Light Headed: A VLD Community Podcast

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Oct 2026

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Where is lighting headed next? Every fortnight, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community pick the stories shaping the world of light and argue about what they really mean. Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist) come at every story from a different angle: the science, the business, the client and the bigger picture. Expect honest disagreement more often than polite consensus. From time to time, a special guest joins the table. Each episode draws on The Pulse, VLDC's weekly feed of lighting and AI news. That means new research, new technology, and the claims the industry makes about health, sustainability and artificial intelligence, tested against what actually matters to the people who design, specify and make light. Along the way you'll hear what's happening across the community: the events worth knowing about, the members worth meeting, and where the conversation goes next. For lighting designers, architects, interior designers, consultants, manufacturers, researchers, educators and students, and anyone curious about light. Light Headed is made by the VLD Community, the free global community for everyone who works with light. Join free at vld.community. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

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October 6, 202658 min

A new VLDC, and three stories we couldn't agree on

Is CRI telling us what we actually see? Should AI be refereeing product substitutions? And can lighting really help people living with dementia? In the very first episode of Light Headed, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community take on three stories from The Pulse, and don't agree on any of them. Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist) join from Perth, Athens and Chennai. THE NEW VLDC We start with the platform itself. VLDC has been reorganised: a simpler layout, a Knowledge Library sorted by topic, a member directory you can search by role, expertise, region and availability, an events space covering the whole industry rather than just our own calendar, and a new monthly Member Spotlight. Amardeep explains why one shared events calendar matters in an industry this fragmented, and why the last six years were really the beta test. STORY 1: IS CRI TELLING US WHAT WE ACTUALLY SEE? A paper in Optical Materials argues that shifting a red peak from 620 to 630 nm drops CRI from 86 to 69, yet the light looks better. Amardeep makes the scientific case for moving beyond CRI to IES TM-30. Martin trusts his eye first and reaches for the science second. Katia asks the question underneath both: how do you explain any of this to a client? STORY 2: CAN AI JUDGE PRODUCT SUBSTITUTIONS? Paul Rodenbush argues AI belongs in the substitution process as a neutral comparison layer. Martin wants AI that explains its reasoning so designers learn from it. Amardeep points out that AI can find the closest product, but only the designer knows why the beam angle has to be two degrees. Katia worries about a generation learning to design with their judgement already outsourced. STORY 3: SMART LIGHTING AND DEMENTIA Penn State has won US$3.6 million to test, over five years with 300 residents in ten nursing homes, whether tunable lighting genuinely helps people living with dementia. Amardeep on the gap between what the market claims and what the evidence supports. Martin on why lighting designers are not doctors, and Katia on the fact that we prescribe anyway. We don't settle any of it. That's the point. Tell us where you stand and we'll pick it up next time. READ THE STORIES Is CRI telling us what we actually see? https://members.vld.community/c/world-news/is-cri-telling-us-what-we-actually-see Can AI help project teams judge product substitutions? https://members.vld.community/c/ai-news/can-ai-help-project-teams-judge-product-substitutions Smart lighting trial aims to help people with dementia https://members.vld.community/c/world-news/smart-lighting-trial-aims-to-help-people-with-dementia MENTIONED Lux Futurum Forum 2026, Shenzhen · IES TM-30 · Colour Quality Scale (CQS) · Inside Lighting · US Lighting Trends · The Lighting Police JOIN FREE VLDC is the free global community for everyone who designs, specifies, makes and works with light. Join at members.vld.community Light Headed is free thanks to our Advanced Supporters: Signify, ERCO, WAC Lighting, Casambi, LEDS C4, Aero Light, Photizo and Lighting Recipe Studio. New episode every fortnight. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

March 25, 2025Episode 6119 min

The Lighting Professional's Challenge: a conversation with Andrew Bissel

Send us Fan Mail A passionate conversation with Andrew Bissel at Light Middle East reveals the growing frustration among lighting professionals fighting for recognition in the built environment. Wearing multiple hats as Ridge and Partners' lighting design head, a dark sky consultant for Red Sea Global, and past president of the Society of Light and Lighting, Andrew delivers a candid assessment of where the industry stands today. Quote of the day: “We need this participation of advocates, we need the certification for a business model and we need the legislation from government to drive certain industries, because they won’t drive themselves. But you also need the lighting professional.” — Andrew Bissel This interview was recorded at Light Middle East in Dubai in 2024. Although it's been a little over a year, the insights and expertise Andrew shares are timeless and incredibly relevant today. The discussion highlights a painful truth: despite decades of education and advocacy, lighting remains "the forgotten person around the design table." As Andrew bluntly puts it, "Every poor project didn't have a lighting professional." After years of polite education, he suggests the time may have come for lighting experts to more assertively claim their rightful place in the design process. Perhaps most fascinating is the exploration of how the industry has evolved beyond separating "dark sky specialists" from regular lighting designers. Today's professionals simply practice "responsible design" as standard. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn when addressing how lighting organisations themselves might inadvertently reinforce industry silos rather than breaking them down. Could integrating lighting professionals throughout built environment events rather than segregating them into dedicated sections be the way forward? For anyone invested in the future of lighting design, this discussion illuminates both challenges and potential pathways to elevating the profession's recognition across architecture, engineering, planning, and beyond. Join us in exploring how lighting professionals can finally secure their essential place at the design table. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

March 18, 2025Episode 607 min

East Meets West: How Lux Futurum Is Transforming Lighting Design Awards

Send us Fan Mail March Look Back As we pause to reflect on our recent episodes, we've been privileged to host some exceptional conversations in lighting design. Looking back at our recent two episodes, Philip Rafael from Insight Lighting Berlin shared invaluable insights on workplace lighting and wellbeing, challenging traditional productivity-focused approaches. Our community resonated strongly with his vision of transforming lighting from purely functional to wellness-supporting elements. Following that, Koert Vermeulen from ACT Lighting Design Brussels offered a masterclass in merging artistic expression with technical precision. His approach to lighting as a storytelling medium has sparked meaningful discussions in our community." We'd love to hear your thoughts on these episodes. Join the conversation at members.vld.community, where you can view full episodes and share your perspectives. Lux Futurum 2025 Lux Futurum 2025 stands at the forefront of lighting design innovation, reimagining how excellence is recognized in our industry. This groundbreaking global program transcends traditional awards by focusing on future-oriented concepts, products, and projects that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Our distinguished 2025 judging panel brings together remarkable talents from across the globe. Claudia Paz from Peru eagerly anticipates discovering "what creative minds around the world are thinking about the future," while Faraz Izhar from Dubai highlights how Lux Futurum fills a crucial gap in recognizing emerging technologies and AI applications in lighting. Daniel Hammond brings his expertise in light science and its health impacts, complemented by Jinkie De Jesus's enthusiasm for innovations that extend beyond decorative purposes into crucial areas like healthcare lighting. Karen Owens celebrates the "East meets West" philosophy underpinning the program, noting how different global regions experience unique "rhythms of light" that influence design approaches. Lauren Dandridge, both a practicing principal and educator, values how the program exposes students and professionals alike to "the newest, freshest ideas around lighting design." Building on the success of our inaugural 2024 event in Guangzhou, Lux Futurum represents a unique collaboration between the Virtual Lighting Design Community and the Zhurong team. This partnership creates a platform where Eastern and Western design philosophies converge, fostering innovations that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Whether you're an established professional or emerging talent, we welcome your submissions that challenge conventions and reimagine what lighting design can achieve. Visit luxfuturum.com to learn more and submit your groundbreaking concepts. Join us in shaping the future of lighting design—where technology, wellbeing, and artistic expression converge to create transformative experiences. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

February 12, 2025Episode 5824 min

Philip Rafael on Reimagining Workplace Lighting for Enhanced Well-Being and Connection

Send us Fan Mail Founder & Design Director at In'Sight Lighting Design, Philip Rafael explores a critical element often overlooked in workplace design: lighting. With over 18 years of global experience, Philip sheds light on how traditional lighting has prioritised productivity over well-being, sometimes to the detriment of employee health and job satisfaction. He explains how a shift in focus can lead to healthier, happier work environments by minimising negative lighting effects like glare and flicker. Lighting can be reimagined to support not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being, especially as hybrid offices become the norm. "Lighting for health and wellbeing needs to be an experience, providing a variety of environments that nurture our professional, personal, and physical needs." — Philip Rafael In this episode we go back a couple of years when Philip presented this topic at the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition 2023. It was certainly a memorable event and the topic is still very relevant and pertinent today. The presentation dived into the transformative power of lighting as a "supercharger" for diverse workplace needs. Philip discussed the importance of flexible and inclusive lighting environments that cater to both extroverts and introverts, advocating for the adoption of biophilic and multi-sensory designs, to name some of the highlights. The take home message included how these strategies can thrive even within conservative company cultures, ultimately creating dynamic spaces that encourage self-regulation and community connection. By integrating scientific criteria with innovative design, he aims to craft workspaces that genuinely nurture the health and well-being of today’s workforce. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

December 19, 2024Episode 5717 min

Martin Klaasen & Paul Nulty | Reshaping Future Growth & Innovation Through Merger & Collaboration

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two industry giants join forces to reshape the future of lighting design? Tune in to hear Martin Klaasen and Paul Nulty share their insights following the merger of Klaasen Lighting Design and Nulty+. Get a better understanding of how their shared values and mutual respect are setting the stage for unprecedented growth and innovation. This isn't just a business deal; it's a cultural alignment that prioritises knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the well-being of loyal staff, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for both companies involved. The excitement of transitioning from a "small, family-like atmosphere to a more structured enterprise" is palpable—Martin Klaasen. The merger has cleared the path for mentoring, embracing diverse cultures, and empowering every team member to harness their strengths. Paul Nulty: "Picture a merry band of pirates ready to chart new courses"—this is the spirit driving our unified team as we align our energies for significant growth. It's a partnership built on trust and respect, where the whole truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. ERCO A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Filix Lighting Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

February 25, 2025Episode 5936 min

Illuminating Experiences: The Art of Lighting Design with Koert Vermeulen

Send us Fan Mail Is lighting design an art or a science? In this episode we feature Koert Vermeulen from ACT Lighting Design, based in Brussels, Belgium. Koert was one of our earliest thought leaders to share on the Virtual Lighting Design Community platform and it was certainly a memorable presentation. Initially, Koert's presentation was shared only with premium members of the community. However, since opening up the community to a wider audience late last year and introducing free memberships, everyone will be able to have access to the great information shared by our earlier presenters. We have seen a tremendous amount of new members join the community and this is why we are excited to re-release this episode again. This time also as a podcast episode. Please enjoy and let us know your thoughts in the comments. "Recreate exceptional experiences at the intersection of design, arts, and innovation." — Koert Vermeulen Lighting is much more than just illumination—it's an art form that transforms spaces and experiences. Koert delves deep in to how lighting can evoke emotions, encourages interaction, and enhances narratives in environments. He shares his insights on the interplay of creativity and engineering, revealing the nuances that separate great lighting from mere functionality. A central theme of the presentation is about the importance of storytelling in design and how a multidisciplinary approach helps blend visuals, sound, and interactivity into co-created experiences. Koert also discusses innovative brainstorming methods, like Miro, that enhance collaboration among team members, making the creative process more fluid and effective. This presentation is not just for lighting design professionals; it’s for anyone interested in the art of creating memorable experiences. Join us as we take an in depth look at how thoughtful design can impact our lives and spaces. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave your thoughts on the episode! Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

October 9, 2024Episode 5533 min

Kunal Shah, Principal Lighting Designer at SPK Valo | Transforming Architectural Spaces with Layered Lighting and Cultural Nuances

Send us Fan Mail What happens when lighting transcends its traditional role and becomes an integral part of architectural storytelling? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with Kunal Shah, Principal Lighting Designer at SPK Valo. Kunal shares his journey from the academic halls of Sweden to the vibrant projects of Hyderabad, India, illustrating how lighting design has evolved from mere lux calculations to a sophisticated dialogue about material interaction and layered illumination. Discover the importance of communication in achieving desired lighting effects and how young professionals can harness these skills to revolutionise architectural spaces. Our conversation goes beyond energy-saving techniques to reveal how lighting creates dynamic environments that resonate emotionally with people. Through captivating case studies, including an experience centre for a startup and a cinema maker’s office inspired by Marrakesh's light play, we see the transformative potential of layered lighting. Kunal emphasises the role of cultural and personal nuances in crafting lighting solutions that captivate every stakeholder involved. This episode is packed with insights and stories that showcase how strategic lighting can enhance aesthetics, highlight architectural character, and adapt spaces for varied functions and moods. Quote of the Day: "Lighting design is not just about illumination; it's about creating experiences that transform spaces, evoke emotions, and tell stories." — Kunal Shah Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. ERCO A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Filix Lighting Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

October 22, 2024Episode 5618 min

Post-Presentation Q&A with Kunal Shah, Founder of SPK Valo | Storytelling and Perceptual Transformation in Lighting Design Across Cultures

Send us Fan Mail In this post presentation Q&A, Ingmar Klaasen, VLDC Co-founder, talks with Kunal Shah of SPK Valo about his presentation on the art of perceptual transformation in lighting design. Through Kunal's journey from the Netherlands' LuxLab to establishing his own practice in Hyderabad, uncover the pivotal role of architectural storytelling and how it can revolutionise client involvement and empower budding designers. Explore Kunal's unique insights into the cultural dynamics between Western and Indian lighting design approaches, and how understanding these nuances can create impactful lighting solutions. Join our engaging conversation with Kunal as he shares his experiences navigating the challenges of catering to diverse lighting preferences. Learn about the importance of communication and the use of storytelling as a tool in the design process. Kunal delves into the layered approach to lighting, highlighting the significance of understanding cultural filters to align design strategies with regional preferences. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring designer, this episode promises valuable insights into the transformative power of storytelling in lighting design. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. ERCO A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Filix Lighting Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

August 20, 2024Episode 5322 min

Q&A – Maria Dautant & Ingmar Klaasen | Balancing Efficiency and Liveability: Addressing Light Pollution and Light Poverty

Send us Fan Mail Today we unpack the profound impact light has on our environment, health, and communities, guided by insights from Maria Dautant, a senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design. Maria is joined by cofounder of the VLD Community, Ingmar Klaasen, as they dive into the pressing issues of light pollution and light poverty, exploring the adverse effects of sky glow, glare, and light trespass. Maria emphasises the critical need for balanced lighting guidelines and the role of governmental education in making informed decisions that don't compromise human health or energy savings. The conversation touches on the indigenous communities living without reliable electric lighting, discussing innovative solutions like seawater lamps and solar-powered devices. Traditional lighting methods such as kerosene lamps and torches come with serious safety concerns, but new technologies offer promising alternatives. Maria and Ingmar also uncover surprising insights about the global impact of light pollution, examining cities like St. Petersburg and Helsinki, and pondering the role of snow in their brightness rankings. From the benefits of LED lighting for energy savings to the challenges of preserving dark skies while addressing light poverty, this conversation is all about finding the right balance between efficiency and liveability. For anyone who hasn't heard Maria Dautant's presentation on the topic of 'Light Pollution vs Light Poverty' in the previous episode, please do go back and listen to that, it's well worth listening to it right to the end. It'll add a lot of nuance and depth to the concepts touched on in this Q&A. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. ERCO A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Filix Lighting Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

August 12, 2024Episode 5231 min

Maria Dautant, Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design | Addressing Light Pollution and Light Poverty for a Healthier, Balanced World

Send us Fan Mail How does the glow of city lights impact our environment and health? Discover the surprising answers as we unpack the complexities of light pollution and light poverty in this illuminating episode. Maria Dautant, a Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design, joins us to share her expert insights on the often-overlooked consequences of artificial lighting on biodiversity and human health. From disrupted sleep patterns to endangered wildlife, we explore why balancing the right amount of light is crucial for both our ecosystem and well-being. Ever wondered why some neighbourhoods are bathed in light while others languish in darkness? This episode sheds light on the glaring issue of light poverty affecting over a billion people worldwide. Hear about innovative initiatives like the Sea Water Lamp Project and Light Reach Network, which are making strides to provide sustainable lighting solutions in impoverished areas. Maria Dutton offers a compelling look at how inadequate lighting hinders social development and challenges our notions of a basic standard of living. Lighting is more than just flipping a switch—it's a cornerstone of public safety, health, and community well-being. Explore how cities across the U.S. are rethinking their lighting strategies to reduce light pollution and enhance safety. Learn practical tips for adopting sustainable lighting practices and improving the quality of light in your own community. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why quality lighting is not just an aesthetic choice but a fundamental aspect of modern life. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and empower you to see the world in a new light. Quote of the Day: "So we need to come to an agreement that it is all about balance, right? We have seen that it is possible to introduce lighting into our environment without necessarily creating damaging outcomes in both our environment and ourselves." — Maria Dautant Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. ERCO A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Filix Lighting Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

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