Martin Conboy Lighting Design (MCLD)

Martin Conboy

 

Detail from the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Arras, France

For over 25 years, Martin Conboy Lighting Design (MCLD) has been supplying lighting design services with the conviction that good lighting should offer more than illumination.

Founded in 1983, MCLD has received many international awards for its work on projects of commercial, theatrical, institutional, urban and public character. Since the inception of the firm, Martin Conboy has encouraged his designers and associates to visualize the needs of an assignment without allowing presumptions of equipment to be a motivating force.

The services MCLD provides include: 

• needs assessment

• feasibility studies

• concept design and development, 

• fixture design

• computer analysis

• mock-ups of potential design solutions

• technical design for theatre and ancillary lighting systems

• energy use analysis

• project management

• training

Here are brief bios of two of MCLD’s associates.

Martin Conboy, Principal

Education

• Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, AB 

• Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

• Kevin St. College of Technology, Ireland

Memberships

• Member, Illuminating Engineering Society

• Former Vice President, Board of Directors, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa

• Head of Visual Arts Committee, Great Canadian Theatre Company

• Board Member / Producer, New Theatre of Ottawa

Awards

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Arras France, Illumination Design Award, the National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society (NCR IES), 2009

• Library of Parliament, Illumination Design Award, the National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society (NCR IES) 2007

• Ottawa International Airport – Public Space Lighting, International Illumination Design Award, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), 2005

• Alexandra Bridge Lighting, Illumination Design Award, The National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society (NCR IES), 2002

• Canadian National War Memorial & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The International Illuminating Design Award, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), 2001

• Notre Dame Cathedral, The International Illuminating Design Award, IESNA, 2000

• Museum of Civilization, The International Illuminating Design Award, IESNA, 1995

• Viola MacMillan Mineral Gallery, Canadian Museum of Nature, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES, 1993 and The International Illuminating Design Award, IESNA, 1993

• Lithwick Corporation, 150 Metcalfe St. Entrance, Fibre Optic Lighting Sculpture, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES, 1992 and The International Illuminating Design Award, IESNA, 1992

• The Canadian War Memorial, Ottawa, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES, 1991 and The International Illuminating Design Award, IESNA, 1991

• Notre Dame Cathedral, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES, 1993

• Plaza Bridge, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES

• Alexandra Bridge, The Illuminating Design Award, NCR IES

• Theatre Awards

• Audrey Ashley award for Distinction in Theatre Design

Bruce Meiklejohn, Senior Designer

Education

• B.Arch, LC (Lighting Certified), MIES

A graduate with distinction of Carleton University’s Architecture program, Bruce fulfils the role of senior designer and project coordinator. Since May 2001, he has worked on many profile lighting projects such as the Ottawa International Airport expansion, Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Canadian National Vimy Memorial, and Canadian National Library of Parliament.Through such experience, he has utilized both his artistic design sensibility with integration from concept design to construction, and his technical skills maintaining the concept approach with integrity in design and specifications, lighting layouts, lighting calculations, coordinated fixture/architectural detailing, budget control, shop drawing review, and site review.

Recent projects include the Canada Aviation Museum expansion, Ottawa Convention Centre, University of Waterloo Quantum-Nano Centre, a large CSEC design-build institutional complex, and work for the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.Bruce also instructs in lighting for local and national lighting-based courses, and has enjoyed teaching in the Bachelor of Interior Design program at Algonquin College.Bruce is a Lighting Certified accredited professional, and as a recent Past President, he is on the Board of Managers for the Ottawa IES Section (Illuminating Engineering Society) as membership chairman.

The company’s portfolio includes 

• exterior architectural lighting

• interior

• exhibits

MCLD offers its services as theatre consultant and has worked in this capacity on new and renovated performing arts facilities.

Cross section of past and current projects

• City of Ottawa: Technical Design of multi-purpose Studio Theatre at the St Laurent Leisure Centre

• Canadian Museum Construction Corporation: Technical Specifications for CMC theatre facility

• Bronson Centre Theatre: Design and specifications for theatre systems.

• Great Canadian Theatre Company: Feasibility study with Cole and Associates Architects

• National Capital Commission: Technical consulting for NCC events included specification of sound and lighting systems for outdoor performance sites; feasibility study on the uses of giant screen technologies assistance in the re-design of Astrolabe site; design of mobile trailer lighting system for Parliament Hill Sound and Light Show

• National Gallery of Canada: Technical Design and specification of theatrical lighting system for the Auditorium and Great Hall

• Ajax Multipurpose Community Theatre: With Karl Stevens of Stevens Burgess Architect, Toronto

• Sacred Heart High School, Stittsville Ontario: Community and School Performing arts facility With Heinz Burgsthaler, Edward J. Cuhaci& Associates Architects, Ottawa

• Great Canadian Theatre Company: Professional Theatre Performing Facility With Tony Griffiths, Griffiths Rankin Cook & Associates Architects, Ottawa

• ÉcoleBéatrice-Desloges High School: Technical Design and specification of theatrical lighting system for the Auditorium With Heinz Burgsthaler, Edward J. Cuhaci& Associates Architects, Ottawa

• LDH Secondary School: Technical Design and specification of theatrical lighting system for the Auditorium With Heinz Burgsthaler, Edward J. Cuhaci& Associates Architects, Ottawa

Current projects Include: 

• George Brown College Waterfront Health Sciences Campus, Toronto

• Ottawa Convention Centre

• Canada Aviation Museum, Ottawa

• Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto

• Quantum-Nano Centre, University of Waterloo

• Shaw Discovery Auditorium, Edmonton

• Southbrook Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Beechwood National Military Cemetery

• Canadian Library of Parliament, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

• Canadian Legion Headquarters, Nepean, Ontario

MCLD Awards

• 2010— Royal Conservatory of Music: Illumination Design Award, the National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society

• 2009 — Canadian National Vimy Memorial: Illumination Design Award, the National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society

• 2007— Library of Parliament: Illumination Design Award, the National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society

• 2005— Ottawa International Airport – Public Spaces Lighting: International Illumination Design Award, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 2003 — Dominion-Chalmers United Church: Award of Excellence – Restoration, City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Awards

• 2002— Alexandra Bridge lighting: Illumination Design Award, The National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society

• 2001 — Canadian National War Memorial & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The International Illumination Design Award of Merit, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 2000— Notre Dame Cathedral: The International Illumination Design Award of Merit, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 1995— The exterior of the Museum of Civilization: The International Illuminating Design Award, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 1993— The Viola Macmillan gallery, Canadian museum of nature: The International Illuminating Design Award, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 1992— Lithwick Corporation, 150 Metcalfe St., entrance fibre optic lighting sculpture: The International Illuminating Design Award, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

• 1991— Canadian War Memorial, Ottawa. In joint venture, The Illuminating Design Award, The National Capital Region of the Illuminating Engineering Society; Paul Waterbury Outdoor Lighting Design Award of Excellence, Presented by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America 

 

Related Articles

Changing Scene

  • Oct 8, 2026 - Canada Light Expo 2026 To Unite Canada’s Lighting Industry Under One Roof - CLE 2026

    Canada Light Expo 2026 To Unite Canada’s Lighting Industry Under One Roof

    Canada Light Expo 2026, the country’s premier exhibition for the lighting and LED technology sector, will return to the International Centre, Toronto, on 18–19 November 2026. Marking its 3rd edition, the event is expected to bring together more than 100 leading brands and showcase over 1,000 lighting solutions, connecting manufacturers, designers, specifiers, distributors, contractors, and… Read More…

  • Oct 7, 2026 - Eureka Wins Multiple GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards

    Eureka Wins Multiple GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards

    Eureka is pleased to announce that five of its luminaire families have been recognized in the 19th edition of the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards. Jarry, Orelia, Scout Accessories, Torno, and Tulip all received GOLD CERTIFICATION in the Product Design – Lighting/Indoor Lighting Fixture category. The GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards is an international competition… Read More…

Design

  • LEDVANCE: Toyota Lighting Case Study – Brossard, Quebec, Canada

    LEDVANCE: Toyota Lighting Case Study – Brossard, Quebec, Canada

    Located 15 minutes from Montreal, Toyota’s Quebec Regional Office in Brossard, Canada houses a first-floor training and service area, and second-floor offices where financial services and dealer network operations are conducted.  With environmental sustainability representing a core pillar of Toyota’s mission, the Brossard location has long been committed to embracing products and practices that conserve… Read More…

  • CSC LED: How Product Availability Impacts Project Timelines

    CSC LED: How Product Availability Impacts Project Timelines

    When planning an LED lighting project, the focus is usually on performance, specifications, budget, and application requirements. But there is another factor that can have just as much impact on the project: product availability. A fixture may be the right choice on paper, but if it is not available when needed, it can affect installation… Read More…

New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: Dual Head Security Lights – Bullet & Square Heads Models

    SATCO|NUVO: Dual Head Security Lights – Bullet & Square Heads Models

    SATCO|NUVO’s Dual Head Security Lights deliver dependable outdoor illumination for residential and commercial applications. Available in traditional bullet head designs as well as architectural square heads, these fixtures feature selectable 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K color temperatures and are offered in black, white, and bronze finishes to complement a variety of exteriors. Constructed from rugged die-cast… Read More…

  • ABB Ready-Lite: RSAUR Series – Surface-Mount Architectural Remote Fixture

    ABB Ready-Lite: RSAUR Series – Surface-Mount Architectural Remote Fixture

    The RSAUR Series surface-mount architectural remote fixture is designed specifically for installations requiring a junction box, whether recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended. Engineered for easy installation, it combines performance with simplicity and style, making it a smart choice for commercial and architectural environments. Recognized with Grands Prix du Design | Gold Certification 2026. Read More…