Luncheon Panel

Better by Design: Why Interior and Lighting Design Collaboration Creates Better Spaces

CEU TYPE: 1.0 LUs

This panel will spotlight the power of collaboration between Interior Designers and Lighting Designers through two compelling case studies. By walking through real projects, our panelists will reveal how early partnership, shared vision, and integrated design decisions elevate both function and aesthetics. Panelists will share how working together from the start doesn’t just enhance the design process, it delivers better, more impactful and more inspiring spaces.

When designers work together, spaces shine brighter.

Session Overview

This ARIDO Lunch Panel will showcase how collaboration between interior designers and lighting designers has shaped award-winning projects. By highlighting the unique contributions of both disciplines, this session will demonstrate how intentional collaboration enhances design outcomes and creates spaces that truly resonate with users.

Through case studies, panelists will share insights into the design process, challenges, and successes achieved when lighting design and interior design come together.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand how early collaboration between interior designers and lighting designers leads to innovative and functional solutions.
  • Explore real-world case studies demonstrating how lighting elevates interior design concepts.
  • Gain practical strategies for integrating interdisciplinary perspectives into project workflows.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the unique roles and contributions of lighting designers and interior designers in creating cohesive project outcomes.
  • Analyze and help identify where collaboration between the two disciplines can directly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of a space.
  • Apply strategies for integrating lighting design considerations early in the interior design process to enhance project success.
  • Evaluate best practices for fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve innovative and sustainable design solutions.

Speaker(s)

Dayna Bradley

Moderator

Dayna Bradley

President of, Bradley Consulting

With more than 25 years of leadership across private and non-profit sectors, Dayna Bradley, President of Bradley Consulting, thrives on turning big ideas into bold actions. As a natural change-maker with sharp business acumen, Dayna brings people together to drive game-changing programs and initiatives. More than just a leader, Dayna is a mentor, championing top-tier talent, strengthening diversity, and fostering open, inclusive work cultures.

Alan McIntosh

Panellist

Alan McIntosh

IALD-, Toronto

Alan McIntosh combines artistry and technical precision in lighting design, shaping memorable experiences across iconic Canadian projects such as Niagara Falls Illumination, Ripley’s Aquarium, Niagara Takes Flight, Bloor Street Urban Fire Benches, and 160 Front Street Tower. Toronto Chapter Coordinator for IALD since 2024, Alan educates the industry, fosters local design talent, and leads complex projects that balance engineering, storytelling, and creativity.

Marcel Dion - Lighting Designer

Marcel Dion - Lighting Designer

Founder, Marcel Dion Lighting Design Inc. (MDLD)

Marcel Dion is an award-winning lighting designer and founder of MDLD, a Toronto-based firm delivering innovative solutions across retail, hospitality, commercial, heritage, and public spaces. With over 15 years of experience, he has received more than 20 IES awards for projects such as Brookfield Place Allen Lambert Galleria, Halifax Convention Centre, Bridge 13, and St. James Park. A CLD, LEED AP, and IALD member, Marcel began his career at Fisher Marantz Stone in New York, contributing to global icons including the Burj Khalifa Tower

Michel Arcand - Interior Designer

Michel Arcand - Interior Designer

Principal, IN8 Design Inc., ARIDO, LEED®, BCIN,

Michel Arcand is a Toronto-based interior designer with nearly four decades of experience shaping corporate, commercial, and residential environments. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and a registered ARIDO member, he has earned 19 ARIDO Awards for excellence. His portfolio includes projects for Cadillac Fairview, RBC, and OMERS, with a design ethos that places light at the centre of spatial experience. As IN8 Design concludes in 2025, Michel will continue his vision with Ray Inc.

Sarah Taylor - Interior Designer

Sarah Taylor - Interior Designer

Associate, Gensler, Work Studio Director,

As the Work Studio Director in Gensler’s Toronto office, Sarah leads a team of 34 architects and designers, focused on building functional, efficient, and inspiring workplaces. With more than ten years of experience, Sarah has led projects from beginning to end, attending site visits and working closely with contractors, sub-trades, engineers, and clients. As a problem solver, she services her clients by setting realistic expectations and timelines from the outset. Guided by the belief that design is about creating unique and memorable visual and spatial experiences, Sarah enjoys designing spaces that everyone can enjoy.

Shaghayegh (Shaya) Riazi - Lighting Designer

Shaghayegh (Shaya) Riazi - Lighting Designer

Senior Associate Lighting Designer at, Mulvey & Banani Lighting

Shaghayegh (Shaya) Riazi is a Senior Associate Lighting Designer at Mulvey & Banani Lighting in Toronto, where she leads the design and delivery of complex commercial, institutional, and hospitality projects. With more than 12 years of specialized lighting design experience, she has collaborated with leading architectural and interior design firms on award-winning projects, ensuring that lighting solutions enhance both functionality and aesthetics. She holds a Master’s degree in Architectural Lighting and Design Management from Hochschule Wismar in Germany. She co-taught in the Lighting program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and is an instructor at Light en Light Academy.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/canadalightexpo/public_html/wp-content/plugins/advanced-custom-fields-pro-master/includes/api/api-template.php on line 471