In this episode, lighting designer Emad Hasan, founder of Lux Foundry, argues that lighting designers should have a much bigger role in lighting controls. His reasoning? If the controls don't work, users blame the lighting design anyway.

Key takeaways:

-Lighting controls shape how people interact with a space—not just how it looks.

-Many engineers handle controls as a requirement, while designers understand the user experience.

-The biggest project scope gaps are often lighting controls, emergency lighting, and code compliance.

-Hospitality projects demand tighter control because dimming quality directly impacts the atmosphere.

-The industry still struggles with outdated analog control methods and slow adoption of digital standards.

-Wireless controls are promising, especially in historic buildings, but aren't yet a universal solution.

-Adaptability is critical: every project, client, and market requires a different approach.

-Emad's dream? Every lighting design firm would have an in-house lighting controls expert.

Bottom line: Great lighting isn't just about fixtures—it's about how people experience and control the space.

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