Lighting Controls Podcast

🚀 Is DALI Finally Ready for Prime Time? Is DALI-2 finally solving the problems that held digital lighting controls back for years? In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast , Martin Mercier from Cooper Lighting Solutions explains how DALI has evolved from a difficult, proprietary system into an open, interoperable platform that's transforming smart buildings. We discuss: Why DALI struggled...

“Lighting controls aren’t just switches — they’re part of the user experience.” In this episode, lighting designer Emad Hasan , founder of Lux Foundry, argues that lighting designers should have a much bigger role in lighting controls. His reasoning? If the controls don't work, users blame the lighting design anyway. 💡 Key takeaways: Lighting controls shape how people interact with a space—not ju...

🎙️ From Fixtures to Full Control: The Lighting Industry Shift In this episode, we dive into the real transition happening in lighting—moving from simply selling fixtures to delivering full lighting control solutions . Jon shares what it’s actually like making that leap: ⚡ Why selling controls is a totally different game ⚡ The importance of asking the right questions early (“the pre-game”) ⚡ How...

 🚀 Is AC power becoming obsolete?  In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, entrepreneur & engineer Bolis Ibrahim breaks down a massive shift happening in buildings: the move from AC to DC power.  ⚡ Key takeaways:  - Most modern devices (LEDs, laptops, EVs, solar) already run on DC  - Today’s buildings waste energy constantly converting AC → DC  - DC systems can eliminate bulky driv...

 In this episode, Hilary Wainer—owner of Lux et Veritas Design—shares her journey from theatrical lighting to leading high-end architectural projects. She breaks down why lighting controls are getting more complex (not simpler) and how that impacts designers, engineers, and clients. From hotels and restaurants to ballrooms, Hilary explains how great lighting isn’t just design—it’s experience, usab...

Troubleshooting lighting systems isn’t just about knowing the technology—it’s about thinking clearly under pressure . In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, industry veteran David Fox shares powerful real-world insights from nearly three decades in entertainment and architectural lighting. From separating symptoms vs. real problems to asking smarter questions and staying calm when every...

After a brief hiatus, the Lighting Controls Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation about where the industry stands today. In this episode, we discuss why consistent content matters, where professionals can start learning lighting controls, and why local reps and manufacturers are often the most overlooked educational resources. We also dive into real-world lessons from the field, includi...

🎙️ Ron & Web get real about the biggest mistakes they’ve made in the lighting + construction world — from costly fixture mix‑ups to terrifying rigging surprises. It’s a humbling, funny, and brutally honest look at lessons learned the hard way.   👉 Tune in for stories of near‑disasters, fixes on the fly, and why owning your mistakes is the ultimate power move.   #Podcast #LightingDesign #Const...

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast , the team sits down with Kenny Schutz , Principal at Focus Lighting in New York. Kenny shares his journey from theater kid to architectural lighting designer, and how theatrical training uniquely prepares professionals for the world of lighting controls.   💡 Key Highlights: Why so many theater professionals transition into lighting design and cont...

In this episode, hosts Ron Kuszmar and Webster Marsh sit down with two industry leaders: Andrew Cardello (Resource Innovations) – Program implementer helping utilities and vendors maximize incentives. Mike Berube (Independent Electric Supply) – VP of Sales with 15+ years in the field, driving efficiency projects across New England.   Together, they dive into: 🔌 The shift from fixture rebates to c...

Why are lighting controls still such a tough sell? Kyle Hemmi from CLEAResult joins the podcast to unpack nearly 30 years of experience in energy efficiency, lighting, and HVAC integration — and he’s not sugarcoating it.   In this episode, we dive into: ⚡ The real-world friction points for lighting controls adoption  💰 Why incentives and ROI still make or break a project  🧠 Human factors: how c...

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast! This time, we’re joined by industry veteran Dave Werry , who brings over a decade of hands-on experience in lighting systems, engineering, and field service.   🔦 What’s Inside: Dave’s journey from semiconductors to lighting controls Real-world challenges of lighting system startups and maintenance Why remote access and regu...

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, Webster and Ron welcome back Umesh Baheti, SVP of Product and Engineering at MaxLite, to dive deep into the evolving world of lighting controls and smart building integration. Here's what you'll discover:   🏢 Trends in Lighting Controls Growing demand for better dimming and networked solutions Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) Reg...

Tired of garage-sale trainings and overpromised systems? So is John Wilson. In this episode, we dive into how he's revolutionizing lighting controls education with hands-on demo boards, utility-backed workshops, and brutally honest market insights. 💥 What’s Inside: Why most controls education fails—and how John’s fixing it The myth of “easy-to-use” systems (spoiler: they’re all 90% the same) How...

What if lighting education wasn’t just theory—but full-contact? In this episode, Bruce Clark, the “Lighting Sherpa” himself, returns to unveil the Lighting Excellence Dojo —a hands-on, immersive training ground where lighting pros don’t just talk the talk… they throw the punch .   🔥 What’s Inside: Why learning about lighting design is like reading about martial arts—you’ve got to do it to learn i...

What do DMX512, LP6, LP16, and RP42 have in common? Mitch Hefter. In this powerhouse episode, the legendary standards-maker returns to break down the protocols, practices, and pitfalls of lighting controls — from entertainment tech to architectural chaos.   💡 Highlights include:   The wild world of dimming methods and how your fixtures communicate LP6’s total rewrite: 600+ pages of lighting contr...

In this episode, we welcome back Nathan Williams—lighting controls expert and founder of Williams Lighting Control Services—for a deep dive into the real-world challenges and triumphs of lighting control systems. From daylighting dilemmas to commissioning chaos, Nathan shares boots-on-the-ground insights that every designer, technician, and stakeholder needs to hear.   🔥 Topics Covered: Why dayli...

Carol Jones has seen the lighting industry from every angle—design, standards, mentorship, and advocacy. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from engineering to lighting leadership, including her pivotal role in advancing DALI.     💬 What you'll hear:  - Carol’s early career and transition into lighting   - Her work with IES and the development of TM-30 color metrics   - Why DALI matters...

In this episode, we welcome back Bryan Lussier—Lead Control Specialist at Apex Lighting and President of DLF New England—to talk all things Boston Lights , New England’s premier lighting design and technology show. 🔥 What’s Inside: The evolution of Boston Lights and what makes it a must-attend event Behind-the-scenes insights on curating seminars and speaker lineups The power of regional shows vs...

In this illuminating episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast , we welcome Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian Institution, for a deep dive into the art and science of museum lighting. Scott shares his journey from theatrical lighting to designing systems that protect priceless artifacts while enhancing the visitor experience.   Discover how Bluetooth-enabled lighting controls ar...

Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this powerhouse episode, we’re joined by two industry legends, Gary Meshberg and Harold Jepsen, who dive deep into the evolving world of lighting controls and the groundbreaking new Sequence of Operations Matrix. 🔍 What’s the Matrix? The Sequence of Operations Matrix is a free, editable Excel-based design tool developed by the Lighting Controls As...

In this insightful episode, we welcome back Lyn Gomes—MEP Coordinator and President of the Building Commissioning Association—for a deep dive into the complexities of lighting controls, commissioning, and project coordination.   🔧 Topics Covered: The role of general contractors vs. subcontractors Why commissioning providers matter—and how budget impacts quality The importance of early coordinatio...

Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Cameron—Northeast Regional Sales Manager at ETC and a true veteran of the lighting world. From his early days in theater lighting to shaping architectural lighting design and education, Chuck shares a fascinating journey through the layers of light, control systems, and the evolving role of design in modern spac...

In this special debrief episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, hosts Webster Marsh, Ron Kuszmar, and Chris O'Shea—who also happen to be instructors—recap the inaugural session of the Lighting Specialist in Controls (LS-C) certification program (naild.org/ls-c/) hosted at Lightovation in June 2025.    🔥 Highlights from the episode:  - 🧠 Behind the scenes of creating and delivering the LS-C cer...

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast!   This week, we're joined by industry leaders Jennifer Mason (Regional Sales Manager at QTL and VP of the Designer Lighting Forum of NY) and Nehal Yousef (Chairperson of NYControlled and Sales Manager at Diversified Lighting) for an in-depth conversation on the future of lighting controls and education in New York City.    T...