Lighting’s Blurred Lines:
Where Design Ends and Consultation Begins

JP Bedell brings eleven years of experience at SDA, supported by a rich background in both architectural and theatrical lighting. Prior to joining SDA, he designed lighting for Abercrombie & Fitch and Tirschwell Architectural Lighting. Earlier in his career he worked as a theatrical lighting designer,

Scott draws upon an extensive background in lighting for dance and theatre to inform his work in architectural lighting design. His theatrical experience includes a Broadway national tour, various regional theatre productions, and a particular passion for found space theatre. In that, Scott found ways to establish the building itself as the storyteller. This ultimately inspired his move to architectural lighting, where he specializes in residential and hospitality design. Scott is passionate about the way lighting impacts lived moments and memories and how our architectural environment shapes human experiences. Scott exercises his knowledge in the business of design and his creative problem-solving skills to facilitate the successful execution of designs with a high value to the client. Scott holds an MFA in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Michael Hennes, IES, LEED AP BD+C is an Associate Principal and Project Director at Cline Bettridge Bernstein (CBB), a New York City-based lighting design firm that celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. With over 35 years of experience in architectural lighting design, Michael brings a thoughtful, design-integrated approach to every project. He joined CBB in 1987 after graduating with high honors in Architecture from the University of Florida, and his architectural training continues to inform his work.

Michael has led lighting design and project management for more than 90 projects at CBB, including the tower exterior and lobby lighting for 7 World Trade Center and the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park—one of the first commercial towers to achieve LEED Platinum certification. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he is committed to sustainable, energy-efficient lighting strategies and the integration of emerging technologies.

His contributions extend beyond project work. Michael served on the U.S. Department of Energy’s CALiPER guidance committee, supporting the advancement of solid-state lighting. He has lectured at LEDucation and presented for organizations including the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY), the Illuminating Engineering Society New York City Section (IESNYC), and the Center for Architecture. His writing has appeared in LD+A Magazine, and he has led tours for Open House New York, AIA Archtober, and NYCxDesign.

Michael has also served as a juror for lighting design reviews at Parsons School of Design, NYSID, the IES Illumination Awards, and the IESNYC Lumen Awards. In 2023, he was honored with the IESNYC Brilliance Award for his outstanding service to the lighting design community.

C. Brooke Silber is BR+A’s Lighting Studio Director housed in the New York City Office. Brooke has over 25 years of experience as an architectural and landscape lighting designer with a passion for large scale public and private projects. Her award winning portfolio features a diversity of project types including; historic preservation, corporate interiors, civic buildings, academic institutions, security command centers, transportation facilities, museums, retail, hospitality, religious, and residential.

Brooke received her Master of Science in Lighting from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in Interior Design. She is a Lighting Certified Professional and a LEED Accredited Professional. In addition to chairing the joint IES/Avixa ANSI standard committee for Lighting for Videoconferencing and Multi-media Spaces; she is a part-time faculty at Parsons The New School of Constructed Environments for their Master’s program in Lighting. Brooke is an active member of IES and is a frequent speaker at many industry events such as LEDucation and Lightfair.