OUTDOOR LIGHTING

July 28, 2025

In this illuminating episode, Karl Zartarian, Regional VP at Barron Lighting Group, joins the show to discuss innovation, strategy, and the evolving landscape of emergency and specialty lighting. From anti-ligature exit signs for institutional settings to RGBW panels with DMX controls, Karl shares practical insights and real-world applications that are shaping the future of lighting. Read more

July 23, 2025

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in June with a score of 46.8, down from 47.2 in May as more firms reported a decrease in billing. Inquiries into new projects increased for the second consecutive month and grew at the strongest pace since last fall with a score of 53.6, indicating clients are starting to send out RFPs and initiate conversations with architecture firms about potential projects after a lull since mid-winter. Read more

July 17, 2025

LEDucation is accepting speaker proposals for its 2026 Conference, taking place April 14–15 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Virtual sessions will be hosted the week prior to the in-person event. LEDucation is renowned for its dynamic presentations, lively panel discussions, and compelling case studies that dive into the most pressing and emerging issues in the lighting industry. The conference highlights groundbreaking technologies, the latest regulatory updates, key industry challenges, and exciting new lighting trends. Read more

July 15, 2025

The Current Conditions component continued its upward trajectory in June, rising to 60.0 after rebounding to 57.7 in May from a low of 16.7 in April. Sentiment improved notably, with 40 percent of respondents indicating that conditions were “better,” compared to 23 percent in May. Meanwhile, 40 percent reported conditions remained “unchanged,” and 20 percent said they were “worse.” Respondents commented that their businesses are accepting the uncertainty around tariffs and the economy, and are cautiously moving forward as orders increase. Read more

July 11, 2025

In this episode of Restoring Darkness, Mark Baker and Michael Colligan dive deep into the unintended consequences of LED lighting. Mark shares eye-opening insights on LED light discrimination, its impact on people with disabilities, and the urgent need for updated policies and regulations. From the Americans with Disabilities Act to scientific discoveries about luminance, this conversation challenges the lighting industry to acknowledge that LED technology isn’t just a brighter bulb—it’s a different kind of light with serious implications for human health. Read more

July 9, 2025

The summer edition of Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, took place June 18–21, welcomed more new buyers including retailers, interior designers, and industry professionals. Lightovation also included Design + Build Day, which took place on June 17 and offered a first look at new lighting trends for architects, builders, and designers. This June edition of Lightovation welcomed an increase in new buyers the Central U.S. and the Northeast, highlighting Lightovation’s expanding reach and relevance. Read more

June 25, 2025

Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a vibrant public space that serves as a community hub, particularly during the winter months with its popular ice skating rink. To enhance the visual appeal and create a dynamic atmosphere for visitors, the skating rink structure required a versatile and robust lighting solution capable of delivering rich, controllable colors. The primary challenge was to illuminate the unique architectural structure covering the skating rink, ensuring the lighting was both aesthetically pleasing and durable enough to withstand exterior conditions. Read more

June 18, 2025

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in May with a score of 47.2, up from 43.2 in April. Any score below 50 indicates a billings decline, although this month’s score indicates that somewhat fewer firms reported a decline in billings in May than in April. Inquiries into new work increased this month for the first time since January, reflecting the modest degree of stabilization in the economy recently. Read more

June 16, 2025

he grid of the future is being built today, and electrical manufacturers are playing a key role by deploying innovative technologies and investments to strengthen America’s energy resilience. The impact of data centers and AI advancements on achieving this reliable future grid was a timely topic of discussion during today’s NEMA-Semafor event, “Powering Our AI Future.” Read more