Lighting Controls Podcast

 🚀 Is AC power becoming obsolete? In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, entrepreneur & engineer Bolis Ibrahim breaks down a massive shift happening in buildings: the move from AC to DC power. ⚡ Key takeaways: - Most modern devices (LEDs, laptops, EVs, solar) already run on DC - Today’s buildings waste energy constantly converting AC → DC - DC systems can eliminate bulky drivers, reduce failures, and cut inefficiencies - New wiring methods = less copper, less conduit, lower costs - Emerging standards (like USB-C power) are pushing DC adoption even further - The future? Hybrid buildings now → fully DC-powered later 💡 Bottom line: We’re potentially witnessing a transformation as big as Tesla vs Edison… again. #Lighting #Engineering #Energy #Innovation #SmartBuildings #dcpower Connect with Bolis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolis/ https://www.cencepower.com/ Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com 

 In this episode, Hilary Wainer—owner of Lux et Veritas Design—shares her journey from theatrical lighting to leading high-end architectural projects. She breaks down why lighting controls are getting more complex (not simpler) and how that impacts designers, engineers, and clients. From hotels and restaurants to ballrooms, Hilary explains how great lighting isn’t just design—it’s experience, usability, and smart control strategy. 💡 Key takeaways: - Simplicity beats overcomplication in control systems - You can’t “just throw it on a dimmer” anymore - Real success comes from early conversations with clients - Lighting design must consider time of day, user behavior, and staff turnover - The best systems balance flexibility + ease of use 🔥 Bottom line: Great lighting control isn’t about tech—it’s about understanding people, spaces, and how they interact. https://luxetveritasdesign.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-wainer-donnelly-805a4b1 Sponsor: mwConnect, mwconnect.us 

Troubleshooting lighting systems isn’t just about knowing the technology—it’s about thinking clearly under pressure. In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, industry veteran David Fox shares powerful real-world insights from nearly three decades in entertainment and architectural lighting. From separating symptoms vs. real problems to asking smarter questions and staying calm when everything is on fire, David breaks down the soft skills and mindset that make great troubleshooters. This conversation features practical strategies to diagnose issues faster, communicate better, and solve problems without losing your head.Key takeaways:Why troubleshooting is more about process than product knowledge How to identify the actual problem behind the symptoms The importance of clear communication and active listening Simple techniques like divide-and-conquer debugging Why the best technicians know where to find answers, not just the answers themselves A must-listen for technicians, integrators, and anyone who’s ever heard the words:“The lights aren’t working.” 💡Sponsor: mwConnect, www.mwconnect.us

After a brief hiatus, the Lighting Controls Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation about where the industry stands today. In this episode, we discuss why consistent content matters, where professionals can start learning lighting controls, and why local reps and manufacturers are often the most overlooked educational resources.We also dive into real-world lessons from the field, including when to test new technology, why lighting control systems require ongoing maintenance, and how “simple” devices can sometimes create complex user experiences. From schools to restaurants to commercial offices, we explore how thoughtful lighting control design directly impacts both performance and end-user satisfaction.If you're a specifier, integrator, contractor, distributor, or simply curious about lighting controls, this episode offers practical insight and actionable advice drawn from real project experience.Welcome back — we’re glad you’re here.To learn more about Lighting Controls education and training, visit https://lightingcontrolsacademy.org/video-courses/ArchLIGHT Summit, September 15-16, 2026. https://archlightsummit.com/Sponsor: Maxlite, www.maxlite.com, 

🎙️ Ron & Web get real about the biggest mistakes they’ve made in the lighting + construction world — from costly fixture mix‑ups to terrifying rigging surprises. It’s a humbling, funny, and brutally honest look at lessons learned the hard way. 👉 Tune in for stories of near‑disasters, fixes on the fly, and why owning your mistakes is the ultimate power move. #Podcast #LightingDesign #ConstructionFails #LessonsLearned Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, the team sits down with Kenny Schutz, Principal at Focus Lighting in New York. Kenny shares his journey from theater kid to architectural lighting designer, and how theatrical training uniquely prepares professionals for the world of lighting controls. 💡 Key Highlights: Why so many theater professionals transition into lighting design and controls. The importance of collaboration, deadlines, and storytelling in lighting projects. Focus Lighting’s hands-on approach: in-house testing, mockups, and troubleshooting real-world dimming challenges. Memorable stories of flickering fixtures, elevator interference, and the infamous “40 fixtures on one dimmer” problem. How Focus Lighting blends creativity with technical expertise to deliver hospitality and residential projects that truly shine.  👉 Tune in to hear Kenny’s insights on controls, programming, and the art of making lighting both reliable and emotional. Connect with Kenny:www.linkedin.com/in/kennyschutz1880www.focuslighting.com Sponsor: mwConnect, mwconnect.us

In this episode, hosts Ron Kuszmar and Webster Marsh sit down with two industry leaders: Andrew Cardello (Resource Innovations) – Program implementer helping utilities and vendors maximize incentives. Mike Berube (Independent Electric Supply) – VP of Sales with 15+ years in the field, driving efficiency projects across New England.  Together, they dive into: 🔌 The shift from fixture rebates to controls 🏫 Common retrofit projects in higher education, healthcare, and industrial spaces 🤝 Bridging the gap between specifiers and distributors 📱 Why lighting controls are “just another app on your phone” 📚 The critical role of education and training for contractors and owners 🌍 How incentive programs are evolving and what that means for the future of smart buildings  From specifiers and distributors to contractors—or anyone curious about the future of lighting controls—this episode delivers valuable insights on collaboration, adoption, and the evolving path toward greater efficiency. #LightingControls #SmartBuildings #EnergyEfficiency #Podcast #BostonLights Connect with Andrew: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cardello/ Https://www.eversource.com/business/save-money-energy/energy-efficiency-programs/commercial-buildings/existing-building-solutions/express-lighting  Connect with Michael: Linkedin.com/in/michael-berube-759ba622iesbuy.com Sponsor: Maxlite, maxlite.com

Why are lighting controls still such a tough sell? Kyle Hemmi from CLEAResult joins the podcast to unpack nearly 30 years of experience in energy efficiency, lighting, and HVAC integration — and he’s not sugarcoating it. In this episode, we dive into:⚡ The real-world friction points for lighting controls adoption 💰 Why incentives and ROI still make or break a project 🧠 Human factors: how color temperature, brightness, and bad experiences shape perception 🔧 Training, tools, and the need for flexible, user-friendly systems 🏭 Why most contractors aren’t designers — and how to bridge that gap 📉 False triggers, occupancy sensor fails, and the psychology of “too bright” 🛠️ How to leverage reps, distributors, and agencies for smarter installs 📚 Training, training, training — and why half-day sessions beat full-day lectures Wonder why your lights keep turning off mid-meeting? Listen to this episode for some insights, empathy, and actionable advice. #LightingControls #EnergyEfficiency #SmartBuildings #HVACIntegration #LightingDesign #CLEAResult #MaxLite #Podcast Connect with Kyle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-hemmi-lc-44b843/https://www.clearesult.com/ Sponsor: Maxlite, maxlite.com

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast! This time, we’re joined by industry veteran Dave Werry, who brings over a decade of hands-on experience in lighting systems, engineering, and field service. 🔦 What’s Inside: Dave’s journey from semiconductors to lighting controls Real-world challenges of lighting system startups and maintenance Why remote access and regular backups are mission-critical The surprising truth about energy monitoring—yes, end users care! Navigating IT hurdles and cybersecurity in modern lighting networks Must-have tools and tips for field technicians and designers  💡 Curious about how smart buildings stay lit and efficient? Keep yourself lit and efficient by tuning into this episode, full of insights, stories, and practical advice. #LightingControls #SmartBuildings #IoT #EnergyEfficiency #Podcast #MWConnect #FieldEngineering #LightingDesign #TechTalks #DaveWerry #FacilityManagement Connect with Dave:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewerry/ Sponsor: mwConnect, mwconnect.us

In this episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, Webster and Ron welcome back Umesh Baheti, SVP of Product and Engineering at MaxLite, to dive deep into the evolving world of lighting controls and smart building integration. Here's what you'll discover: 🏢 Trends in Lighting Controls Growing demand for better dimming and networked solutions Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) Regional differences in code compliance (e.g., Title 24 in California, Local Law 88 in NYC)  🔗 BMS & HVAC Integration Lighting Controls providing data to other building points (HVAC, Shades, Switched Outlets, Demand Response, Etc) for energy optimization Use of Modbus and BACnet protocols for seamless communication Clear documentation and collaboration with system integrators  🔐 Cybersecurity & Data Strategy On-prem solutions and Bluetooth mesh networks for secure deployment Enterprise-grade features like Single Sign-On and API access Real-world use cases: energy dashboards, occupancy heat mapping, and retail analytics  💡 The Future of Smart Lighting Lighting as a data source for business insights Challenges of affordability and ROI justification Pilots, White Glove Service, and scalable solutions for enterprise clients  Watch this episode for insights on how lighting controls are transforming buildings into smarter, more efficient spaces. Connect with Umesh:www.linkedin.com/in/umeshsbaheti Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com, www.maxlite.com/cmax

Tired of garage-sale trainings and overpromised systems? So is John Wilson. In this episode, we dive into how he's revolutionizing lighting controls education with hands-on demo boards, utility-backed workshops, and brutally honest market insights.💥 What’s Inside: Why most controls education fails—and how John’s fixing it The myth of “easy-to-use” systems (spoiler: they’re all 90% the same) How utility-funded demo boards are changing the game for reps and contractors Real-world training scripts, simulated callbacks, and tactile learning Why tier-two controls companies are quietly eating tier-one’s lunch The grassroots retrofit revolution—and how it’s reshaping the market Why end-user education is the blind spot in rep agency training 👀 Watch now to rethink how we teach, sell, and deploy lighting controls. Connect with John: Http://www.fernhillshopworks.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernhillshopworks  Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com

What if lighting education wasn’t just theory—but full-contact? In this episode, Bruce Clark, the “Lighting Sherpa” himself, returns to unveil the Lighting Excellence Dojo—a hands-on, immersive training ground where lighting pros don’t just talk the talk… they throw the punch. 🔥 What’s Inside: Why learning about lighting design is like reading about martial arts—you’ve got to do it to learn it A behind-the-scenes look at the Dojo’s three-day, multi-station setup: from lecture bursts to real-world installs How designers and installers cross-train to understand each other’s craft—and elevate the entire project The missing 90%: why most luxury homes don’t have lighting designers, and how the Dojo aims to fix that The future of controls training: from DALI deep dives to crafting control intent narratives that sing  💥 Tired of “glare bombs” and cookie-cutter installs? This episode is your call to level up. 🔗 Dive in. Get inspired. And maybe… throw a few punches of your own. Sponsor: mwConnect, mwconnect.us

What do DMX512, LP6, LP16, and RP42 have in common? Mitch Hefter. In this powerhouse episode, the legendary standards-maker returns to break down the protocols, practices, and pitfalls of lighting controls — from entertainment tech to architectural chaos. 💡 Highlights include:  The wild world of dimming methods and how your fixtures communicate LP6’s total rewrite: 600+ pages of lighting control wisdom RP42 decoded — finally, a way to know what “dimmable” actually means The difference between 0–10V and 1–10V (yes, it matters) Upcoming changes to common standards and how you can get involved  Whether you're a designer, distributor, or just tired of guessing what “line voltage dimmable” really means — this episode is your decoder ring. 🔗 Learn more about Mitch’s consulting work and the standards mentioned at mitchhefter.com #LightingControls #DMX512 #LP6 #LP16 #RP42 #LightingDesign #DimmingDrama #Podcast Connect with Mitch:NEC: nfpa.org/70usitt.orgesta.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-hefter Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com, @maxlite

In this episode, we welcome back Nathan Williams—lighting controls expert and founder of Williams Lighting Control Services—for a deep dive into the real-world challenges and triumphs of lighting control systems. From daylighting dilemmas to commissioning chaos, Nathan shares boots-on-the-ground insights that every designer, technician, and stakeholder needs to hear. 🔥 Topics Covered: Why daylighting is more art than science The critical role of foot candle set points How poor documentation sabotages great systems Real stories from school districts and performance venues The future of commissioning with LCA’s Design Express template  💬 “If you can tell a light is off, your daylighting is dead wrong.” — Nathan Williams #LightingControls #Podcast #NathanWilliams #Daylighting #Commissioning #SmartBuildings #LightingDesign #LCA #MaxLite #NAILD Connect with Nathan:www.LinkedIn.com/in/Nathan-Williams-LightingControls Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com, @maxlite

Carol Jones has seen the lighting industry from every angle—design, standards, mentorship, and advocacy. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from engineering to lighting leadership, including her pivotal role in advancing DALI.   💬 What you'll hear: - Carol’s early career and transition into lighting  - Her work with IES and the development of TM-30 color metrics  - Why DALI matters for designers and how it’s evolved - Advice for emerging professionals in lighting   Carol’s perspective on DALI isn’t just technical—it’s about giving designers more creative control and flexibility. If you care about lighting controls, design freedom, or building a more inclusive industry, this episode is for you.   #LightingDesign #CarolJones #DALI #WomenInLighting #Podcast #WILD #TM30 #IES #designleadership    Connect with Carol: www.linkedin.com/in/caroljones-beyondlight   Sponsor: DALI Alliance, dali-alliance.org

In this episode, we welcome back Bryan Lussier—Lead Control Specialist at Apex Lighting and President of DLF New England—to talk all things Boston Lights, New England’s premier lighting design and technology show.🔥 What’s Inside: The evolution of Boston Lights and what makes it a must-attend event Behind-the-scenes insights on curating seminars and speaker lineups The power of regional shows vs. national expos Lighting controls, DMX, and the art of smart integration How architects, engineers, and designers can better collaborate Why accessibility and education are at the heart of this year’s show  📍 Event Details: 🗓️ October 28, 2025 📍 Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport 🎟️ FREE admission to the show floor 💬 CEU-accredited seminars, live interviews, and 140+ vendors! 🔗 Learn more at BostonLights.org Be a part of the audience for an exclusive Boston Lights recording of the Lighting Controls Podcast. #LightingControls #BostonLights #SmartLighting #LightingDesign #Podcast #LightingIndustry #DLFNewEngland #MWConnect #LightingControlsAcademy #Architecture #Engineering #DesignInnovation Connect with Bryan: linkedin.com/in/bslussier https://www.apexlightingsolutions.com https://twitter.com/bslussier Https://www.facebook.com/ApexLightingSolutions https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-lighting-solutions/ https://www.instagram.com/apexlighting_apexbuilding  Sponsor: mwConnect, www.mwconnect.us

In this illuminating episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, we welcome Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian Institution, for a deep dive into the art and science of museum lighting. Scott shares his journey from theatrical lighting to designing systems that protect priceless artifacts while enhancing the visitor experience. Discover how Bluetooth-enabled lighting controls are transforming historic buildings, why lighting design is as much about art as it is about technology, and how Scott balances conservation with innovation in some of the world’s most iconic museums. From the challenges of retrofitting century-old architecture to the subtle power of light in storytelling, this episode features insights for designers, tech enthusiasts, and museum lovers alike. #LightingDesign #MuseumLighting #Smithsonian #SmartLighting #BluetoothControls #LightingControlsPodcast #DesignInnovation #PreservationThroughTechnology #humancentriclighting Connect with Scott: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenfeld-fies-77b84412/  Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com

Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this powerhouse episode, we’re joined by two industry legends, Gary Meshberg and Harold Jepsen, who dive deep into the evolving world of lighting controls and the groundbreaking new Sequence of Operations Matrix.🔍 What’s the Matrix? The Sequence of Operations Matrix is a free, editable Excel-based design tool developed by the Lighting Controls Association to simplify and standardize lighting control documentation. It’s built to help designers, engineers, contractors, and commissioning agents clearly communicate lighting control intent—space by space, system by system.🔥 What’s Inside: How the Sequence of Operations Matrix simplifies design, boosts efficiency, and bridges the gap between intent and execution Why lighting controls are often misunderstood—and how to fix that The story behind the new LCA design tool that’s changing the game Real talk on code compliance, best practices, and the future of lighting documentation Whether you're a designer, engineer, contractor, or just lighting-curious, this episode is filled with insights.Connect with Gary: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymeshberg/  Connect with Harold: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-jepsen-p-e-well-ap/  Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com

In this insightful episode, we welcome back Lyn Gomes—MEP Coordinator and President of the Building Commissioning Association—for a deep dive into the complexities of lighting controls, commissioning, and project coordination. 🔧 Topics Covered: The role of general contractors vs. subcontractors Why commissioning providers matter—and how budget impacts quality The importance of early coordination and Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) Seven key data points for lighting system integration How historical data and button presses can improve long-term energy efficiency Task tuning, aging fixtures, and designing for the long haul Network architecture challenges in modern building systems Why soft skills and negotiation are essential for young professionals The value of professional organizations and committee involvement  💡 Whether you're a designer, contractor, or building owner, this episode offers practical advice and real-world examples to help you avoid costly change orders and ensure project success. Don’t miss the upcoming Building Commissioning Association Conference:🗓️ October 22–24 | 📍 Pittsburgh, PA https://www.bcxa.org/conference/ Connect with Lyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyngomes/  Sponsor:mwConnectwww.mwconnect.us

Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Cameron—Northeast Regional Sales Manager at ETC and a true veteran of the lighting world. From his early days in theater lighting to shaping architectural lighting design and education, Chuck shares a fascinating journey through the layers of light, control systems, and the evolving role of design in modern spaces.   💡 Topics we explore: - Chuck’s transition from theater to architectural lighting - Building a lighting design curriculum from the ground up - Why education in lighting controls is still lagging—and how to fix it - Real-world stories of design missteps and smart solutions - The power of nuanced lighting and dynamic control programming - How interior designers and architects can better integrate lighting controls - What every professional should know before specifying a system  Whether you're a designer, educator, engineer, or just lighting-curious, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and practical wisdom. Chuck’s experience and storytelling make this one of our most illuminating conversations yet.  Connect with Chuck: https://www.etcconnect.com/ https://www.nysid.edu/master-of-professional-studies-in-lighting-design https://be-exchange.org/ Living Lab Project, supported by BEEx: https://be-exchange.org/report/the-living-lab-demonstration-project/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-cameron-ltg/ Instagram: @chuckcameronltg   Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com