Kevin Houser (PhD, PE, FIES, LC, LEED AP) is a Professor at Oregon State University, Chief Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, co-founder of Lyralux, Inc., and former editor-in-chief of LEUKOS, the journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). He has published more than 150 publications about light and lighting, has been awarded 5 patents for innovations in light source spectral design, and has shared his insights and discoveries globally through more than 135 presentations delivered across six continents. He’s won the CIBSE Leon Gaster and Walsh Weston Awards, three IES Taylor Technical Talent Awards, an Edison Report Lifetime Achievement Award, the IES Presidential Award, the IES Medal Award, and is a Fellow of IES. His work focuses on human perceptual and biological responses to light, endeavoring to balance human needs with planetary health.
Light and Health Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Mariana Figueiro, PhD, is among the world’s leading experts in the area of light and health, with a focus on bridging science to practical applications aimed at improving human quality of life. She has made a significant impact on this developing field and continues to actively expand her influence through translational research and teaching. She is the Director of the Light and Health Research Center and serves as Principal Investigator of various research projects at the Center. She regularly collaborates with lighting designers and manufacturers, through her work with the Center’s Light and Health Partners program. Dr. Figueiro previously served as the Director of the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Biographical Sketch – Craig A. Bernecker, Ph.D., FIESNA, LC
Dr. Bernecker has been a lighting educator for over 40 years. He is founder of The Lighting Education Institute, providing education to practicing professionals, and Professor of Lighting Design and Director of the Masters of Fine Arts in Lighting Design program at Parsons School of Design, The New School. Prior to founding The Lighting Education Institute, he directed the lighting education program within the Department of Architectural Engineering at Penn State University. He has published more than fifty articles on research and education in lighting design and illumination engineering and is known for his work on the psychological aspects of lighting. He also maintains an active consulting practice, providing lighting design services and serving as an expert consultant on many projects and as an expert witness on many legal cases. He regularly serves as a peer reviewer for lighting research proposals and projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
He further served for 15 years as Educational Facilitator for LIGHTFAIR International, coordinating the development of the annual conference program, and regularly taught the IES online lighting certification review course in preparation for the NCQLP LC exam.
Dr. Bernecker has served the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) as Vice-President for Technical and Research Activities (1991-1993) and Vice-President for Educational Activities (1993-1995). More recently, he served the Society in its highest office, as Senior Vice-President for 2003-2004, President for 2004-2005, and Immediate Past President for 2005-2006. As a result of his contributions to lighting education, the Society named him a Fellow in 1991, and for his service to the IES, the Distinguished Service Award in 2017. In 2021 he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the LIT Lighting Design Awards program, and in 2024 received the Edison Report Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Bernecker is currently President (2023-2027) of the United States National Committee (USNC) of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), and U.S. Technical Representative to Division 3: Interior Lighting.
Greg Barrett is an industry veteran with 20 years of experience in lighting and control systems, holding an MFA in Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design. Over the last decade, his work has significantly shaped the industry. Currently the Director of Product Management for Professional Lighting at Savant Systems, Greg has held key leadership roles, including Director of Specifier Development and Product Category Director for Lighting and Shades. His tenure at Savant followed impactful roles at USAI Lighting and Ketra, where he specialized in product management and marketing, driving innovation in both lighting and control technology.
Greg’s early career saw extensive experience as a freelance lighting designer and theatrical electrician, working with clients such as Disney, BET, and The Public Theatre. Through his various roles, Greg has developed a strong expertise in integrating design, technology, and market education, all while maintaining his passion for how lighting influences perception, emotions, and health.
David Warfel is a passionate advocate for light, widely known for entertaining audiences with his legendary presentations, satisfying readers with countless articles and hundreds of blog posts, and teaching professionals with nationally regarded continuing education.
He has spoken internationally for the Illuminating Engineering Society, delivered presentations at LightFair, CEDIA, Fine Homebuilding Summit, BOND Custom, every Lightapalooza, and more. His writing has been featured multiple times in Fine Homebuilding, Houzz.com, Technology Designer, CEPro, Residential Systems, and Lighting Design & Application, among others.
David is founding designer and partner of Light Can Help You, a nationally-recognized lighting design firm specializing in custom residential lighting and known for supporting custom integration partners as they grow in the business.
Tim Ryan is the Vice President and a Senior Lighting Designer at Lighthouse Design Studio. With a background in landscape design and construction, Tim’s passion for lighting began early in his career as he integrated illumination into his landscape projects. By 2003, captivated by the transformative power of light in outdoor spaces, he transitioned fully into the world of landscape lighting.
Since 2015, Tim has been an executive manager with Lighthouse, where he collaborates with top-tier professionals in landscape design, home integration, and architecture to continue to push the art of landscape lighting design. He is also deeply committed to the education and mentorship of future outdoor lighting designers, actively engaging with the industry’s leading educational organizations to ensure the continued growth and refinement of this specialized art form.
Industry Leadership Engagement
· BOD Member- International Landscape Lighting Institute
· BOD Member- Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals
· Technical Committee Advisor- IES, Illumination Engineering Society
Peter has over 30 years of experience in both architectural and theatrical lighting design. His company, Conceptual Lighting, LLC, is a diverse architectural lighting design firm that develops lighting systems for a variety of commercial and residential spaces. Houses of worship, restaurants, educational facilities, health care facilities, and exterior landscape lighting are all common project types handled by the firm. The small size of the firm assures attention to detail and a personal commitment to each project. Peter Romaniello’s theatrical lighting design background allows for an approach to lighting that is both aesthetically pleasing and technologically correct.
Bruce Clark launched Kaleidolight Lighting Design in 2020, a practice focused on the Custom Integration industry. Early on, he was asked to describe his approach to lighting and design to potential partners. Rather than limiting his role to just “design,” Bruce embraced the title “Lighting Sherpa,” someone who helps guide others through their lighting challenges. Whether through design services, educational content, or clarifying specifications, Bruce is committed to making lighting more accessible and actionable for both industry partners and clients. He doesn’t do the work for you but works alongside you to ensure successful project outcomes and a deeper understanding of lighting.
Bruce has developed and delivered training, led coaching groups, consulted on projects, and advised trade groups and rep firms, helping integrators nationwide build effective lighting strategies. Now, with the Illuminated Lighting Design Services team, Bruce continues to share his passion and expertise with a broader audience.Our leadership development experts will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective leader. We offer a full range of leadership development services including leadership training, executive coaching, and team building.
Aaron Severtson is a Senior Application Specialist with Elemental LED, focusing on emerging lighting technologies and control solutions. He has been working in the custom integrator market for 23 years and has vast experience with LED luminaires and load controls. He also has a background and experience in theatrical and performance lighting, where he has worked with digital lighting, control, and show design. His passion for delivering a quality lighting experience led him to develop the Vantage KolorTune control solution and his ongoing goal is to provide custom integrators and designers with easy and capable lighting and control solutions that bridge the gap between design and delivery of a lighting experience.
Steven’s journey in custom integration began over 20 years ago as an installation technician, sparking a passion for technical excellence that has defined his career. Since then, he has witnessed the industry transform dramatically, and his commitment to helping others master these evolving technologies has only grown stronger.
With hands-on experience in installation, store management, and client services, Steven spent more than nine years in training management with CEDIA, where he authored two industry textbooks. As Director of Technical Education and Development at HTSA, Steven’s passion lies in helping professionals develop the knowledge and skills necessary for technical advancement.
