7 minute read
A Global Platform for Emerging Talent
from June 2025
The Silhouette Awards Celebrates and Elevates the Next Generation of Lighting Professionals
By Parker Allen
The Silhouette Awards is a global mentorship programme dedicated to identifying, celebrating, and supporting the next generation of talent in the lighting design industry.
Launched in 2021 through a collaboration between Archifos and Parrot PR & Marketing, the initiative has actively brightened the careers of emerging designers. designing lighting (dl) has previously highlighted the programme’s impact and evolution, chronicling its growth and influence within the lighting community.
Now celebrating over 80 successful pairings from across the globe, the Silhouette Awards continues to support rising stars who bring vision, creativity, and leadership to the future of lighting design.
How the Programme Works
In case you are unfamiliar with the awards, each year the programme ‘shines a spotlight’ on 20 outstanding mentees who are selected from an application process based on their originality, achievements, and potential.
As part of the application process, aspiring participants are invited to submit a three-minute video sharing their story, accomplishments, and aspirations for the mentorship. Designed to be personal, inclusive and accessible, this format allows applicants to communicate their passion directly to the judging panel – the selected mentors.
Each year, the winners are publicly recognised across the global lighting design community and are matched with established professionals for a six-month mentorship. This experience is designed to help mentees develop their skills, build valuable industry connections, and grow both personally and professionally.
Building a Global Mentorship Community
At its core, the Silhouette Awards is about more than individual success. It promotes a global community of mentors, mentees, and supporters, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and long-term growth within the industry.
The programme is proudly supported by leading industry organisations and media platforms, including arc magazine, IES, APDI, designing lighting global (dlg), the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), Women in Lighting, VLDC, and many, many others.
Lighting Design as a Transformative Force
For the lighting community and beyond, light is far more than just illumination - it’s a force that shapes how we experience the world. It defines architecture, enhances well-being, drives productivity, and plays a key role in sustainability. As the Silhouette Awards continues to grow, its mission remains dedicated: to champion emerging talent and ensure the future of lighting design is in inspired, capable hands.
Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to thrive, with dynamic relationships forming among the pairings. The Silhouette Awards not only recognise emerging talent but also celebrate the experienced professionals who dedicate their time and insight to mentoring the next generation. For many, what begins as an opportunity to give back becomes a deeply rewarding experience, one that aids personal growth and inspires fresh perspectives.
Through this unique opportunity, the Silhouette Awards is helping shape not just careers, but the future of the lighting design industry.
Mutual Growth Through Mentorship
Some of this year’s participants have shared their experiences of being part of the Silhouette Awards. From learning new skills to building confidence and making valuable connections, their stories so far highlight the real impact of the programme and what it means to be part of this growing community.
For many, the programme mentorship has been a catalyst for self-reflection and fresh thinking.
Fabiana Nery Pardhanani shared what it is she values from the experience so far with her mentee, Tiago Winer. “It has been a good learning curve for both of us. We are learning a lot from each other, finding many things in common and topics to discuss. Tiago is a senior designer with a lot of experience. Therefore, our approach is more about future ideas and how to develop a few areas that are not working well. We are both learning about deeper conversations on lighting topics and getting one another’s opinions on developments. It has been a good journey, and we are enjoying it very much.”
Sometimes, the mentor's journey is not just about support, it's about being transformed by their mentee’s ambition.
Philip Hammond explained, “I was, of course, very excited to start the mentorship with Lally Wildelska. I have encouraged her to step out of that comfort zone and go forward into the unknown. This has been an amazing process for me as an international educator and an illumination engineer with 54 years of experience. I have been challenged to make it my business to ensure that Lally succeeds. It will not only be her success, but it will uplift my spirits to the highest if she succeeds. It means that I have to plan each session for her next step to success.”
While mentorship in the lighting industry supports technical and professional development, it often offers something even more meaningful - a genuine human connection.
Eugenia Cheng expresses this through her partnership with Petra Koza. She said, “This mentorship is a two-way journey for Petra and me. While I give, I also receive - and vice versa. Although we are of similar age, our personal and professional paths are alike yet quite different.
Our journey is about building a trustworthy friendship, dedicating time to help each other hone new skills, and developing empathy as we share our challenges. We strive for honesty and hold each other accountable for our commitments.
I aim to provide options and fresh perspectives, and no matter which path she chooses, I’m here to support her emotionally and mentally. This relationship fosters self-reflection and personal growth for her, while I also evaluate my own experiences and approaches. Every meeting has been uplifting, and I know I will treasure this experience. The more we share, the more I want to help her succeed in whatever endeavours she pursues!”
Creating Lasting Connections
Beyond each annual programme, the Silhouette Awards have created lasting, meaningful relationships that have significantly influenced participants' careers and developed a thriving and connected community. Past mentees have reported increased confidence, expanded professional networks, and new opportunities arising from their involvement in the programme.
One pairing from Year 3 shared their personal experience of the programme and what it has meant to them.
Tiziana Regalado, a mentee from 2024, said, “The Silhouette Awards gave me the confidence and drive to pursue more than I ever expected for myself. I began this journey thinking I would simply gain a mentor to guide me through some daunting upcoming projects.
Instead, I found a friend, a confidant, and a true source of support in Panos. I’m deeply grateful to the Silhouette Awards for this wonderful opportunity and for connecting me with such an amazing, talented, and inspiring community.”
Panos Ferentinos, Tiziana’s Mentor, added, “The Silhouette Awards experience has been truly inspiring, offering mentorship and a deeper understanding of the industry. I had a great connection with my mentee and learned a lot from Tiziana. It has been a journey of growth, happy times and connection and I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience the same.’’
Looking Ahead to Year 5
As the Silhouette Awards look ahead to Year 5, with celebrations planned to mark this exciting milestone, there’s a real sense of anticipation around what the future holds for both the programme and the wider lighting design community. Reaching a fifth year is not only a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements so far, but also an opportunity to look forward to the emerging talent still to be discovered, the mentors yet to share their wisdom, and the continued growth of a truly global network.
To celebrate this landmark year, a number of exclusive sponsorship opportunities and celebratory activities will be introduced. These will offer supporters and partners a unique chance to align with a recognised and highly valued initiative that backs the next generation of lighting designers. From special events and collaborative campaigns, to enhanced brand visibility across the lighting industry, Year 5 promises to be a standout moment in the Silhouette Awards story - one that welcomes even greater collaboration, recognition, and impact.
Get Involved
The Silhouette Awards 2025 is collaborating with: Power sponsor Huda Lighting, Core sponsors ADO Lights, formalighting, Traxon e:cue and Light sponsors Intra lighting, Ligman, Signify and Vivalyte. To find out more about the Silhouette Awards and how you can get involved as an entrant, mentor, or sponsor, contact info@silhouetteawards.com.
