2023 Lighting Design Workflow: An Exploration of a Designer’s Software Toolkit

This presentation evaluates the pros and cons of different lighting software simulations by using real projects to demonstrate the lighting design process. This will serve as a guide for lighting designers to understand which software/tool would produce the most reliable analysis for each situation. For experienced lighting designers and project managers, this presentation will explain the current software available and how the software can help steer design decisions for the project. For emerging lighting designers, this presentation will help them better understand lighting principles and build their lighting toolkit.

Learning Objectives

1. Define the lighting goal/deliverable
2. Understand the capabilities of different software and their purpose
3. Evaluate the most appropriate tool for the application
4. Apply the right tools; A Decision Roadmap

Tzu-Hao Kuo
Lighting Designer, Borealis Lighting Studio (BR+A)

Tzu-Hao Kuo joined Borealis Lighting Studio at BR+A Consulting Engineers in 2020 after graduating from Parsons School of Design. Tzu-Hao has his MFA in Lighting Design from the School of Constructed Environments at Parsons, and his Bachelor of Architecture from Tamkang University in Taipei, Taiwan. Tzu-Hao was a recipient of The Golden Portfolio Award while at Parsons for the best overall project performance and has parlayed that into his works at Borealis, working on healthcare, academic, and office projects. He has an interest in parametric design and automation programming, where his skills have helped Borealis and BR+A expand their 3-D capabilities.

Hsin-Ying Huang
Lighting Designer, Borealis Lighting Studio (BR+A)

Hsin-Ying Huang has been working at Borealis Lighting Studio in BR+A Consulting Engineers since 2021 after graduating from Parsons. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture from Tamkang University in Taiwan. As a designer, she concentrates on exploring how to enhance human senses and perceptions by utilizing lighting in architecture. Hsin-Ying was a recipient of IESNYC Student Lighting Competition Honorable Mention in 2020 and IESNYC Thesis Awards in 2021. Based on her architecture and digital design background, she is currently interested in improving the lighting design workflow with parametric tools.