by the International Association of Lighting Designers

Lighting designers enhance the built environment through their understanding of the integration of light and space. Their expertise is in combining creativity with quality design and technical skill. Lighting designers work with architects, interior designers, builders, and engineers as part of the design team or directly for the owner or client. A professional lighting designer provides a full scope of services for interior, exterior and daylighting applications which:

• Evaluate needs and functions
• Establish lighting criteria
• Research and specify lighting fixture
• Document lighting solutions

  What Can a Lighting Designer Add to the Project?   Aside from specifying lighting equipment, its location and its control, IALD lighting designers add a creative dimension to every project, always working within the parameters of each job. Quality lighting design, executed by an IALD lighting professional, is critical to the success of every architectural and interior design project. A professional lighting designer will:

• Enrich all other design elements
• Address specific uses and program requirements
• Enhance worker productivity
• Add an aesthetic component through color, technique, and fixture selection, Conform to all applicable building and energy codes.

  Why Do I Need a Lighting Designer?   Hiring a lighting designer early in your project allows you to gain professional input during the formulation of the program. Avoiding costly errors later on. The designers extensive knowledge of lighting products and systems enables him or her to integrate lighting into the space efficiently and effectively. An IALD lighting designer can frequently reduce the cost of the project because they are able to:

• Select the most appropriate lighting solution
• Meet the programmed budget
• Evaluate alternate lighting systems
• Locate lights only where needed
• Use energy efficient solutions
• Address maintenance issues
• Assist during the equipment procurement process
• Monitor lighting equipment installation
• Avoid design mistakes that can be very expensive to correct
• Develop performance-oriented specifications to encourage competitive bidding

Why Hire a Lighting Designer?   Your opportunities when hiring a member of the International Association of Lighting Designers go far beyond the basic need of hiring a specialist to design your lighting. An IALD lighting designer must meet the highest standards of conduct, practice, skill and expertise within the lighting design profession. Members who use the IALD initials after their name:   Have demonstrated their design skills and experience through a portfolio review by peers Devote their professional time to the practice of architectural lighting Are independent consultants unaffiliated with manufacturing, sales or utilities to ensure impartiality in product selection Practice lighting in accordance with the IALD Code of professional conduct.  

The association is located in Suite 487 of the Merchandise Mart, 200 World Trade Center, Chicago, Illinois 60654, USA. Voice: (312) 527-3677; fax (312) 527-3680.