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

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Key Destination Point in Calgary

    Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Key Destination Point in Calgary

    The CF Chinook Centre (more commonly known as Chinook Centre) was always destined to be a major destination point for Calgary. Opened in 1965, it is conveniently located near the city center and is only 20 minutes from Calgary International Airport. Over the years, it grew to become Calgary’s largest shopping mall with more than… Read More…

  • Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    In infrastructure projects, the size and scale of outdoor lighting fixtures are critical—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality, safety, and long-term performance. Whether lighting a streetscape, transit hub, or civic plaza, appropriately scaled fixtures help create environments that are both visually coherent and effectively illuminated. Public lighting plays a role in shaping how spaces… Read More…


New Products