Lighting the Way

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Matt Rowan, Vice President, Residential Lighting, for Dominion Lighting, winner of the 2021 Showroom of the Year Award in the $2-$5 Million category, as well as the Outstanding Merchandising award. Rowan shared his unique path to the lighting industry and how his experience makes him well-suited for the lighting retail environment. He outlined his techniques for revamping Dominion's showroom and how that impacts the customer experience. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 23 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Brad Goode, Director of Builder Sales and Support for Lightstyles, a lighting showroom in Cornelius, NC. As the Under $2 Million Showroom of the Year Award winner, Lightstyles has created an employee culture that helps everyone on staff take ownership of their areas of expertise. Goode explains how dividing employees into teams has helped the showroom operate more efficiently to better serve customers and boost the bottom line. He also explains an employee incentive program that started as a joke and turned into a friendly customer service competition. Goode also shares why open lines of communication between employees and leadership is vital for transparency and trust. In Episode 23 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Brad Goode, Director of Builder Sales and Support for Lightstyles, a lighting showroom in Cornelius, NC. As the Under $2 Million Showroom of the Year Award winner, Lightstyles has created an employee culture that helps everyone on staff take ownership of their areas of expertise. Goode explains how dividing employees into teams has helped the showroom operate more efficiently to better serve customers and boost the bottom line. He also explains an employee incentive program that started as a joke and turned into a friendly customer service competition. Goode also shares why open lines of communication between employees and leadership is vital for transparency and trust. Listen to the full episode below, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

This week, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks with Thomas Reindl, Division Manager of Lighting, Interiors and Building Technology for NorthWest Lighting and Accents in Mount Prospect, IL. As a 2020 Showroom of the Year Award winner, this showroom prioritizes customer education in its merchandising. Lighting retailers are selling experiences, Reindl says, and he explains how his showroom accomplishes that. Plus, find out how NorthWest Lighting and Accents has fared throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Listen to the full episode below, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify! About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh is joined by Terry McGowan, American Lighting Association; Sherry Lee, Rise & Design Home; and David Nestor, Urban Lights for an insightful panel discussion about how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we use, and therefore, need to light the consumer's home. Panelists discussed the latest technological advances that make creating the proper lighting atmosphere easy and how to explain those to the consumer. They also shared insight into how designers, retailers and manufacturers can work together to navigate the "new normal" as it relates to lighting in the home, and see what's in store for the future of lighting technology. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this February episode of Lighting the Way, Furniture, Lighting & Decor Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Seth Bernstein, a multidisciplinary lighting designer whose work includes lighting design for television, concerts, fashion and retail. He spent four seasons as a lighting designer for Saturday Night Live, and his portfolio also includes Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, Savage x Fenty fashion shows, and an upcoming Hudson Yards installation. Bernstein talked about his path to his lighting design practice, what it's like to work in entertainment lighting design and his best practices for approaching a new project, no matter what it is. He also talked about how his practice had to adapt as coronavirus changed the entertainment industry, and offered residential and commercial lighting designers advice on how to expand their practice. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Kasper Hammer, Director, Product and Design - Architectural and Outdoor, for Louis Poulsen about the company's involvement with SAGA Space Architects' simulated moon habitat, LUNARK. Hammer explained how circadian lighting works on the moon, the technology Louis Poulsen provided for the simulation, and the feedback they received from the participants after 60 days in the habitat. He also explained what lighting designers here on Earth can learn from this project. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 20 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with James Fleming, CEO of Camelot Group and a judge of the 12th annual Showroom of the Year Awards. Fleming broke down some of the best practices and successes he saw from the 15 exceptional showrooms chosen as this year's Showroom of the Year finalists. From innovative procedures implemented during the pandemic, to creative merchandising and community involvement, these techniques have boosted these showrooms to the top of the ranks. Fleming explained what other showrooms can learn from these finalists, and outlined why lighting showrooms should attend markets like Lightovation, as well as how to best maximize their time there. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 19 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh speaks with Bill Smith, owner of WEStar Illumination and Vice President of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. Smith outlined some best practices in landscape lighting design and explained why interior designers should think of the view from the window as part of a space's interior design. For those interested in expanding their landscape lighting education, Smith also provided some resources to help get you started. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Hervé Descottes, Co-Founder of architectural lighting design firm L'Observatoire International. Descottes spoke about his method for lighting cultural institutions, the importance of communication when working with multiple partners on a large project, and how he approaches exterior lighting. He also explained how working through a pandemic has impacted the workflow projects, both positively and negatively. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 18 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Lawson Ricketts, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Ngala Trading Co. Ricketts discussed how Ngala Trading Co. came to be, how his team sources and manufactures products, and how design trends translate from South Africa to the U.S. market. He also talked about the importance of ethical and sustainable business practices, from both a human resources and materials standpoint. Plus, find out how the coronavirus pandemic affected the company that relies on international travel and shipping, and why not having product cross an ocean is an asset during this time. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 17 of Lighting the Way, Niclas Olsson, CEO of BrainLit, talks with Furniture, Lighting & Decor Managing Editor Amy McIntosh about BioCentric Lighting. Olsson explains the importance of circadian light and how biology plays a role in determining the proper amount of light for a situation. He outlines some case studies, highlighting the measurable results the technology has achieved in office and healthcare settings, and explains how it can also work in residential applications. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In episode 16 of Lighting the Way, Furniture, Lighting & Decor Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Robert Sonneman, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of SONNEMAN - A Way of Light, about the evolution of LED technology. Sonneman discussed the advantages and challenges of early LED technology and how he learned to work with the technology as it became more sophisticated over time. He shared insight into his design process and how he approaches each new fixture, and shared how he sees the science of LEDs evolving into the future. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Kelly Roberts, Studio Director for WALD Studio and member of Women in Lighting + Design (WILD). Roberts shared insight into what her experience has been as a woman in the lighting industry, and outlined WILD's mission to provide an inclusive space for women to network and discuss issues that affect them. She also explained WILD's initiatives to partner with industry organizations to ensure events are as inclusive and equitable as possible. For more information about WILD, go to www.womeninlightingdesign.wordpress.com. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 15 of Lighting the Way, Furniture, Lighting & Decor Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Seth Bernstein, a multidisciplinary lighting designer whose work includes lighting design for television, concerts, fashion and retail. He spent four seasons as a lighting designer for Saturday Night Live, and his portfolio also includes Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, Savage x Fenty fashion shows, and an upcoming Hudson Yards installation. Bernstein talked about his path to his lighting design practice, what it's like to work in entertainment lighting design and his best practices for approaching a new project, no matter what it is. He also talked about how his practice had to adapt as coronavirus changed the entertainment industry, and offered residential and commercial lighting designers advice on how to expand their practice. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In episode 14 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with James Tu, CEO of EnergyFocus, about human centric lighting systems. He defined human centric lighting, outlined the installation process and costs involved, and explained the benefits of installing a human centric lighting system in commercial and hospitality settings. He also discussed the use of UV light for disinfection, which will continue to be applicable after COVID-19 has passed. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talked with Michelle Beganskas, Design Manager at Ted Moudis Associates, about workplace lighting. Beganskas used her background in biophilic design to talk about why daylighting is best for worker productivity, and gave some tips for using artificial lighting to mimic natural light when window access isn't an option. She also explained why going back into the office will be beneficial for workers when working from home is no longer mandatory. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In episode 7 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh speaks with John Goscha, Founder and Chairman of the Board for Lucidity Lights. They talked about how lighting impacts wellness, both physical and mental. Goscha explained the technology behind human-centric lighting and how circadian rhythms contribute to overall health. He also shared his predictions for the future of wellness-based lighting technology. Originally released October 7, 2020. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks with Dwight Stewart, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Igor, a smart building technology company. Stewart discussed how Internet of Things (IoT) technology works to coordinate all of a building's components onto one system to maximize efficiency. He explained the role lighting — both natural and manmade — plays in a building environment and how it is integrated into an IoT system. He also explained how UV light can be used for disinfection, and how he sees the future of IoT that leads to a feeling of security, well-being and enhanced emotional connections to a space.

In episode 11 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Hervé Descottes, Co-Founder of architectural lighting design firm L'Observatoire International. Descottes spoke about his method for lighting cultural institutions, the importance of communication when working with multiple partners on a large project, and how he approaches exterior lighting. He also explained how working through a pandemic has impacted the workflow projects, both positively and negatively. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In Episode 10 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Elizabeth Round, Marketing Manager for Village Home Stores, located in Geneseo, IL, about what their experience has been like eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation in Illinois continues to escalate, Round shared what their showroom has done to keep their staff and customers safe, and how their proximity to another state's border impacts their work. She also offers some insight into what other showrooms can do from a marketing perspective to stay in front of customers at this time. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh spoke with Kelly Roberts, Studio Director for WALD Studio and member of Women in Lighting + Design (WILD). Roberts shared insight into what her experience has been as a woman in the lighting industry, and outlined WILD's mission to provide an inclusive space for women to network and discuss issues that affect them. She also explained WILD's initiatives to partner with industry organizations to ensure events are as inclusive and equitable as possible. For more information about WILD, go to www.womeninlightingdesign.wordpress.com. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks with Randall Whitehead, the Lighting Doctor, about all things LEDs. Whitehead explains the history and evolution of LEDs, the four most important terms all designers need to know to understand LEDs, and how retailers and designers can pass their knowledge of LEDs onto their customers. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In episode 7 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh speaks with John Goscha, Founder and Chairman of the Board for Lucidity Lights. They talked about how lighting impacts wellness, both physical and mental. Goscha explained the technology behind human-centric lighting and how circadian rhythms contribute to overall health. He also shared his predictions for the future of wellness-based lighting technology. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In episode 6 of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talked with Greg Rhoades, Director of Marketing for Leviton, about the evolution of smart lighting control systems. Customers are demanding complete control over the systems in their home, with lighting being a major piece of that puzzle. Rhoades explained how smart lighting systems can contribute to overall health and wellness, with touchless, voice-activated controls and customized schedules to help the body adjust to different times of day. He also explained how designers and retailers can stay on top of these new technology developments, and outlined why sometimes a retailer's best sales pitch can come from installing a system in their own homes. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, we talk with Lauren Wylonis, Founder and CEO of KingsHaven, about customization in lighting. She explained how the company is able to deliver completely customizable pieces to designers and customers, and whether she thinks designers are taking full advantage of the customization capabilities available to them. This episode is sponsored by Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In this episode of Lighting the Way, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talked with Josh Walter, CEO and Co-Founder of BrandJump. Walter explained that e-commerce in lighting retail today is now a necessity, and outlined what independent lighting retailers can do to either add e-commerce or boost their current e-commerce offerings. He offered tips for making online shopping feel more like the brick-and-mortar experience, and explained the advantages of enlisting a consultant to help shape your e-commerce strategy. This episode is sponsored by Kichler and Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

This week, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks with Michael Allen, Product Manager - Lighting Systems, for Kichler, all about LED tape light. He explains what LED tape light is, how and where it can be installed, and some common misconceptions designers and retailers have about the technology. Plus, learn about the LED tape light products Kichler offers. This episode is sponsored by Kichler and Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

This week, Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks with Thomas Reindl, Division Manager of Lighting, Interiors and Building Technology for NorthWest Lighting and Accents in Mount Prospect, IL. As a 2020 Showroom of the Year Award winner, this showroom prioritizes customer education in its merchandising. Lighting retailers are selling experiences, Reindl says, and he explains how his showroom accomplishes that. Plus, find out how NorthWest Lighting and Accents has fared throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This episode is sponsored by Kichler and Dallas Market Center. About the Podcast: Lighting the Way is a podcast from the editors of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine, spotlighting the latest innovations in lighting design and technology. Join us twice a month for interviews with lighting industry experts to learn how the industry is moving forward.

In the debut episode of Lighting the Way, Furniture, Lighting & Decor Managing Editor Amy McIntosh talks to Scott Herrick, Founder of Spark Studio Lighting Design and former Partner and Lighting Designer at architecture, design, and planning firm HLW. Herrick shares his insights about the role lighting will play in a post-COVID-19 world, from minimizing touchpoints and data collection to lighting's disinfection and sterilization capabilities. He also discusses the role lighting plays in creating a comfortable home environment. This episode is sponsored by Kichler and Dallas Market Center.