Rebecca Mintz, Peak Wavelength Strategies/George Mason University and David Seok, The Lighting Practice
Tuesday
April 14, 2026
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ET
April 14, 2026
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ET
Credits LU | HSW TBD
Introductory
Lighting design depends on creativity, but creativity doesn’t flourish by chance. It grows in cultures that support risk-taking, idea-sharing, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Drawing from design practice and organizational psychology, this session explores what separates teams that consistently produce innovative work from those that stall. Attendees will gain tools to cultivate environments where experimentation is encouraged, burnout is reduced, and engagement is high. Whether you lead a studio, manage projects, or sell products, you’ll walk away with strategies to intentionally design a culture that sparks innovation.
Learning Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to explain the connection between organizational culture and creative output
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to identify workplace factors that either suppress or support innovation
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to explore techniques for structuring teams to maximize creative collaboration
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to develop actionable steps to foster a culture that fuels design breakthroughs
Speakers
Rebecca Mintz
Founder/Graduate Student
Peak Wavelength Strategies/George Mason University
Rebecca Mintz is a graduate student in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at George Mason University and former Associate at The Lighting Practice. She brings over 13 years of experience as a lighting designer to her research on workplace culture, organizational change, team collaboration, and employee engagement.
As founder of Peak Wavelength Strategies, Rebecca blends evidence-based approaches with design-industry expertise to improve the work experience of lighting professionals. She previously led The Lighting Practice’s Work Process Improvement task force and served as vice-chair of the IES BIM Committee.
Her passion lies in addressing workforce challenges in the AEC industry and sharing the value of lighting design with new audiences.
David Seok
Associate, NY Studio Director
The Lighting Practice
David Seok is a Studio Leader at The Lighting Practice’s New York office, where he oversees projects ranging from corporate interiors, healthcare, hospitality, façades and more. A certified lighting designer and past president of the IALD’s NYC chapter, he co-founded the Asian Lighting Community and serves on TLP’s taskforce for culture, belonging, and inclusion.
Born and raised in NYC, David has had the privilege of growing up surrounded by a wide variety of peoples and cultures. However, as he entered the workforce, he found that AEC offices were much more homogenous. Though initially believing that he needed to fit in, he has spent the past few years recognizing the strengths in peoples’ differences and how they can improve the workplace. Committed to cultivating a healthy workplace environment, he strongly believes that in the importance for everyone to feel comfortable enough to bring their full selves to work.