AIA Austin Summer Conference 2015

Laura P. Thompson, PhD, Associate AIA, was selected as a speaker for the 2015 AIA Austin Summer Conference. Dr. Thompson presented her ongoing research 'Architectural Design Criteria for Vulnerable Populations: A Case Study in Stress Reduction'. Dr. Thompson's research is ground breaking as it is the first to examine the architectural design of domestic violence shelters with regard to the impact of the built environment on this vulnerable population. Previous studies with this vulnerable population have focused exclusively on mental and physical health needs and interventions. The findings in Dr. Thompson's research suggest design criteria not only for domestic violence survivors but also for other vulnerable populations.

After this session, participants should be able to (1) identify architectural design criteria that impact stress levels among vulnerable populations (i.e. PTSD); (2) evaluate architectural design concepts for relevance in stress reduction in the built environment; (3) develop design measures to maximize reduction of stress; and (4) apply new design criteria in current and future projects.

This presentation has been approved for AIA Continuing Education for 1.5 LU/HSW. For additional information about this research, please email laura@archillume.com.

Detailing [LIGHT] Like You Mean It!

Installation details are the lifeblood of communicating lighting design requirements to project stakeholders. Architects respond to lighting drawings that speak their language. The act of drawing helps the designer understand the lighting effect.

Charles K. Thompson, FAIA, will lead a live drawing demonstration illustrating the development of lighting details from initial concept through finished product and documentation. The live sketching demonstrations will provide the foundation necessary for developing lighting details in "architect's language". The session demonstrations will reveal information required for each step in developing lighting details. Specific attention will be dedicated to illustrating materials.

If you are attending Lightfair International 2015 in New York City, check out this session (L15S18), Wednesday, May 6, from 2:00 - 3:30 pm in Room 1E14 at the Javits Center. If you are not attending, but interested in more information, please contact us.

Charles K. Thompson, FAIA is a lighting designer and architect with 30 years of practice experience.

AIAS FORUM 2014 - NASHVILLE, TN

Light informs place and serves as an experiential medium. On January 1, 2015, Charles K. Thompson, FAIA and Laura P. Thompson, PhD presented #LightandPlace at the AIAS FORUM in Nashville, TN. Participants were introduced to lighting applications and concepts that transform
and inspire as well as architectural details that support successful lighting outcomes. The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) sponsored the #LightandPlace session. AIAS FORUM is the American Institute of Architecture Student's annual conference.

Laura Thompson elevated to Associate Member of the IALD

In December 2014, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) elevated Laura Thompson to Associate. Associate membership is open to individuals who devote the majority of their professional time to the design of architectural lighting. Candidates for Associate membership have completed at least three years of experience in the field of architectural lighting design.

Prior to elevation, Laura held an Educator membership in IALD. Educator membership is open to an educator in good standing of an accredited institution with students concentrated in lighting design or related fields. Laura taught lighting design from 2000 - 2014, serving as the Director for the TCU Center for Lighting Education from 2008 - 2014. 

Laura continues to be actively involved in lighting education. Currently she serves as the President's Selected Director on the IALD Education Trust Board. 

Laura P. Thompson, PhD presents at IALD Enlighten Americas 2014

Laura P. Thompson, PhD presented A CASE STUDY IN LIGHTING FOR STRESS REDUCTION : DESIGN IMPLICATIONS at IALD Enlighten Americas 2014 in San Diego, CA. Dr. Thompson's presentation focused on her ongoing scholarly research in the architectural design of domestic violence shelters with an emphasis on stress reduction for residents. The presentation abstract follows:

Light and human health have been extensively researched with a primary focus on the aging population. Human health, however, can encompass a broader spectrum of issues and applications such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Independent research was conducted with survivors of domestic violence to determine what architectural design features, such as lighting, most impacted the reduction of stress among residences in a Domestic Violence Shelter. The findings suggest design criteria not only for domestic violence survivors but also for other vulnerable populations.

For additional information, please email laura@archillume.com.

HUB Status

ARCHILLUME LIGHTING DESIGN, INC. has been certified as a Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). For additional information please contact us.

WBE Status

ARCHILLUME LIGHTING DESIGN, INC. has been certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) by the City of Austin's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Procurement Program. For additional information please contact us.