The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is celebrating an historic milestone — 2019 marks 50 years serving its membership and the lighting design profession. What started in 1969 as a small group of passionate and dedicated architectural lighting designers with the goal of elevating the profession of independent lighting design, has today grown into a global association that represents more than 1,450 members in over 60 countries. Celebrate this momentous occasion with the IALD at one of the many anniversary events happening throughout the year.
“Today we celebrate lighting design as a well-established and growing profession,” said IALD President, David Ghatan. “IALD’s tremendous membership growth is due in large part to our strategic focus on building community, and it is representative of the global growth of our profession. The work of lighting designers is no longer about just illuminating a space — our work, more than ever, is about quality of life in light.”
The IALD community is comprised of lighting design professionals whose high-quality work integrates the arts, sciences and business of illumination design. IALD has made great strides in elevating its members and the role of lighting design around the world and does so through educating and empowering lighting designers at every level; fostering connections to build community by engaging them globally and connecting them locally; and by advocating on their behalf for regulatory and policy issues impacting the profession. IALD further extends its reach and amplifies its voice by establishing close relationships with lighting associations and other related associations around the world.
“As we embark on a yearlong celebration, the entire community is invited to join us in looking to the future — together, we’ll continue to create a better world through our dedication to excellence in lighting design and the power of light in human life,” commented Chief Executive Officer of IALD, Marsha Turner, CAE.
Celebrations and recognitions will take place throughout the year at region and chapter events hosted around the world, including IALD Enlighten Asia, LIGHTFAIR International, and the IALD International Lighting Design Awards Event. The culminating celebration will take place during IALD Enlighten Americas, October 3-5 in Albuquerque, NM. For more information about any of IALD’s upcoming events, visit www.iald.org/events.