28 JAN 2025, Nashville, – The Light Justice NOW Awards, created by designing lighting (dl), celebrate lighting designs that focus on human health, cultural inclusion, and social justice. Designers and innovators are encouraged to submit their projects by 7 February 2025.
The Urgency of Action
The word “NOW” in the awards’ title stands bold and capitalized to stress the immediate need for action. These awards honor projects that use creative design to tackle inequalities in lighting access. The program highlights efforts that uplift underfunded and often overlooked communities. In these spaces, good lighting can bring measurable and life-changing improvements.
Meet the Judges
A distinguished panel of five judges will evaluate the submissions, each bringing extensive expertise and a strong commitment to light justice. Their diverse backgrounds in lighting design, advocacy, and industry leadership ensure a comprehensive assessment of each project:
- Brigid Hardiman, Design IALD, IES, LC
- An Associate at Available Light in NYC, Brigid has a background in architectural lighting design and manufacturing. She actively contributes to the industry as an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, serving on the board of managers for the NYC section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
- Paul Tarricone
- With over three decades of experience in publishing for engineering and design markets, Paul served as the Editor and Publisher of Lighting Design + Application for 20 years. His leadership in industry media provides valuable insight into how lighting impacts communities.
- Mariel T. Acevedo, LC, MIES
- A seasoned professional with experience in theatrical lighting design and sales, Mariel has been an active leader in the IES, serving as the Chair of the DEIR Committee and Vice Chair of the IES25 Lighting Conference Committee. She is known for her efforts in diversifying leadership within lighting organizations.
- Nikki-Nicole Miles, Design IALD, LC
- A lighting design strategist with a focus on sustainability, Nikki-Nicole’s work has been featured in leading publications and television. Her firm, Glimmer & Glow, specializes in impactful, locally relevant lighting solutions that enhance communities.
- Mark Loeffler, IALD, IES Emeritus, LEED Fellow
- A co-founder of Light Justice, Mark has dedicated his career to sustainable and equitable lighting design. With a wealth of experience in academic, healthcare, and institutional projects, he continues to advocate for lighting’s role in social and environmental justice.
Recognizing Excellence in Community Impact
The Light Justice NOW Awards focus on two main categories: the Project Award and the Initiative Award.
The Project Award honors lighting installations—interior or exterior—completed within the past three years. These designs must show how lighting improves critical needs like comfort, safety, affordability, and access to natural light. Applicants must include narratives, testimonials, and images to demonstrate how the project positively impacted its community.
The Initiative Award highlights programs or initiatives started in the past three years. These efforts, whether for indoor or outdoor spaces, should address issues like safety, accessibility, and community well-being.
Both categories share the same goal: to recognize designs that bring light to communities often left in the shadows. By transforming these spaces, the projects show how lighting can improve lives.
Why Light Justice Matters
Lighting is a basic human need, but many communities still lack proper lighting or access to beneficial darkness. Public spaces like parks, schools, and community centers are often underfunded and neglected. By promoting equitable lighting design, we can address these disparities and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Judges will look for submissions that show creativity and technical skill while meeting the principles of Light Justice. Projects that engage stakeholders, overcome challenges, and prioritize inclusivity will stand out. Designs offering long-term benefits, such as improved well-being and community pride, will receive extra attention.
Looking Ahead to LightFair 2025
The winners of the Light Justice NOW Awards will receive their recognition at LightFair 2025 on Wednesday, 7 May, at the Designery Stage at the Light Justice in Action event which begins at 2pm. This special event will celebrate their achievements and highlight the importance of light justice in design.
These awards mark an important step forward in recognizing the role of lighting design in social and cultural change. By showcasing projects that go beyond appearance and address deeper inequalities, the program encourages designers to view lighting as a powerful tool for improving society.
Good lighting should be accessible to everyone. The Light Justice NOW Awards aim to inspire a future built on fairness, creativity, and humanity. Submit your application by 7 February 2025.
For more information, please contact:
Randy Reid
Editor, designing lighting (dl)
Email: editor@designinglighting.com