IALD Honors Stephen Lees, FIALD with Lifetime Achievement Award

LDS IALD Lees 400

Oct 15, 2019

The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Stephen Lees, FIALD,  founding principal at Horton Lees Brogden (HLB) Lighting Design, at the annual Enlighten Americas conference in Albuquerque, NM USA. In IALD’s 50-year history, this marks the seventh time an IALD member has received the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to an IALD member whose body of work is extraordinary and worthy of special honor, acknowledging their lifetime of supporting lighting design while raising the profile of the profession.

“Stephen has been a pioneer in the lighting profession and IALD throughout his career,” said IALD president, David Ghatan, IALD, CLD. “His body of work has driven innovation and been inspirational, his influence in many of IALD’s programs is still impactful today and he leaves quite a legacy with his firm, growing future interest in lighting design.”

Stephen’s passion for the profession of lighting design can been seen throughout his dynamic career and in significant contributions to IALD. He began his interest in lighting as a theater professional and later applied what he learned to architecture. As one of three founders of Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design (HLB), Stephen oversaw the growth of the firm from a small single office practitioner to one of the largest lighting design firms in North America. His work and mentorship have inspired generations of young designers to build their careers in lighting design.

An IALD member since 1976, Stephen started his active involvement in the early days of IALD in New York. His contributions over the years, including serving in numerous roles—from editor of the IALD’s newsletter, treasurer, representative of the Association to the New York State Tax Authorities, to recent board member—have helped shaped how the organization has changed and grown.

IALD’s Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded to IALD members who have been nominated for their lifetime of outstanding contribution to the profession of lighting design which includes either exceptional leadership to the aesthetic, scientific and educational effectiveness of the profession, or how their work contributed to better public awareness and/or education appreciation of lighting design. Stephen joins these fellow IALD members who have been awarded this honor:

  • Raymond Grenald, FIALD (2008)
  • David Mintz, FIALD (2007)
  • Howard Brandston, FIALD (2001)
  • Jules Horton, FIALD (2000)
  • Donald Gersztoff, FIALD (1999)
  • Lesley Wheel, FIALD (1999)

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…