Dear Friends & Colleagues, It is official: my lighting design career is drawing nigh. Lights in Alingsås Workshop 2016, Christian Church, Alingsås, Sweden Like many worthwhile life endeavors, my journey has been circuitous, incredibly interesting, and deeply fulfilling. I am grateful for the many opportunities and experiences afforded me. Looking back, I can see how deeply my passion for color, the creative process, and the relationships I built with clients and colleagues ke

This August, HLS Senior Designer Carrie Walker attended the annual IES Illumination Awards to celebrate the recognition of her work on the beautiful Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower by Endrestudio. Completed during Carrie’s time at CD+M Lighting, the project received an Award of Excellence in Experiential Lighting Design, standing as a physical testament to the power of thoughtful details and a reminder that no vision is too big to illuminate.

Just ahead of LEDucation, HLS Principal Paula Davoli Ziegenbein, Assoc. IALD, LEED AP, LC, had the honor of introducing our Founder and Principal Andrea Hartranft, FIALD, as she was recognized at the 11th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards at Parsons School of Design. This 2026 EdisonReport Lifetime Achievement Award reflects a career defined by design excellence, leadership, and advocacy within the lighting community. We’re proud to work alongside a designer whose impact ext

We are proud of Senior Designer Renée Leskowat and Principal Diane McNabb Rodriguez, whose work on a confidential corporate fit-out in Charlotte, NC, received an Illumination Award for Interior Lighting Design from the IES Raleigh Section. These awards highlight the depth of talent across North Carolina, showcasing work by lighting designers, architects, and engineers. The Interior Lighting Design category recognizes projects that balance technical performance with the artist

We're thrilled to announce that HLS received a LIT Design Award for Workplace Lighting Design on a confidential corporate fit-out located in Charlotte, NC. Congratulations to Lead Designer Renée Leskowat, IALD, CLD, LEED AP, WELL AP, supported by Principal Diane McNabb Rodriguez, on this incredible accomplishment. This project is a prime example of how thoughtful workplace lighting design goes far beyond simply illuminating a room. Because most of our day is spent in these en

This international retailer was melding the worlds of street, skate and fashion long before it was commonplace, tracing a line from product inception to a unique retail experience. The new Boston location’s challenge: a narrow 3-1/2 story footprint, landmark requirements & stringent energy codes. The design solution combines ethereal, thoughtfully integrated, striking lighting elements to mirror the brand’s bold identity, a standout amid neighboring high-end retailers. Bea

Washington, DC, October 25, 2023 — Hartranft Lighting Design is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Gilmore Lighting Design, a firm that will help expand our client reach, capabilities, and resources. Additionally, Gilmore Lighting Design founder, Debra Gilmore joins our team as Design and Business Development Collaborator. Robert Smith assumes his role as Senior Lighting Designer with Hartranft. Debra Gilmore is an award-winning lighting design industry leader with a ca

New York, NY and Indianapolis, IN, October 2, 2023 — ​Hartranft Lighting Design is thrilled to announce an expansion of its leadership team. Diane McNabb Rodriguez and Shoshanna Segal have been appointed to firm Principal positions. Diane McNabb Rodriguez, an award-winning lighting designer with over three decades of experience, joined HLD as a Senior Lighting Designer in 2018 in the Charlotte, NC, office. Prior to her work with HLD, Diane owned a successful lighting consulta

Andrea Hartranft, Principal of Hartranft Lighting Design, has been elected to serve as President-Elect of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for the term beginning January 1, 2023. The IALD news release is posted below and also in the IALD Press Room. Founded in 1969 and based in Chicago, IL, USA, the IALD is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to supporting a network of 1,500 independent lighting design professionals who satisfy its r