Episode 6: Let's Talk Custom Fixtures

In this episode of the Lighting Matters Podcast, hosts Lisa Reed and Avi Mor are joined by Kyllene “Kelly” Jones, LEED AP, President and Co-CEO of Lighting Design Alliance, a lighting trailblazer, and our first female guest. Kelly shares her remarkable career path, from her initial dream of becoming an architect (inspired by her father), to discovering her true passion for lighting at the University of Kansas. She recounts her pivotal internships with industry giants like Randy Burkett and HOK, and how moving to Los Angeles and connecting with influential figures like Chip Israel, Andy Powell, and Lisa Reed shaped her career. 

Learn about the creative challenges and innovative solutions behind high-profile projects, including bespoke fixtures for Disney and the iconic Beverly Hills Triangles street lighting. Kelly offers a masterclass in how historical and cultural research, combined with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing, plays a crucial role in refining and realizing unique lighting designs. You’ll hear Kelly discuss the hurdles of evolving lamp specifications and the necessity of consistent design aesthetics, and share anecdotes from her extensive project portfolio, including a memorable collaboration with the Cheesecake Factory. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional, this episode provides invaluable insights into the creative and technical aspects of custom lighting design. 

In This Episode:  

• (00:00) Kelly's journey into lighting design, internships with influential figures, and skills gained along the way. 
• (06:58) Custom lighting design process, themed projects for Disney, use of car paint, research for lanterns, the impact of 3D printing. 
• (13:10) Collaboration between lighting and interior designers, technical guidance, custom fixtures, client standards, and budget impacts. 
• (18:23) A theming project and a doubled budget, keeping important elements 
• (25:50) The challenges of evolving lamp specifications and maintaining consistent design aesthetics in lighting, with anecdotes from projects and the importance of partnerships with distributors. 
• (32:48) Restaurant clients, collaboration with IALD lighting designers can save costs and achieve desired looks, as seen in a Beverly Hills residential project. 
• (42:07) Collaborating with experienced custom lighting manufacturers to balance creativity and practicality in unique designs. 
• (51:00) Lighting is crucial in design, consult professional designers, and seek professional advice! 
• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 

About the show:  

Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.  

Resources: 

Kyllene Kelly Jones LinkedIn 

Lighting Design Alliance 

Lisa Reed LinkedIn 

Avraham Mor LinkedIn