We know a lighting designer is an integral part of the design team. Our designers have varied background in fine arts, interior design, architecture, architectural engineering and theatrical lighting. We advise and guide design teams through the constantly evolving technologies, use of lighting controls, strict codes and regulations and economic and environmental considerations. With this team approach we support our client’s vision and the overall project goals.
President and Design Principal
IALD, IES, LEED AP
Anne is the founder and award-winning leader of AKLD Lighting Design, a woman owned business enterprise (WBE) located in suburban Chicago. As Design Principal, Anne establishes the design direction and ensures high quality design standards by overseeing all AKLD projects. With both Fine Art and Interior Design degrees, Anne has a passion for lighting architecture. She combines aesthetics with technical expertise honed from years designing at a consulting engineering firm.
In 1994, Anne founded AKLD Lighting Design. With over 92 awards won, Anne and AKLD have garnered accolades from the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) with their prestigious Award of Excellence, the International GE Award of Excellence for Residential Lighting and numerous Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Illumination Awards.
AKLD has completed over 1600 architectural lighting and control system designs in a wide range of applications and environments world-wide.
Lighting Director, Mountain West
IALD, RA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, EDAC
Denver, Colorado
With over 20 years of experience, Lisa Bartlett is an award-winning architectural lighting designer passionate about creating spaces that support wellness. She has worked in both specialty lighting design and multi-disciplinary environments, most recently as the director of the lighting studio at Davis Partnership Architects, to guide lighting projects as diverse as large hospitals, corporate offices, and civic institutions to successful completion around the country.
As a recognized thought leader in the lighting industry, Lisa is known for bridging the gap between research and design. By utilizing evidence demonstrating the impact of light on human health, she executes innovative lighting solutions that support wellness.
Although Lisa focuses her efforts on lighting design, she is also a licensed architect, nationally certified interior designer, EDAC-certified, and LEED-accredited professional, as well as a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Designers. She has delivered presentations on lighting and health for IESNA, LightFair, and Environments for Aging, is part of National Institutes of Health’s Health in Buildings Roundtable and was recently featured in the film LD2020 - A Story About Lighting Design.
Senior Lighting Designer
IES, Assoc. IALD, LEED AP
Laura discovered a passion for lighting during her architectural studies. Soon after graduating , she decided to pursue lighting design as her career path. Her education in architecture as well as her 26 years of lighting design experience help her achieve exceptional lighting solutions with a focus on sustainability. Prior to joining AKLD, she worked for Lighting Design Alliance and Schuler Shook as an award-winning Senior Lighting Designer. Laura’s clients benefit from her experience working in North and South America, as well as her fluency in English, Spanish and Italian.
Senior Lighting Designer
Julie Johnson brings over 20 years of expertise in architectural lighting and electrical design. With a background in architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Painting, Julie seamlessly blends technical precision with artistic creativity and human-centric design, delivering innovative and visually compelling lighting solutions.
Her experience includes contributing to over 700 prestigious projects, including NASA, NIH, Pfizer and the University of Florida. Her passion for lighting design and creative problem-solving has earned her recognition, including the IESNA Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award and the Paul Waterbury Award.
Senior Lighting Designer
With over 20 years of experience, Jeremy Pivnick is an award-winning lighting designer specializing in theatre, theme parks, healthcare, and architecture. His work spans a range of sectors, creating innovative, emotionally engaging, and sustainable lighting solutions. Jeremy is a WELL Building Standard accredited professional and holds an EDAC certification, focusing on designs that enhance both functionality and emotional impact. Known for his cross-disciplinary approach, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to every project, with a commitment to wellness and sustainability. His expertise aligns with AKLD’s mission to create dynamic environments that prioritize human well-being.
Lighting Designer
After receiving her undergraduate degree in Industrial Design at Universidad Iberoamericana, Fernanda completed a postgraduate in Lighting Design, where she fell in love with light and lighting. Before joining AKLD, she worked for a relevant lighting design studio in Mexico as Project Manager / Lighting Designer, and she brings 5 years of significant experience in hospitality and residential lighting design.
Fernanda understands the important role light plays to create comfort and enhance people lives.
Lighting Designer
Mica Wang is a passionate lighting designer and has over a decade of experience in both architectural and interior lighting design. Her expertise lies in hospitality, high-end residential and commercial complex projects. She has honed her skills by delivering presentations to discerning clients and offering quick and uncompromising solutions during site coordination.
Prior to joining AKLD, Mica practiced lighting design in Hong Kong, at Anlighten and Isometrix, and has completed many high-quality projects in China, Hong Kong and Macau. Despite her academic background as an industrial designer, Mica’s interest in lighting design was sparked through collaboration with the Philips Lighting Department during her thesis project.
Project Designer, Mountain West
Harmon recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a certificate in Lighting Design. Throughout his four years at CU Boulder, he gained valuable insight into how to create a strong concept and apply it, and how a narrative can influence design. Upon completing a year-long internship with AKLD, Harmon is excited to start his career in lighting design with the team.
Lighting Specialist
Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Sam joined the AKLD team with a strong curiosity towards developing lighting compositions through contrast and balance. He accredits this curiosity to his love of painting and design. Sam is excited to start his Lighting Design career with the AKLD team.
Lighting Specialist
As a recent graduate from University of Colorado Boulder’s Environmental Design, Talissa brings a passion for lighting informed by her studies abroad in Copenhagen, a strong eye for concepts and graphics, and a willingness to dive into any project type.
Student Intern
Olivia recently graduated from University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Environmental Design and a Certificate in Lighting Design. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design.
Marketing Coordinator
Kerry Whalen has many years of experience in Business Development and Marketing in the corporate world, non-profit world, and is now enjoying her years in the creative world of Lighting Design. Kerry helps behind the scenes with the many details to keep AKLD growing in influence and brand recognition, and to keep AKLD on the forefront of new technology and design.
Administrative Assistant
Lelia Harig has many years of experience in Business Management. With AKLD’s steady growth, Lelia’s assistance is vital for its expanding business and organizational needs.
Director of Administration
Affiliate IALD, LC, IES
John is a man of many talents and has been associated with AKLD Lighting Design, Ltd. for over two decades. He handles the operational, organizational, and marketing duties of AKLD. His job responsibilities allow the creative team to focus on design and not worry about the day to day minutia of running a business.
Professional Affiliations:
