IALD Inducts Five New Fellows at Enlighten Americas 2025
At Enlighten Americas 2025 the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) welcomed five professionals into the College of Fellows. IALD President Andrea Hartranft, FIALD, CLD, led the ceremony with a smile and a slight catch in her voice. She told the audience that this moment—welcoming new Fellows—is one of her favorite parts of the conference. The class felt personal to Andrea. The inductees are colleagues who have spent decades mentoring others, raising standards, and helping shape the IALD of today. “They’re special to me,” she said, pausing before continuing.
Andrea then invited the room to hear each story and, after the five short videos, to join in welcoming the new Fellows to the stage. This year’s Fellows: Teal Brogden, FIALD, CLD; Jill Cody, FIALD, CLD; Aram Ebben, FIALD, CLD; Ron Kurtz, FIALD, CLD; and Mônica Luz Lobo, FIALD, CLD.
Teal Brogden Receives the IALD Fellow Award from President Andrea Hartranft
Teal Brogden – HLB Lighting Design
Teal’s career spans four decades and blends art with engineering. She is Senior Principal and President at HLB Lighting Design. Notable projects include the Griffith Observatory and Hayward Field. She chaired HLB’s board for ten years, founded the Rocky Mountain Lighting Academy, and has lectured at universities since 1992. Collaboration and mentorship run through her work and continue to shape the next generation.
Jill Cody – Dark Light Design
Jill founded Dark Light Design in 2008. Her practice stretches across public spaces, cultural institutions, hospitality, and education. Projects such as the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Seattle Ferry Terminal show her focus on integrating light with architecture and landscape. She has served IES and LightFair, judged IALD awards, chaired IALD committees, and now leads the IALD Education Trust. Mentorship remains central to her three-decade career.
Aram Ebben Receives the IALD Fellow Award f(and a hug) from President Andrea Hartranft
Aram Ebben – EXP
Aram directs lighting at EXP and leads an 18-person team. A background in theater design informs his approach across retail, hospitality, and other sectors. He holds CLD and LEED AP credentials. Over 15 years with IALD, he chaired the Membership Committee and served on the Board. Aram also teaches at the University of Central Florida and supports emerging talent through the LERN program.
Ron Kurtz Receives the IALD Fellow Award from President Andrea Hartranft
Ron Kurtz – Dark Light Design
Ron brings 30 years of experience with an emphasis on sustainable, integrated solutions. His work spans the United States and abroad. Notable projects include the Gateway Arch and the Gordie Howe Bridge. He serves on IALD’s Finance Committee and Board and co-chairs the LIRC Steering Committee. Colleagues point to his forward-looking approach and attention to user experience.
Mônica Luz Lobo Receives the IALD Fellow Award from President Andrea Hartranft
Mônica Luz Lobo – LD Studio
Mônica is an architect and founder of LD Studio, established in 1997. Her team has completed more than 1,700 projects, many focused on cultural and heritage sites. She helped launch the Brazilian Lighting Architects group and contributes to IALD, IES, and EILD committees. The first South American to earn the CLD, she later served as IALD President and guided the association through the pandemic. Playful, collaborative design remains her hallmark.
For more on the IALD College of Fellows, visit iald.org/fellows.
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