Welcome to the New York City Section of the IES
We are a volunteer professional membership organization comprised of individuals who share a mutual appreciation for and fascination with all things lighting. We are dedicated to promoting both the art and science of illumination to our members, to other professional organizations, to the industry, and to the public through inspiring events, informative programs, educational series, and great networking opportunities.
CALL FOR ENTRIES
2026 IESNYC Student Lighting Competition
EXTENDED Deadline: March 22, 2026
The IESNYC invites students from New York City Art and Design schools to participate in a city-wide design competition, emphasizing the significance of lighting in shaping the built environment. This year’s competition challenges students to creatively transform the old into the new through visual delight, improved functionality, or your own imagination.
Students enrolled in design, engineering or architecture programs at colleges or universities in the five boroughs of New York City or the New York counties of the former Mid-Hudson Section (Columbia, Dutchess, Green, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester) are eligible to submit, regardless of residency. LEARN MORE
What's Changed, What Hasn't:
Design in 2026
IESNYC members Nathalie Faubert, CBBLD and Martin Van Koolbergen, KGM Lighting, join Bruce Taylor to convene for a powerhouse roundtable exploring the evolution, challenges, and future of architectural lighting. Hear their candid discussion on the state of our industry in “What’s Changed, What Hasn’t: Design in 2026.”
MEET OUR MEMBER
Kristian Rodriguez
Designer, HLB Lighting Design
Following a chilly but highly valuable experience in Berlin, Kristian Rodriguez reveled in the welcome he received here. The IESNYC gave me that first sense of belonging in the City’s lighting community. "I truly value how the Section encourages meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and the sharing of real-world experiences. So it’s easy for newcomers to feel connected, supported, and inspired. It’s a place where learning, professional practice, and curiosity naturally come together." Kristian is now fully committed to the NYC lighting community. READ MORE
40 Under 40 Winners from the IESNYC Community
Congratulations to the 2025 40 Under 40 winners from the IESNYC community, honored for their exceptional talent, creativity, and forward-thinking contributions to architectural lighting. We are proud to celebrate our IESNYC members — Alexander Rossini; Dorothy Underwood; Wesley Burdett; Kristen Garibaldi; Xena Petkanas; and Phat Quach. MORE
IESNYC CALENDAR
Technicolor Neon: Art and Design in New York City
Fire, breath, and glow. Join IESNYC for live neon glass bending, commercial and artist perspectives, plus a tour of one of NYC’s most sizzling studios.
Fundamentals of Lighting
This 8-week IES course offers a comprehensive introduction to architectural lighting issues, factors, and practices. Register by April 1st.
Student Lighting Competition Awards Ceremony
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.
2025 Richard Kelly Grant Recipients
IESNYC is proud to honor Bettymaya Foott and Omar Gómez González with the 2025 Richard Kelly Grant. Foott is recognized for her advocacy and design work protecting the night sky, while González creates immersive public lighting experiences that engage communities and elevate the visibility of lighting design. LEARN MORE
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS
IES Light for Life® Virtual Symposium: Controls
March 19, 2026. Join IES for Light For Life®: Controls, a one-day virtual symposium exploring how lighting control strategies shape spaces that are adaptive, energy-efficient, and visually engaging.
Read More ►Incoming President Message 2026
As Zachary Pearson takes the gavel, his commitment is to keep the IESNYC a space where both longstanding members and newcomers feel seen, supported, and connected.
Read More ►Registration Is Open for LEDucation 2026
April 14–15, 2026. Attendee registration is open for LEDucation 2026, taking place at the New York Hilton Midtown. Kick things off early with Virtual Sessions happening April 9–10.
Read More ►IES Webinar: A New Tool for Projecting Long-term LED Chromaticity Stability
March 26, 2026. This webinar will introduce a new IES tool for a recommended method of projecting the shift in chromaticity coordinates of LED packages, arrays, and modules using data obtained during LM-80 testing.
Read More ►Fabric of Our Society
The Work That Changes Us
Cy Eaton
Associate Director, HLB Lighting Design
Managing Director, Light for LA initiative
Showing up – without authority or guarantees – quietly reshapes judgment, builds trust, and strengthens the culture the lighting industry depends on. Be attentive. Engage. Find small ways to help. Over time, small investments of grace will yield surprising dividends for your community. And you just might help yourself along the way. MORE
Spotlight on Diversity
Committed to Learn, Adapting to Lead
Yuko Taniguchi
Lighting Designer, Focus Lighting
Focus Lighting’s Yuko Taniguchi brings humility and resilience to NYC’s sometimes sharp-elbowed lighting community, honoring her family’s sacrifices and mentors who shaped her path. MORE
2026 IESNYC Event and Educational Sponsors
Brilliant Sponsor
Radiant Sponsors
Glow Sponsors
Sparkle Sponsors
Lutron Electronics | Light Abilities
Twinkle Sponsors
Hartranft Lighting Design | HLB Lighting Design | KGM Architectural Lighting
