INTRODUCING THE By RANDY REID
OFFICERS There is a new organization launching this fall and we wanted to give the LEDucation audience a sneak peek. I met with the officers via Zoom last week and learned of their fascinating plans. Chip Israel, FIALD, Lighting Design Alliance, and Steven Rosen, FIALD, Available Light, came up with the initial concept, which morphed from a way to honor Barbara Horton and Stephen Lees for their contributions to the lighting industry into an organization which will be called The Business of Light. Chip explained, “We thought the lighting industry should do something to thank them for all their contributions. Initially, we considered an endowment to the Nuckolls Fund in their names, but that usually happens in memoriam when people pass away.” Chip and Steven discussed how much Barbara and Stephen have given back, not just by mentoring, but in sharing best business practices. That is how the idea was born. Steven said, “We wanted to do something where Barbara and Stephen could see the results and to honor their passion, which is freely giving of their knowledge.” A group got together at Chip’s house for four days this past summer, hammering out the business plan. This fall, their dream will be launched. The Business of Light will be
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designing lighting
an educational platform focused on better business acumen. Given that good business practices are universal, BOL’s intent is to be an international community. In addition to engaging experts within the lighting industry, BOL will reach outside the lighting industry to business professionals to educate and support designers. Chip reminded me that the IALD has a Business Owner’s Forum which happens the first day of the IALD Enlighten Americas conference, but it is only for business owners. The Business of Light will be open to all designers, including people new to the design world. Chip remarked, “99% of us never went to school from a business standpoint. We learned how to draw dots on paper.” A major goal is to create an organization that can help designers be creative and profitable at the same time. Barbara Horton, FIALD, CLD, retired from HLB Lighting, added, "We believe elevating business knowledge by introducing a wide range of professional consultants skilled in the many aspects of business is an essential part of the tool kit necessary to inspire future leadership. We want to ensure the future of lighting design has strong business practices to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to achieve successful and satisfying careers." Carrie Hawley, IALD, HLB Lighting,
Carrie Hawley FIALD, HLB Lighting
Stephen Lees FIALD, retired from HLB Lighting
Barbara Horton FIALD, CLD, retired from HLB Lighting
David Ghatan FIALD, CLD, CM Kling
