Custom, artistic lighting defines Seattle’s Summit Building, merging sustainability, versatility, and cultural expression to elevate the convention experience. Photographer: Feinknopf Photography
The New York Anchor and Marketing Muscle HLB’s New York studio remains a vital anchor. Located on 32nd Street between Park and Madison, it houses more than 40 team members, many of whom work in-person daily. It’s a deeply physical office that serves as a creative hub, knowledge base, and cultural heartbeat for the broader firm. “New York City is special,” Carrie said. “It’s where we work, mentor, and build community. Our studio there remains one of our most active.”
“AI is a tool that needs governance,” Carrie explained. “Firms have to decide how it’s used, who has access, and how to protect proprietary information. You can’t just go rogue with it.” Teal emphasized that AI can accelerate workflows, but it can’t replace human insight. “In the end, it’s our job to interpret, contextualize, and bring emotional intelligence to lighting design. AI can help, but it can’t lead.”
Weekly Town Halls
HLB’s weekly all-staff town halls remain a vital part of its Another standout development is HLB’s ten-person culture. The sessions include design crosstalk, cultural holiday spotlights, company updates, and breakout work marketing team, a rarity for a lighting design firm. Most firms groups. in the industry rely on one or two marketing staff at most, often wearing multiple hats. HLB’s dedicated team handles Immersive, programmable lighting animates Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, blending sustainability, hospitality, and community pride into a vibrant fan experience. Photographer: Kevin Korczyk branding, communication, client engagement, and internal culture-building. “This team doesn’t just manage proposals,” Carrie noted. “They tell our story, shape our voice, and help connect our people across the globe. It’s a huge investment. And it’s worth it.”
Technology, AI, and the Human Element As with every design discipline, artificial intelligence is making its way into lighting. While both leaders see potential, they remain cautious. 38
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