Lisa J. Reed, Reed Burkett Lighting Design | Carla Bukalski, Focal Point
Location: Murray Hill
WednesdayMarch 20, 2024
10:30 am - 11:30 am EST
Credits 1 LU | Elective
Introductory
Ask ChatGPT ‘How will AI affect the future of lighting design’ and you’ll get an answer, “AI is poised to have a significant impact on the future of lighting design,” followed by a long list of what AI is expected to influence. ChatCPT concludes with “Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize lighting design by making it more adaptive, energy-efficient, personalized, and human-centric. By leveraging AI technologies, lighting designers can create more dynamic and responsive environments that enhance well-being, sustainability, and user experience.” Is AI truly able to assist with design, or is it on the brink of taking our jobs?
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will discover if and how AI can make lighting design more human-centric and personalized.
- Can AI help us achieve work/life balance? Did the Smart Phone?
- We are already using AI in business (Power Point’s design assist, Grammarly, Midjourney) – Make AI just another tool in your toolbox.
- Lighting designers have historically been reluctant to embrace new tools. Discover how to put AI to work for your business; it’s not going away.
Speakers
Lisa J. Reed
Principal
Reed Burkett Lighting Design
As Principal of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, Lisa J. Reed contributes thoughtful passion for lighting and a spirit of collaboration to her projects. She delights in bringing spaces to life with quality lighting, and concern for the environment influences her work. Lisa is an award-winning lighting designer with 30 years of experience, ranging from energy management to electrical engineering to lighting design. Her range of experience includes millions of square feet of commercial space, hotels and resorts from coast to coast, houses of worship, museums, parks, and healthcare facilities. As a thought leader in the lighting industry, she regularly speaks to local and international audiences. Lisa is an advocate for diversity in lighting and she is focused on creating a better workplace for women, parents, and all people. She founded Ladies of Lighting in St. Louis and helped expand WILD (Women in Lighting + Design) across the United States. She received the 2014 IES Presidential Award for her work with Emerging Professionals. In 2020, she was named by St. Louis Construction News and Review (CNR) as one of the top 20 women in construction in St. Louis. In 2021, the international organization Women in Lighting (WIL) recognized her as one of the top supporters of other women in the industry. In 2022, she was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the IES. In March of 2023, she was recognized as a Top Woman Business Owner by St. Louis Small Business Monthly magazine.
Carla R. Bukalski
Principal of Strategy and Operations
Reed Burkett Lighting Design
Carla Bukalski, MBA, PE, LC, LEED AP is the Principal of Strategy and Operations at Reed Burkett Lighting Design (RBLD), where she brings over 30 years of experience in the lighting industry. A dynamic leader with expertise spanning engineering, design, and manufacturing, she has returned to her roots in lighting design, integrating technical rigor with creative vision to drive exceptional results.
Carla began her career as an electrical engineer, earning her PE license while working on large-scale projects at a prominent MEP firm. She discovered her true passion in lighting design, contributing to award-winning projects that underscored the transformative power of thoughtful illumination. After more than a decade in design, she transitioned into lighting manufacturing, holding leadership roles in sales, marketing, and product development. This period gave her a unique perspective on the lifecycle of lighting products and their impact on design.
Earning her MBA in 2023 further enhanced her strategic capabilities, allowing her to lead RBLD’s operations with a focus on innovation and growth. She is a sought-after speaker at industry events, sharing insights on emerging technologies and design trends.
A dedicated advocate for the lighting community, Carla has served in leadership roles with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). She has received prestigious honors, including the IES Distinguished Service Award and Presidential Award, recognizing her contributions to the profession.
Carla’s return to lighting design reflects her enduring commitment to the art and science of lighting, making her a driving force in shaping the future of the industry.