NEW YORK, NY — The IESNYC Lumen Awards are now accepting submissions for 2027, inviting designers to put forward projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and excellence in lighting design.
Established in 1968 by the New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC), the Lumen Awards have recognized exceptional lighting design for more than five decades. The program celebrates the visionary designers and innovative projects that continue to shape the industry and advance the art and science of illumination.
“The Lumen Awards recognize the creativity, collaboration, and dedication behind projects that do more than illuminate—they reveal, interpret, and elevate the built environment,” said Christine Heller, IESNYC Lumen Committee Chair, Focus Lighting. “We look forward to seeing the work that will define the 2027 Lumen Awards and celebrating the designers whose projects demonstrate the continued impact of thoughtful lighting design.”
The Lumen Awards recognize lighting projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, artistry, and technical expertise. From bold and groundbreaking work to beautifully understated solutions to complex design challenges, the program celebrates the range of approaches and ideas that continue to advance the profession.
ELIGIBILITY
The Lumen Awards are open to any interior or exterior architectural lighting design projects completed within two years of the submission deadline. Projects may be re-submitted during the years projects are eligible.
Eligible projects must meet one of the following criteria:
- Projects must be designed by a New York City metropolitan area* based designer(s) for projects located anywhere in the world; or
- Projects must be located in the New York City metropolitan area*, regardless of the location of the designer(s).
The New York City metropolitan area consists of the five boroughs of New York City and the New York counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk, as well as Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the Northern New Jersey counties of Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, and Union.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Lumen Award of Excellence
Highest level of achievement for a permanent architectural application.
Lumen Award of Merit
Meritorious achievement for a permanent architectural application.
Lumen Citation
Special recognition for a permanent or temporary lighting installation, technical detail, portion of a single project, or other work.
ENTRY FEE
The submission fee is $250 per project submission. Fees are non-refundable, and there is no guarantee of receiving an award or publicity.
For comprehensive details on eligibility, submission requirements, rules, schedule, and helpful tips, and to submit a project, please visit the IESNYC website: iesnyc.org/Lumen_Awards.
About the IESNYC
IESNYC (www.iesnyc.org), the New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society, is a volunteer professional membership organization whose members share a mutual appreciation for and fascination with all things lighting. They are lighting designers, architects, engineers, consultants, lighting manufacturers, lighting representatives, electrical distributors, and allied professionals. IESNYC members are dedicated to promoting the art and science of illumination engineering to their members, professionals, the lighting industry, and the public through inspiring events, informative programs and educational series, social outreach, and networking opportunities.