Launching Season Five As the fifth season of the Silhouette Awards is now open for mentee applications, the programme’s organisers reveal the sterling list of mentors for 2026. SILHOUETTE AWARDS
Season Five of the highly regarded Silhouette Awards has officially launched, marking the next chapter of a global initiative dedicated to nurturing and celebrating emerging talent within the architectural lighting design industry. Applications for mentees are now open and will close on 1 December 2025. From the entries received, 20 successful candidates will be selected to embark on a six-month mentorship journey, each paired with one of the programme’s esteemed international mentors. With the backing of a strong community of sponsors and supporters, the Silhouette Awards provides an unparalleled opportunity for emerging designers to develop their skills, pursue career ambitions, and bring fresh creativity to the global lighting community. The Silhouette Awards programme is open to potential mentees who are designers with eight years of experience or less in architectural lighting, and who are eager to be recognised for their talent and benefit from a tailored mentorship six-month programme. Full submission guidelines, hints, and tips for applying can be found on the Silhouette Awards website and social media platforms. Each of the successful 20 mentees will be individually paired with and supported by a senior lighting designer, forming part of an international network of influential individuals who share their 114 / 115
knowledge, experience, and insights with the next generation. The remarkable line-up of mentors from across the globe for Year Five includes: • Adrián Martínez Moncada, Difuso (Mexico) • Becky Yam, Sean O’Connor Lighting (USA) • Courtney Mark, Light Directions (UAE) • Dan Lister, Arup (UK) • Dean Skira, Skira Architectural Lighting (Croatia) • Dr Emrah Baki Ulas, Steensen Varming (Australia) • Ahamed Ifthikhar, LITELAB Milano (India) • Iliana Zotou, Nulty+ (UAE) • Ira Rothman, BR+A Consulting Engineers (USA) • Juan Ferrari, Hoare Lea (UK) • Kevan Shaw, Lighting Consultant (UK) •Krishna Mistry, Mistry Lighting (UK) • Mariel Fuentes, MMAS lighting (Spain) • Melissa Byers, Michael Grubb Studio (UK) • Poonam Mehta, Studio Lumen (UAE) • Rebecca Ho-Dion, Alula Lighting Design (Canada) •Roger Narboni, Roger Narboni EI (France) • Steven Rosen, Available Light (USA) • Susanna Antico, Loomit Studio (Italy) • Vasiliki Malakasi, Idea Design (Greece) The milestone fifth year programme is also supported by an exceptional lineup of sponsors: Power Sponsor, Huda Lighting; Core Sponsors, formalighting, Signify and Vode; and Light Sponsors