April 2026 
IESNYC Events
Fundamentals of Lighting
Last Chance to Register!
Classes Begin April 2, 2026
This 8-week IES course offers a comprehensive introduction to architectural lighting issues, factors, and practices. This course is ideal for those who have only a basic knowledge of lighting and for working professionals who want a thorough overview of the field.
REGISTER by April 1st.
2026 IESNYC Student Lighting Competition Awards Ceremony
April 14, 2026. This annual event celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of students from New York City’s top design, architecture, and engineering programs, challenging them to push the boundaries of lighting design. This year’s competition theme is "Everything Old is New Again." Get ready to be inspired! REGISTER
Fabric of our Society
The Work That Changes Us
Kelly Roberts
Principal, Primary Arc Design
Francesca Bastianini
Founding Principal, Sighte Studio
A clear shift is underway: a wave of new entrepreneurship in lighting design. After more than a decade of consolidation – through mergers, acquisitions, and centralization – the trend has begun to move in the opposite direction. We see more designers starting their own practices as part of a broader shift in how careers, leadership, and longevity in our profession are being imagined. READ MORE
Meet Our Member
Jacqui Cacan
Head of Architectural Design & Specification, i2Systems
Having worked in both design and manufacturing, Jacqui Cacan builds bridges. Beyond technical expertise, she plans to advocate strongly for lighting education that reaches interior designers, architects, developers, and especially end-users; to lay the groundwork for the incredible lighting designers in our community. MORE
Announcements
2026 IESNYC Merit Scholarship Recipients
IESNYC is proud to honor Daniel Pachman (left) and Harithra Navaratnam (right) as our 2026 Merit Scholarship recipients. Daniel creates innovative, community-focused lighting experiences while Harithra improves lighting for comfort and energy efficiency. They exemplify curiosity, creativity, and dedication—qualities that will define the future of our profession. MORE
NextGen Winter Warm-Up 2026
Students and EPs came together on March 5 for the IESNYC NextGen Winter Warm-Up 2026. Attendees discussed career paths, shared insights on design practices, and learned from practicing professionals. The evening also included a hands-on blanket-making activity for charity, combining meaningful connections with giving back. MORE
IESNYC Members to Present at LEDucation
These IESNYC members will be sharing their expertise at the upcoming LEDucation Conference, virtually (April 9–10) and in-person (April 14–15) — contributing to a dynamic lineup of educational sessions and discussions. Be sure to join these sessions and support our fellow Members. VIEW THE LINEUP
In Memoriam: Lou Bell
Lou Bell began his lighting career at Lightolier in the 1960s and joined SDA in 1973. He spent 40 years there as a salesman and partner. He was a dedicated professional and his presence will be missed by all who knew him. MORE
Other Events
Attendee Registration Open for LEDucation 2026
April 14-15, 2026. Virtual sessions April 9-10. Attendee registration is open for LEDucation 2026. As one of the most influential and widely attended gatherings in the North American lighting industry, LEDucation will kick off on Tuesday, April 14, from 9:00–11:30am with exclusive DESIGNER-ONLY access to the Exhibition Halls. The event will showcase over 400 exhibitors and 39 accredited presentations highlighting innovations in lighting design, research, sustainability, technology, and beyond. LEARN MORE
IES Webinar: Lighting Zones, Defined: Applying ANSI/IES RP-43-25 to the Environments We Light
April 23, 2026 Not all nighttime environments are the same; therefore, outdoor lighting should be tailored to the specific tasks required. The newly updated standard (ANSI/IES RP-43-25 Recommended Practice: Lighting Design for Outdoor Pedestrian Applications) introduces a refined framework for defining the expected luminous environment (aka, lighting zones) associated with common nighttime tasks. MORE
IES Webinar: The Art & Science Behind Beautiful Kitchens: Evidence-Based Lighting That Performs
May 28, 2026. Featuring real-world case studies, lessons learned (including a few hard-earned mistakes), and simple tools for helping clients choose the right light before installation, this session is both informative and engaging. MORE
2026 IESNYC Event and Educational Sponsors
Brilliant Sponsor
Radiant Sponsors
Glow Sponsors
Sparkle Sponsors
Lutron Electronics | Light Abilities
Twinkle Sponsors
Available Light | Hartranft Lighting Design | HLB Lighting Design
KGM Architectural Lighting | MGE Lighting Design Collaborative | Pierce Lighting Studio







