself out there in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations. That’s how you grow. I’ve had several mentors who’ve helped me get to where I am today, so I want to pay it forward. One important role as members of the IESNYC is to inspire each other.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The greatest asset of the IESNYC is 100% its people. They take time out of their busy days to volunteer and participate in various programs. So many are selfless and generous with their time and knowledge. We’re the largest section of the IES, but it feels small in the sense that we all know each other (pretty much). We share special camaraderie, cheering each other along the way.