LytePod

What happens when someone who's spent decades inside the lighting industry's machinery gets straight to it? In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Geoff Marlow, a veteran consultant and industry strategist who has witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts reshaping architectural lighting—from the rise of LED technology to the relentless wave of consolidation, private equity takeo...

What happens when you pull back the curtain on how architectural lighting actually gets made—from whiteboard sketch to installation—and discover the hidden complexity, creative tension, and human ingenuity behind every luminaire? In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with two veterans from opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum: Gary Trott from Acuity Brands (one of the large...

What happens when three of New York City's most accomplished lighting designers sit down to talk about the state of their profession, with the Empire State Building and JP Morgan Tower framed in the window behind them? In this special episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel brings together a powerhouse roundtable of lighting design leaders to unpack the evolution, challenges, and future of architectu...

What happens when the people who control your home's technology realize most homes are getting lighting fundamentally wrong? In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Richard Millson, a master integrator with nearly 30 years of experience creating seamless smart home experiences for luxury residences. Together, they unpack why most homes — even $30 million estates — fail at light...

What do billion-dollar developers really think about design — and where does lighting fit in? In this episode, LytePOD host Sam Koerbel sits down with the COO of a luxury real-estate developer in New York City responsible for billions of dollars in projects. Together they unpack the owner’s perspective on budgets, design ambition, and risk — and what happens when lighting becomes the most misunder...

In this episode of the LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with master lighting designer and educator Pete Romaniello live at Lightapalooza, the premier event for custom home integrators learning to adopt lighting as a new design category. With over 30 years of experience, Pete breaks down the fundamentals of great lighting design — from placement and purpose to ethics and education. He shares why...

Do details still serve design, or have they taken over? In this episode, Dan and Srushti of Lam Partners trace the history of lighting details — from Versailles to tape lights — and reveal how we arrived at today’s identity crisis in design. They cover: Why don’t more products mean better work How culture and politics shape design choices The rise (and overuse) of “non-details” like slots, coves,...

What makes a space feel truly luxurious? It’s not more fixtures or bigger budgets — it’s intentional lighting design . In this episode of the LytePOD, host Sam sits down with Garrett Neal of NEAL Lighting to unpack why good lighting doesn’t have to be expensive, how to plan with furniture and architecture first, and why integrators should think like designers to deliver better results. You’ll lear...

LEDs were supposed to last forever. But what happens when they don’t? Host Sam Koerbel talks with Rachel Fitzgerald (Stantec) and Andrea Wilkerson (PNNL) about a growing crisis: the lack of replaceable components in LED systems. From failing fixtures in schools and offices to flickering tubular LEDs and the fluorescent phase-out, this conversation calls for real accountability from manufacturers,...

Lighting is the biggest opportunity most integrators aren’t taking full advantage of. In this episode, Trent Mulligan shares how reps and dealers can unlock real revenue, why luxury homes are often underlit, and why education and early involvement are the keys to making lighting work. 🎧 Listen now to hear: How to grow without doubling staff Why “bad light” is still the norm in high-end homes The...

Lighting is the fastest-growing frontier in home tech—and Brian Anderson, Rocky Settacassi, and Alex Lelch share exactly how they’re making it pay off. From building immersive showrooms to mastering LED challenges and collaborating with designers, this episode is packed with insights for integrators, dealers, and designers ready to turn lighting into a thriving part of their business. Whether you'...

The hardest part of buying lighting isn’t the check - it's making sure you get what you ordered. In one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had, Justin Streeb, Co-Founder and CSO of 1 LUX, breaks down the behind-the-scenes chaos of actually buying lights. With over 20 years in the industry, Justin went from designing high-end homes in Aspen to founding multiple companies that now sit at th...

AI is changing design—not by replacing creativity, but by clearing space for it. In this episode, we explore how designers can use AI to save time, improve documentation, and focus more on what matters: ideas. From writing proposals to generating marketing assets, we talk through the real ways AI fits into a design workflow—and why it’s up to creatives to shape how it’s used.

Lighting is no longer just an accessory — it’s becoming a core profit center for AV integrators. In this episode, Sam Koerbel sits down with CEDIA co-founder Tom Doherty and current CEO Daryl Friedman to explore why lighting is now a strategic focus for the custom integration industry. They discuss: Why lighting represents the next big opportunity for integrators The challenges of adding lighting...

AI is changing the game — but not the designer. In this episode, Sarah Richter shares how she’s using AI to enhance creativity, save time, and stay focused on what really matters: the design. We cover: 🎯 Where AI fits in early-stage workflows 📬 How it’s helping with client comms + marketing 🧠 Why curiosity (not code) is the key to using AI well If you’ve been wondering how real designers are ac...

There’s a shift happening in the custom home world—AV integrators are stepping into lighting, but most don’t realize they’re now part of a much bigger story. This episode explores that turning point. It’s about power, partnership, and what happens when two expert worlds—lighting design and technology integration—finally meet. Whether you're trying to add margin through lighting, avoid conflict...

Mentorship isn’t a checkbox, a program, or a bullet point on a website—it’s a mindset. In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Paige Donald joins Sam to challenge everything you think you know about mentoring. They explore what happens when teams build trust, lead with vulnerability, and invest in each other beyond just “doing the job.” You’ll hear how mentorship becomes the engine for c...

Burn the Rulebook. Challenge Yourself. No Rules. Just Design + Creativity. In this episode of the LytePOD, Keith Bradshaw — CEO and co-founder of Speirs Major — invites us into the mindset that has shaped one of the most iconic lighting design studios in the world. From rejecting personal “style” to designing with emotional precision, Keith shares why the real competition is internal — and why gre...

Why can’t you just get a price for a light fixture? What exactly does a lighting rep do? In this eye-opening episode, Sam sits down with Caitlin Mulligan to break down the architectural sales channel and shed light on the critical but often misunderstood role of manufacturers’ reps in the design and construction industry. From the pricing complexity of architectural products to the behind-the-scen...

What does it mean to belong? In this honest and eye-opening episode, David Seok, associate and suido leader in NYC unpacks the sense of being a minority in a way that helps anyone understand what life is like when you don't look like other people—from cultural identity to hiring practices, mentorship, and representation. Through personal stories as an Asian American designer, David reflects on...

Explore the reality of growing a design firm. Chip reflects on decades of experience—what he learned the hard way, how he approaches business decisions, and what he wishes young designers knew before launching their own studios. Whether you're a seasoned principal or just beginning your career, this episode is full of actionable advice for navigating the intersection of creativity and business...

How can lighting help rebuild communities after a disaster? In this episode, we speak with homeowners who have lost everything, elected officials leading recovery efforts, and industry experts working to make reconstruction safer and more sustainable. Learn how lighting design is crucial in rebuilding efforts and what it takes to create a more resilient future. Get involved: lightequity.org A spec...

As a former creative agency owner turned wellness coach, Shawna Bigby-Davis explores the unique challenges faced by creative professionals. She discusses the connection between creativity and the nervous system, how stress manifests in the body, and the importance of self-regulation for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming autoimmune diseases, Shaw...

Kate explores the power of color in lighting design —how it shapes human experiences, evokes emotion, and influences spatial perception. Drawing from her background in theatrical and architectural lighting, she shares insights on the intentional use of color as a storytelling tool. From museum exhibits to built environments, Kate discusses how light enhances materials, the cultural significance of...

This conversation explores the impact of lighting on human health. Kevin Houser, Professor at Oregon State University and Lead Engineer at the Pacifica Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), discusses how circadian lighting and human-centric design influence well-being, the latest research on non-visual responses to light, and the industry’s challenge in balancing scientific rigor with practical ap...