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2026 Winners

Now in its third year, the 2026 Beacon Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in lighting on October 14, 2026. Members of the design community came together at the Beacon Awards Ceremony to honor this year’s ten winners across nine categories, and to recognize Dan Blitzer as this year’s ICON Award recipient.

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Kana Ahn

A proven leader in CetraRuddy’s interiors practice, Kana specializes in hospitality, multifamily residential, and retail projects. Combining an artistic sensitivity with an architectural attention to detail, Kana is able to conceptualize unique design solutions that add value for clients and end users alike. With a career spanning over two decades, she holds a dual Bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island School of Design, complemented by studies in Rome, Italy.

Chris Cooper

coming soon

Mary Ann Hoag

Mary Ann Hoag is a respected gallery exhibition lighting designer and owner of Mary Ann Hoag Lighting Design LLC. With an impressive 28 year career as Head of Exhibition Lighting at the S.R. Guggenheim Museum, Mary Ann has worked with curators, artists, exhibition designers, and architects to craft innovative lighting environments for a range of art media.

Her expertise extends to lighting traveling exhibits at the Guggenheim’s sister museums, in Spain, Germany, and Las Vegas. Beyond her tenure at the Guggenheim, Mary Ann has illuminated exhibitions for museums in New York City, including The Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, The National Museum of the American Indian, The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World/NYU, as well as various private galleries.

Mary Ann holds a BFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and began her career as a theater lighting designer before fully transitioning to exhibition lighting.

Ximena Rodriguez

Ximena Rodriguez is Principal and Director of Interior Design for CetraRuddy. With decades of experience in the design industry, Ximena brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise of high-end luxury design. Her global perspective, based on her years of work in New York and Miami and on various international projects, transcends any one design philosophy. She has expertise in bringing high design to complex, multifaceted projects of all scales for the residential and hospitality sectors, among others. Her training as an architect informs her methodology, driven by process and innovative solutions grounded in technical excellence. The results exude architectural clarity coupled with a mastery of materials and finishes, seen in many award-winning works. Ximena leads CetraRuddy’s design team with a collaborative spirit, engaging everyone at each step.

Jackson Ning

Jackson Ning II began his lighting career at Emory University where he studied theatrical lighting, set design and sound design. The theater provided a hands-on experience to learn the emotional effects of lighting, dynamics of changing light and the effects of colored light.

After he received a BA in Economics from Emory, Jackson, born and raised in NYC, returned home to design and manage architectural lighting projects. Current projects include offices for Deerfield in New York City, Prospect Park Pavilion in Brooklyn, New York and Young Israel of Scarsdale in New York.

Jackson was recently the recipient of the 2023 IESNYC Lumen Award of Citation for his collaboration on Willis Tower Repositioning Project, Chicago, IL and 2021 IESNYC Lumen Award of Merit on a Financial Services NYC Flagship. He was also the recipient of the 2020 National IES Award of Merit for his work on Intersect by Lexus, NYC.

Erin Dreyfous

Erin Dreyfous led Tillotson Design Associates as a creative design partner and co-owner prior to founding Studio DXD with Jonathan Dreyfous [AIA, LEED AP]. She earned an MFA in Architectural Lighting from Parsons: The New School for Design and a BFA in Interior Design from Kendall College of Art and Design. Erin was selected by lighting design colleagues in 2018 as one of the “Professional Leaders to Watch” in the industry. She has guest-lectured at Columbia University and Parsons and has served on numerous design competition juries. Erin’s award-winning projects include the Broad Museum, Los Angeles, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Shed and the Tiffany & Co flagship store in New York City.

Eileen Pierce

Eileen M.E. Pierce is the Founder and Creative Director of Pierce Lighting Studio, bringing more than 20 years of experience to award-winning projects across museums, cultural institutions, and private art collections. Her portfolio includes the restoration of the McKim Building at the Morgan Library & Museum, the Lincoln Galleries at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the High Museum of Art’s Daylight Intervention, Exhibitions at the Whitney Museum and Lighting Design for the MoMA Design store in New York. With a background in fine arts and a master’s degree in architectural Lighting Design from Parsons, The New School, she is recognized for her distinct design vision that seamlessly blends artistry and technical precision.

Dr. Ellen Fisher, PhD

Ellen Fisher has been with NYSID since 1999, beginning her career at the College as a member of the faculty, and later becoming lower division area coordinator, associate vice president for academic affairs, and ultimately, vice president of academic affairs and dean in 2012. Fisher is a New York State certified interior designer, with graduate degrees in teaching with technology, and architectural studies. She earned a PhD in Architectural Studies/Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Missouri in 2011. For many years, she maintained an active design practice in the New York metropolitan area. Her many areas of expertise include evidence-based design, design & literacy, and digital learning.

Retail

Interior and exterior retail spaces that demonstrate exceptional lighting that enhances the shopping experience. The project should demonstrate a blend of creativity and technology to create a retail environment that is visually appealing and engaging, resulting in a memorable shopping experience for the consumer. These spaces include but are not limited to:

  • Shopping Malls
  • Retail Stores / Boutiques
  • Supermarkets
  • Spas
Category Photo:
Prim by Peerless Lighting
Submit an Entry
Hospitality

Interior and exterior spaces with exceptional applications of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience in spaces primarily used in transactional or service-oriented activities. These spaces include but are not limited to:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Casinos
  • Spas
Category Photo:
Chasing Rabbits by Focus Lighting
Submit an Entry
Decorative Product Design Innovation

All products submitted must be introduced to the market after March 01, 2024, that exemplify the highest form, function, and aesthetics in terms of innovative design, new technologies, material, construction, operation, utility, energy efficiency, and sensitivity to the environment. Product categories include but are not limited to:

  • Chandeliers
  • Pendants & Surface Mounted Luminaires
  • Sconces
  • Portable Luminaires (Table Lamps, etc.)
Category Photo:
Celeste by Kuzco Lighting
Submit an Entry
Cultural Institution

Interior and Exterior spaces demonstrate exceptional lighting that use innovative lighting and technology solutions to enhance the visitor experience, highlight exhibits, and preserve the integrity of artifacts and architecture. The project should demonstrate a creative and effective use of lighting can transform the cultural environment to create memorable and impactful experience for the visitors. These spaces include but are not
limited to:

  • Museums
  • Theaters
  • Heritage Sites
  • Historical Buildings
Category Photo:
David Geffen Hall by Fisher Marantz Stone
Submit an Entry
Architectural Product Design

All products submitted must be introduced to the market after March 01, 2024, that exemplify the highest form, function, and aesthetics in terms of innovative design, new technologies, material, construction, operation, utility, energy efficiency, and sensitivity to the environment. Product categories include but are not limited to:

  • Architectural Recessed
  • Linear Recessed & Suspended Luminaires
  • Downlighting & Track
  • Accent Lighting
  • Outdoor Luminaires
Category Photo:
Prim by Peerless Lighting
Submit an Entry

Eligibility Details

  1. All Lighting Designers, Lighting Consultants, Architects, Interior Designers, and Industrial Designers, whose office(s) is located within the greater New York Metropolitan Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut).
  2. All Lighting Designers, Lighting Consultants, Architects, Interior Designers, and Industrial Designers located outside of the Greater New York Metropolitan Area whose project(s) is located within the Greater New York Metropolitan Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut).
  3. All Lighting Manufactures doing business in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). All project entries must be actual and physically installed; no virtual projects will be accepted.
  4. Projects can be located anywhere in the world for applicants from the Greater New York Metropolitan Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) design community.
  5. All project entries must be actual and physically installed and completed within twenty-four months of the submission deadline
  6. All project entries must be submitted in at least one of the categories identified for consideration in this year’s awards program.
  7. Individual projects may be entered in multiple categories but will only be selected as a winner in one category each award’s year.
  8. Each entry requires a separate entry fee.
  9. Projects that have previously won a Beacon Award will not be accepted unless submitted in a different category.
  10. All entries must meet the requirements of their submitted category regardless of size, budget, style or building type
  11. Submissions by Lighting Designers, Lighting Consultants, Architects, Interior Designers, Industrial Designers, and Manufactures servicing as jurors for the current year awards are ineligible.
  12. Project photos that have been digitally enhanced or that incorporate fill light that was not part of the original design scheme are not eligible

Sponsorship Levels

Diamond (Limited Availability)
  • $7,500.00
  • 12 tickets to the Awards Ceremony
  • Prime Seating with table service
  • Name acknowledgement on the Beacon Awards website & ALL printed materials (including invitations, event signage, etc.)
Platinum
  • $5,000.00
  • 10 tickets to the Awards Ceremony
  • Full Table, Prime Seating
  • Name acknowledgement on the Beacon Awards website & ALL printed materials (including invitations, event signage, etc.)
Gold
  • $4,000.00
  • 8 tickets to the Awards Ceremony
  • Full Table
  • Name acknowledgement on the Beacon Awards website & ALL printed materials (including invitations, event signage, etc.)
Silver
  • $2,500.00
  • 4 tickets to the Awards Ceremony
  • Prime seating
  • Name acknowledgement on all printed materials (Including Invitation, event Signage and Website Listing)
Bronze
  • $1,000.00
  • 2 tickets to the Awards Ceremony
  • Prime seating
  • Name acknowledgement on the Beacon Awards website & ALL printed materials (including invitations, event signage, etc.)
Become a Sponsor
Icon Award

ICONs are individuals, firms, or companies worthy of veneration for their commitment to advancing the impact of lighting within the built environment and their commitment to the Greater New York Metro Design community.

ICON Award recipients will be selected each year by the DLFNY Awards Committee and approved by the DLFNY Board

Experiential

This category honors exceptional achievements in experiential lighting design, encompassing both interior and exterior projects. It celebrates those who push the boundaries of creativity and technology to craft immersive, dynamic lighting experiences that captivate and engage audiences. Projects in this category should showcase outstanding skills in transforming spaces through innovative use of light, enhancing the emotional and sensory impact of environments, and elevating the visitor experience. Whether through non-urban scapes, light and art installations, or temporary installations, nominees in this category set new standards in the industry, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience their work.

Submit an Entry
Hospitality & Retail

Interior and exterior spaces with an exceptional application of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience in spaces primarily used in transactional service-oriented activities.  These spaces include but are not limited to: 

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Casinos
  • Spas
Category Photo:
The Tin Building, lighting by l’Observatoire International.
Submit an Entry
Residential

Interior and exterior spaces with an exceptional application of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience in spaces primarily used as a residential property.  These spaces include but are not limited to: 

  • Primary detached residence 
  • Apartments
  • Vacation Homes
Category Photo:
Meadow Pavilion by Loop Lighting
Submit an Entry
Exteriors

Exterior facades or spaces with an exceptional application of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience. These spaces include but are not limited to:

  • Parks
  • Urban Scape
  • Non-urban Scape
Category Photo: I-74 Mississippi River Bridge by HLB Lighting Design
Submit an Entry
Commercial Interiors

Interior and exterior spaces with an exceptional application of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience in spaces primarily used for commercial purposes.  These spaces include but are not limited to: 

  • Offices
  • Retail
  • Civic Buildings
  • Airports
Category Photo:
The Spiral by Fisher Marantz Stone
Submit an Entry
New York Project

This category is open to any project type (commercial, residential, exterior, etc.) that is located within the New York Metropolitan Area that illustrates an exceptional application of light or lighting effects that amplify the occupant’s experience. This award category is open to all designers whose offices operate both inside and outside of the New York Metropolitan Area.

Category Photo:
Penn Stn 33rd St. Entrance by HLB Lighting Design
Submit an Entry
Sara Schonour

Sara Schonour (She/Her) is a luminary in the lighting industry, serving as VP of IES Boston, Executive Co-Chair of NACLIQ, and former DLF-NE president, championing lighting advocacy. With 16 years at CannonDesign, she led their Lighting Studio, and later, as VP at Lytei. She founded Luxsi, seamlessly fusing illumination, engineering, education, and entertainment. Sara, a three-time 40 Under Forty awardee, teaches at BAC and RISD, speaking at diverse venues, and is featured on Netflix’s Baking Impossible, bridging the world of lighting and engineering.

Shaun Fillion

Shaun Fillion, LC ,LEED Green Associate, Educator IALD, CLCP is an award-winning lighting designer and educator. Fillion is Program Director for the Masters of Professional Studies in Lighting Design program at the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID), as well as Director of Lighting Design at RAB Lighting. Fillion has received Illumination awards, the IES Section Meritorious Service Award and the Princess Grace Award.

Barry Richards

Barry Richards is a Principal and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group, where he brings his multi-faceted skill set to work. Projects include exhibition design for the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building’s FUTURES, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, and the Walt Disney Family Museum; the Imagination Playground initiative; as well as product collections with Knoll, The Rug Company, Roche Bobois, Lasvit, Paola Lenti, Stellar Works, Maya Romanoff, Jim Thompson, and Gessi.

Paul Gregory

Paul Gregory is the founder and president of Focus Lighting, Inc. of New York City. He has spent the last Thirty-five years revealing and highlighting architecture by “painting pictures with light.” Honors in recognition of his design work include the Lumen, IALD Waterbury, ASID Awards and LDI’s “Lighting Designer of the Year” Award, and induction into AL Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Attila Uysal

Attila Uysal, an award-winning NYC lighting design veteran with 25+ years of experience, is Principal at Lumen Architecture PLLC. Combining architectural and industrial design expertise, he excels in intricate interior and exterior projects. Attila specializes in custom fixtures and daylighting analysis across various project types. As both a lighting designer and educator, he bridges architecture and sustainable lighting, teaching at the NY School of Interior Design and critiquing at Parsons School of Design, guiding emerging designers.

Elvira Gershengon

With 26 years in corporate interior design, Elvira is passionate about transformative design that centers on people. She partners with clients who value the link between good design and business success. Her hands-on approach focuses on holistic solutions that optimize workflow and work/life balance. As a LEED AP and WELL AP professional, Elvira integrates sustainability into designs. Her commitment to accessibility ensures spaces are inclusive and thriving for all.

Coldagh

Irish-born, New York-based designer Clodagh has been ahead of the curve with eco-friendly designs for homes and hospitality since she began her career. She is acclaimed for her life-enhancing minimalism and “wellness by design” tenets. She embraces healing modalities, using both ancient and cutting-edge methods to energize and balance space. Clodagh was one of the earliest adopters of feng shui, incorporating chromatherapy, aromatherapy, biophilia and the science of light. Her focus is sustainability, well-being and comfort.