With emergence of new technologies, there is a growing emphasis on lowering energy costs, and creating better indoor/outdoor environments that are functional, smart and aesthetically appealing !
Archanaa Pradhapan, our next pathbreaker, Lighting Designer at P2S Inc. (California), conceptualizes and designs innovative lighting solutions for various environments.
Archanaa talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about Lighting design, a relatively new specialization within the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry which is gradually gaining recognition as awareness of the health benefits of good lighting design increases.
For students, there is no “hard and fast” rule to build your career. Find a balance between passion and practicality, considering factors such as financial responsibilities, career opportunities, and personal goals.
Archanaa, can you share your background with our young readers?
My father is a mechanical engineer, and his job required frequent relocations across various states in India. Consequently, our small family of four often moved, making each new place our home. As my sister and I grew older, we eventually settled in Pune. My older sister graduated with a degree in Computer Science engineering, while my mother, a homemaker, played a crucial role in nurturing my interests in arts and crafts, and encouraged me to enroll in various classes. Although I performed well academically, I particularly looked forward to extracurricular activities. I owe much of my development to my high school and its dedicated staff, who motivated students to excel in a wide range of activities, including karate, roller-skating, painting, and crafts. One vivid memory that stands out is my very first craft class, which sparked a lifelong passion for creativity and design.
What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?
I completed my undergraduate degree in architecture from a college affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University. I did my master’s in architectural engineering from Penn State University.
During this time, I received the Jules Horton International Student Award, an annual award geared towards helping international students earning a degree in lighting in the US who have demonstrated exceptional performance. Additionally, I was awarded the IALD travel stipend to a lighting trade show in Chicago. This event is a huge platform for lighting manufacturers to showcase their products, host seminars on current design trends and offers networking opportunities for professionals and students.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career in Lighting Design?
My interest in lighting design began during my third year of undergraduate studies when I took an elective on set design. At the time, I was drawn to the glamorous world of theater, I wanted to blend my architecture studies with the film and theater industry. After extensive research, I chose set design as my elective and became captivated by the creative process and the technical aspects of bringing space to life. A significant part of this elective focused on theatrical lighting design, and I quickly realized how profoundly lighting can influence a space and the emotions of its occupants. This discovery ignited a passion that shaped my future career. I integrated lighting design into my final year undergraduate thesis project, which focused on designing a spiritual retreat center with an emphasis on lighting. Inspired by Tadao Ando’s “Church of Light,” I explored how light can create powerful spatial perceptions. This project solidified my dedication to pursuing a career in lighting design.
During my mandatory 6-month internship for my B.Arch studies in Chennai, I assisted the lead designers and was tasked to develop custom light fixtures to align with the aesthetics of a high-profile residential project we were engaged in. This involved conducting research on electrical connections, creating control wiring diagrams, and exploring fixture optics, among other responsibilities.
Determined to specialize in lighting design, I began researching master’s programs that offered this focus. After evaluating various options, I shortlisted five colleges in the USA. I contacted the graduate program advisors at each institution to understand the program outcomes and job prospects. Ultimately, I was accepted into Penn State University’s Architectural Engineering program. This program is offered at bachelor’s as well as master’s level with four tracks to specialize in. While the broader architectural engineering curriculum covered construction management, structural and mechanical systems, lighting/ electrical was one specialized track that delved deeply into the art and science of illuminating built environments. We were taught the physics of light, interaction with surfaces and materials. My coursework included topics in daylighting, architectural lighting, horticultural lighting, landscape lighting, theatrical lighting, lighting controls, regulations, and research.
Several other universities in the USA, such as the University of Colorado, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, and the University of Nebraska, also offer similar programs. However, upon research, I found that most of them were better suited for those with an engineering background. Pursuing a master’s from these colleges meant I had to complete prerequisite courses, which upon evaluation did not seem feasible for me, financially, as well as the additional time investment to complete the course.
The switch from a purely design curriculum to a field with a mix of engineering initially had some hiccups, but with the support from classmates, professors, and additional prep work, it was possible.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path.
I began my career path with an internship as a lighting designer at Lightswitch Inc., a studio based in San Francisco. This studio was renowned for its extensive work with theme parks, theatrical lighting, and architectural lighting for a major social media platform. The prospect of working with high-profile clients was extremely exciting and provided invaluable experience.
Since my coursework included several aspects of electrical engineering, I wanted to test the waters to see if I was better suited for an engineering role. Fresh out of grad school, I started as a graduate electrical engineer to gain a solid understanding of the technical aspects of lighting. Here, I worked on voltage drop calculations, load calculations, providing lighting and controls layouts for small back-of-house spaces and got an opportunity to interact with the clients who were lighting designers.
However, I soon realized that I missed the creativity angle. A year later, I transitioned to a role as a lighting designer and have now spent four years in this position. During this time, I’ve worked across various sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, office spaces, schools, universities, parks, and landscape lighting.
The lighting design industry is very tight-knit, and industry connections are extremely important. Networking events at university, attending industry conferences, and joining professional associations helped me build valuable connections in the field.
How did you get your first break?
My first break came through my internship. This opportunity provided invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to both the creative and technical aspects of lighting design. Initially, I was nervous about the responsibility of influencing the mood and experience of end users. However, with the support of my manager and peers, I gradually gained confidence. Their guidance and mentorship enabled me to design independently, incorporating valuable feedback and insights along the way.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Establishing a Clear Career Path: Lighting design is a relatively new specialization within the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry and is gradually gaining recognition as awareness of the health benefits of good lighting design increases. Unlike many of my friends who had clear career paths, my journey felt uncertain. The excitement of pursuing an offbeat career was tempered by this uncertainty and the absence of a well-defined trajectory.
Challenge 2: Homesickness: Being away from my family in a foreign land added to the challenges. The distance often made me feel isolated and emotionally stressed. I sought mentorship from my college professor, who is a renowned figure in the lighting industry. Our continuous conversations and his guidance helped me gain clarity about my career path and reinforced my confidence in my career choice. His insights and encouragement were crucial in helping me envision a future in lighting design, providing the support and affirmation I needed during those uncertain early days.
Where do you work now?
I currently work as a lighting designer, where my primary role is to create innovative lighting solutions for various environments. I solve problems related to enhancing the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and safety of these spaces through effective lighting design. Additionally, I address challenges such as minimizing light pollution, optimizing energy efficiency, and enhancing user experiences.
What are the skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?
The job of a lighting designer requires a combination of technical expertise, creative vision, and communication skills. Technical skills include proficiency in lighting design software, knowledge of lighting fixtures and controls, and an understanding of lighting principles and regulations. Creative skills involve the ability to conceptualize and visualize lighting concepts that enhance the desired atmosphere and mood of a space. Communication skills are essential for collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
What’s a typical day like?
Each day is different. However, a typical project design process involves designing lighting plans, meeting with clients and project teams, conducting site visits, providing lighting calculations, selecting appropriate lighting fixtures, controls, and technologies based on project requirements, budget, and sustainability goals.
What I love most about being a lighting designer is the opportunity to blend art and science in built environments. I enjoy the creative process of conceptualizing lighting designs that enhance the beauty and functionality of spaces while also improving the well-being of occupants. The ability to use light as a medium to shape and enhance the way people experience and interact with their surroundings is incredibly rewarding.
How does your work benefit society?
Lighting design is special because it involves a variety of roles and offers opportunities for community engagement. My work focuses on creating environments that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing how my designs have positively impacted clients and end-users.
As a designer, I feel a responsibility to minimize light pollution and enhance user experiences positively. Effective lighting design can improve mood, enhance safety, and contribute to energy efficiency, thereby benefiting the community.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
My first individual project involved lighting design for a series of 11 parks in Portland state, USA. The aim was to replace old light poles with new LED lights that were dark-sky compliant to reduce light pollution and trespass.
I was responsible for selecting suitable fixture options and testing them to ensure they directed light on park pathways while minimizing impact on neighboring homes. The new light poles and fixtures were carefully chosen to closely replicate the previous ones, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the parks. Additionally, the lights were programmed to automatically turn on from dusk to dawn, ensuring consistent illumination throughout the night.
In some parks, additional lights were installed to enhance brightness and visibility, while in others, fewer lights were required due to the improved coverage of the new fixtures. This project was particularly close to me as it was my first opportunity to independently manage a project from concept to installation, and seeing the positive impact it had on the community was incredibly rewarding.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Try different things, get advice from mentors, and keep learning. Find a balance between passion and practicality, considering factors such as financial responsibilities, career opportunities, and personal goals. You might find a way to combine your passion with practical things, or you could do both—follow your passion and have a steady job.
Future plans?
I’m grateful for the diverse experiences I’ve had, both professionally and personally. I’m currently exploring various sectors within the lighting field to see where my interests lead me, with an eye on how AI might shape the future. Alongside my professional growth, I aspire to advocate for the inclusion of architectural journalism, legal aspects in construction, and construction management in architecture and design curricula, aiming for a holistic understanding of the industry. On a personal note, I love to cook, clean (yes, I am at that age) and stay engaged by exploring different Indian painting styles. I am all about adding a little flavor and brightness everywhere!