Design + Build Day: Future-Forward Lighting in Hospitality

The inaugural Lightovation Design + Build Day spotlighted the transformative power of lighting in hospitality and commercial design. The centerpiece of the day was the keynote panel, “Future-Forward Lighting in Hospitality”, a thought-provoking conversation led by leaders in architecture, lighting design, and commercial specification. The keynote panel brought together experts from Gensler, recently named the #1 design firm in the world on Interior Design Magazine’s 2025 Top 100 Giants list, and expert lighting professionals to explore how lighting design is used to craft experiences for guests, which included everything from psychological perception to adaptive controls and cutting-edge technology. The panel shared their insights and experience on merging technical expertise with design strategy. 

Moderator and Panelists

• Moderator:
  • Alexis Cousby, RID, NCIDQ, Fitwel Ambassador | Gensler
    
    
• Panelists:
  • Jake Groth-Kyle, AIA, NCARB, Fitwel Ambassador, LEED Green Associate | Gensler
  • Brittany Martin, National Specification Sales | Commercial Lighting Industries
  • Jacob Gerber, IALD, CLD, Partner, Director of Dallas Studio | Essential Light Design Studio

Key Themes and Insights

A key idea that all speakers emphasized is that lighting is both a science and an art, capable of shaping mood and function. In hospitality environments, layered lighting, color temperature, and controls are essential tools for creating adaptable, high-performing spaces. Warmer color temperatures are touted for their ability to evoke a sense of comfort and a home-like feel.

The panel examined how innovations in LED technology, including miniaturization, tunable white light, and enhanced drivers, are providing designers with greater precision and creative freedom. According to the designers, the importance of shadow design and contrast are critical, but sometimes overlooked, element of visual storytelling.

Speakers also encouraged designers to experience lighting firsthand to understand the overall look and feel of the light provided. Testing fixtures on white walls or through lightbox renderings was also stated as an important part of the specification process. The discussion emphasized that lighting is most effective when it is immersive, ambient, and integrated early in the design process.

Key Takeaways

• Lighting impacts environmental comfort—consider mood and experience in hospitality settings.
• Layered lighting and adjustable presets are essential for multi-functional, adaptive spaces.
• Use warmer lighting temperatures to create inviting, residential atmospheres.
• Experience fixtures in person to understand behavior and effectiveness.
• Innovative LED technologies are expanding creative options for lighting design.
• Thoughtful lighting design is storytelling—leverage shadows, contrast, and optics for depth and mood.
• Hidden, ambient lighting often delivers greater impact than visible sources.
• Early collaboration between architects, designers, and lighting experts elevates the overall design outcome.

The panel provided both practical knowledge and inspiring strategies for leveraging lighting in meaningful ways. As the lighting industry continues to evolve, designers are encouraged to stay curious and collaborative to fully embrace lighting’s transformative potential.

Your next chance to see expert-led panels and fresh finds with renowned designers is at Dallas Design Week, Sept 16-18, which runs concurrently with Total Home & Gift Market and ArchLIGHT Summit. Learn more about: