Mac’s II Agencies Celebrates Recognition with 2025 IES Illumination Award of Merit 

October 27, 2025

Mac’s II Agencies is thrilled to share that the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex project has been awarded a 2025 IES Illumination Award of Merit for its meritorious contribution to lighting design by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), a distinguished recognition celebrating innovation and excellence in the field.

This honour highlights O4 Architecture’s visionary design leadership, with Mac’s II Agencies providing specialized lighting consultation to help bring the project’s lighting intent to life.

Merit 
The lighting design addresses diverse functional and aesthetic needs while enhancing user experience:
  • Wayfinding & Layout: Shifting triangular T-bar fixtures guide visitors through the building.
  • Acoustics & Comfort: Suspended acoustic panels and frosted lenses reduce glare and mitigate sound travel, providing a welcoming and usable space.
  • Sustainability & Efficiency: Dimmable, ASHRAE-compliant lighting controls allow energy-efficient use, complemented by a rooftop solar array that offsets part of the building’s electrical load.
  • Architectural Integration: Lighting highlights the existing mass timber structure, while playful triangular recessed fixtures bring visual intrigue and reinforce the building’s identity.

“Working with O4 Architecture on this project was an absolute pleasure. Their team’s vision is clear, precise, and deeply thoughtful—a true mastery at work. Contributing to the lighting solutions that bring their design to life was incredibly rewarding, resulting in a space that is as beautiful as it is functional.”

Mark Sheldrick, Specification Consultant at Mac’s II Agencies

By revitalizing an aged structure, this project enhances architectural identity and signals a transformation for the Richmond community. At night, the building glows warmly through the trees, symbolizing safety, engagement, and cultural vibrancy.

Mac’s II Agencies looks forward to celebrating at the Vision Awards Gala, presented by IES Vancouver, on October 23rd, 2025, alongside O4 Architecture as well as other outstanding lighting design projects that continue to push the boundaries of innovation.

Explore the full project case study: Richmond Cultural Centre Annex – Mac’s II Agencies

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene


Design

  • Omnify: 7 Common Light Panel Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    Omnify: 7 Common Light Panel Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    You’ve invested in premium LED light guide panels for your retail display or commercial project. The specs looked perfect. The samples were gorgeous. But now? Something’s off. Maybe the lighting is uneven, or panels are starting to fail way before they should. Here’s the thing, most LED light guide panel problems aren’t manufacturing defects. They’re… Read More…

  • Legrand: The Benefits of DMX Lighting in Modern Commercial Spaces 

    Legrand: The Benefits of DMX Lighting in Modern Commercial Spaces 

    DMX lighting is a powerful control protocol originally developed for theaters and entertainment venues, but its reach has expanded far beyond the stage. Today, DMX is increasingly used in commercial, educational, healthcare, and architectural environments to create dynamic, color-rich, and adaptable lighting experiences. Where traditional lighting systems focus primarily on on/off and dimming control, DMX… Read More…


New Products

  • RENO Lighting: Aerolux – Adaptive Area Light with Field-Adjustable Distribution

    RENO Lighting: Aerolux – Adaptive Area Light with Field-Adjustable Distribution

    Meet the Aerolux Series—a sculpted area light with on-site adjustable distribution, delivering precise, adaptable illumination across a range of applications. With a slim, curved profile and durable die-cast aluminum construction, Aerolux combines refined design with lasting performance and durability. One fixture. Multiple configurations. No compromises. Aerolux reduces SKU complexity while increasing on-site flexibility, and is… Read More…

  • LEDVANCE: SYLVANIA TruWave Technology

    LEDVANCE: SYLVANIA TruWave Technology

    TruWave Technology is a lighting technology developed by SYLVANIA. It provides the closest possible lighting experience to natural light by mimicking the natural light spectrum. Natural light is the most common light source in daily life, and it helps regulate body clocks and improve mood and focus. However, in indoor environments, the amount of natural… Read More…