Sponsored By: Griplock
With Rachel Fitzgerald & Anne Kustner
9/8/25 – Lighting Episode 418 – Lighting Should not be Consumer Electronics
This episode tackles the hidden pitfalls of LED lighting with two seasoned designers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Rachel and Anne expose how the promise of long-lasting LEDs often falls short—especially in demanding environments like airports and hotels.
🔧 Key Points:
- LEDs Aren’t Forever: Despite marketing claims, many fixtures fail within 3–7 years.
- Repairability Crisis: Most modern fixtures can’t be fixed, turning “sustainable” designs into landfill.
- Design Smarter: Specifying maintainable fixtures and attic stock upfront is crucial.
- Call for Standards: The industry needs enforceable guidelines to stop the throwaway trend.
It’s a bold, insightful conversation that urges lighting pros to rethink what “sustainable” really means.
Your Resources
– National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD)
– Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
– Connect with Anne on LinkedIn
– Stantec.com
– Akld.net
