What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?
To build a successful independent lighting design business with an ability to work on only projects I believe in.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I very much enjoy the entire process, but designing is undoubtedly the most fulfilling aspect.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing designers today?
To be able to assess the very question that what we do has a verifiable value to both people and the environment. It is incumbent on designers to rethink our roles in society and take more responsibility for the outcome of our decisions.
What is the best thing you’ve learned in the past 10 years?
To play the role of orchestra conductor as designer. To know understand the inner workings of the design process from idea to conception of that idea is incredibly powerful. I’ve learned to surround myself with very bright and passionate people who share common goals.
What advice would you give to design students or those just starting out in the field?
To dedicate themselves to serving real needs in their communities while protecting the environment for future generations. But most importantly to never stop dreaming that they can make a difference as individuals.
What do you consider to be the worst invention of the past 100 years?
I would venture to say the automobile is the worst. However, it may also come close to being the best invention. It all depends on how you look at it.
What inspired your career choices?
I come from a family of designers so it was an easy decision to know what I wanted to do. My career choices are primarily inspired by a dedication to innovate and add value to what has preexisted. I have dedicated myself to a career in lighting design because of the remarkable opportunities to present innovative lighting perspectives and design solutions.
If you could have selected another career, what might you have been?
Architect
What would you like to leave as your legacy?
Hopefully that I may inspire others to follow their own personal value systems and achieve uniqueness.
How do you foresee the future of industrial design changing?
I see a renewed interest in solving real-world problems and not simply creating products for consumption. Design solutions that are sustainable and accessible to people are key.
—Nielsen Business Media
