IES24: The Lighting Conference Awards

During the opening session of IES24: The Lighting Conference, IES President Billy Tubb began by honoring those in the lighting community who passed away over the last year. This reflective tribute is always a meaningful part of the conference, commemorating individuals who greatly contributed to the industry. Among those remembered this year were Bill Brown, James Burke, David Crawford, Joel Kornblatt, Shailendra Mahanti, Caroline Rinker, David Shorkey, Carlton James Vitus, and Terrence Walsh.

Recognizing Leadership: Presidential Awards

Following this solemn moment, President Tubb presented five Presidential Awards to individuals who demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the IES. Frank Agraz, Brienne Willcock, Mark Lien, Pat McGillicuddy, and Dan Ozminkowski were each recognized for their significant contributions to the field and their lasting impact on the community.

Honoring Service: Distinguished Awards

The conference also highlighted several prestigious awards. The IES Distinguished Service Award, established in 1967, was presented to Shaun Fillion (New York School of Interior Design), Michael Grather (LightLab International), and Cristian Suvagau (BC Hydro). This award honors those who have made significant non-technical contributions to the IES mission, recognizing at least 15 years of dedicated service.

In addition, two new IES Fellows were celebrated: Jeff Tsao and Mitchell Hefter. Fellow status is a prestigious recognition reserved for individuals who have made substantial contributions to the illumination field.

The IES Louis B. Marks Award, named in honor of the first President of the IES, was awarded to Daniel Salinas. It is awarded to a member in recognition of exceptional service to the Society of a non-technical nature.

Naomi Miller received the IES Medal, one of the Society’s highest honors. The IES Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant technical achievements that advance the profession, art, or knowledge of illuminating engineering. This award highlights the importance and impact of her work on the future of lighting.

President Tubb also shared that, due to the Society’s shift to a calendar year, the current board members will serve an additional six months.

Showcasing Excellence: Illumination Awards

On Friday, the 51st Annual Illumination Awards ceremony celebrated ten exceptional projects, including three Special Citations, four Awards of Excellence, and three Awards of Distinction.

Awards of Distinction

The prestigious Award of Distinction, honoring extraordinary achievement in lighting design, was presented to three standout projects:

Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, used with permission from IES
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, used with permission from IES
  • In the Illumination Award for Interior Lighting Design, sponsored by Edwin Guth, Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto in London, UK, received the distinction. The project, designed by Studio ZNA and led by Zerlina Hughes, was recognized for its innovative interior lighting that beautifully enhanced the exhibition.
West Block
West Block, used with permission from the IES
  • In the Illumination Award for Outdoor Lighting Design category, West Block in Ottawa, Canada, earned the Award of Distinction. Designed by Lightemotion, led by François Roupinian, this project was celebrated for its meticulous lighting that highlights the architectural grandeur of one of Canada’s most iconic government buildings.
The Perelman Performing Arts Center at WTC
The Perelman Performing Arts Center at WTC, used with permission from IES
  • Another notable recipient in the outdoor lighting category was The Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center in New York, NY, USA. Designed by Tillotson Design Associates, led by Suzan Tillotson, the project received the Award of Distinction for its exceptional integration of lighting that elevates the center’s modern architectural form and creates a visually captivating experience. This is a project that we know well  as it was the cover of our OCT issue. You can read more details here. 

Awards of Excellence

The Award of Excellence in Interior Lighting Design, sponsored by Edwin Guth, was awarded to Yixing HEZI Spa Club in Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, China. The project, led by Besson Tao of WEGO Lighting Design, was recognized for its superior interior lighting design.

In outdoor lighting, several projects received the Award of Excellence:

  • The Lighting Design for Baoding Shiguang Park in Gaoxin District, Baoding, China, designed by Zhenhuan Cai of Beijing Tsinghua Holdings Habitat Development Lighting Institute Co., Ltd.
  • The Wave in Athens, Greece, designed by DANILOF light + perception studio, led by Athanassios (Thanos) Danilof.
  • The I-74 Mississippi River Bridge in Bettendorf, IL, and Davenport, IA, USA, designed by Faith Baum of HLB Lighting Design.

Special Citations

Special Citations recognized projects with unique design elements and contributions:

  • The Illumination Award for Interior Lighting Design, sponsored by Edwin Guth, recognized the thoughtful retrofit of the Chapel at The Stone Church Kanzo Uchimura Memorial Hall in Karuizawa-machi, Nagano, Japan. Designed by ICE Illumination of City Environment, led by Masanobu Takeishi, the project received a Special Citation for enhancing the original architect’s vision of light, stone, water, greenery, and trees.
  • Another project receiving a Special Citation was the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York, NY, USA. Designed by DLR Group, led by Tom Gallagher, the project was honored for its seamless and delicate lighting throughout the liturgical space.
  • In outdoor lighting, the Space Needle Exterior Lighting in Seattle, WA, USA, designed by Niteo with lead designer Erik Crowell, received a Special Citation for its meticulous façade lighting.

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