Our Team

It was Steven's keen interest in applying theatrical lighting techniques to traditionally non-theatrical environments that led to his founding Available Light in 1992. The originality and grand scale of Steven’s designs are evident in such one-of-a-kind award-winning projects as: The International Spy Museum in Washington DC, The Neural Climber interactive experience at The Franklin Institute, the iconic lighting scheme lighting for the spectacular 150th anniversary celebration of Pennsylvania’s Horseshoe Curve, and the architectural lighting and control systems renovation for The National Archives Rotunda — home of the US Constitution.

His commitment to responsible design solutions, including assuring LEED certification for dozens of projects, is central to his work. Other significant milestones include receiving both the IALD Radiance Award — architectural lighting’s highest honor - and the LDI Redden Award for Sustained Achievement in Lighting Design.

Steven’s museum work has been honored with multiple and coveted Themed Entertainment Association Awards for The Liberty Science Center, The U-505 at MSI Chicago, The National Museum of the Marine Corp, The National Infantry Museum, and The Reynolds Education Center at Mt. Vernon.

Architectural works include projects for the Harvard, MIT, UMass, Analog Devices Inc., Bain & Company, the Sea Island Cloister Hotel and Spa, Boston Children’s Hospital, Penn State Medical Center, AT&T, Sunglass Hut, and a series of historic statues along Boston’s storied Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Special Events and Trade Show clients include Novartis, Sabic, Bayer, Sikorsky Helicopter, LG, IBM, AstraZeneca, Philips Lighting, and Lights in Alingsås in Sweden.

Steven holds a BFA in Stage Design from Webster University in St. Louis, an MFA in Stage Design from NYU, and is a Fellow of the International Association of Lighting Designers. He is a Past President of the IALD Education Trust and endows a scholarship program in architectural lighting design. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of the IALD Lighting Industry Research Committee (LIRC) and the board of Business of Light (BOL)—an organization dedicated to assisting future lighting industry leaders. Steven is adjunct faculty of the Exhibit and Experience Design masters program at FIT in NYC; he is passionate about developing the next generation of lighting designers.

By design, Ted Mather’s career resides at the intersection of theatrical, entertainment and architectural lighting. Ted’s dramatic flair and technical expertise merge seamlessly to create striking, dynamic environments and state-of-the-art installations. Ted’s decades of experience—working around the globe—means that his creative vision is balanced with what is truly practical and possible. Mr. Mather’s theatrical pedigree shines through in his architectural practice; his work is brimming with excitement, color and animation.

An accomplished theatrical lighting designer, Ted has transformed the Architainment industry with ground-breaking projects such as The International Spy Museum, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and both the Prow Sculpture & Under The Stars installation at the Time Warner Center in New York City. Ted began his training at the University of Illinois and received his MFA in Stage design from NYU. Before joining forces with Available Light, he was the Principal & President of Ted Mather Lighting Design. Ted is Lighting Certified by the NCQLP, a professional member of the IALD, United Scenic Artists, DLF and IESNA. He has taught and guest lectured for NYU, Drew University and the renowned Broadway Master Class Series.

Theatrical projects include working as Associate Designer on over 20 Broadway productions including Miss Saigon, Beauty and The Beast, Les Miserables, Chess, Art, Aspects of Love, Oklahoma!, Swan Lake, Equus, and God of Carnage.

For 17 years, Matt’s specialty has been the integration of theatrical technique with architectural lighting design. Although Matt began his career as a stage designer, an interest in exploring different design aesthetics and scale very quickly led him to the field of architectural lighting. These combined passions and skills naturally led him to Available Light. Today, Matt’s passion is to minimize our impact on the planet while designing beautiful spaces for human needs.

Prior to joining Available Light, Matt was a busy designer at New York City's Cosentini Lighting Design where architectural projects included: the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center - Orlando; The Ritz-Carlton - Coconut Grove; Harry's Space Trading Floor / American Stock Exchange; Mars 2112 Restaurant - NYC; and the Villes De Colombes / Portes De la Defense project in Paris, France.

Mr. Zelkowitz spent a number of years living & working in the Seattle theater scene while also serving as the resident designer at Stamford Theatre Works in Connecticut.

Matt is Lighting Certified and holds a BFA in Theater Arts from Ithaca College, and an MFA in Stage Design from New York University. He is an active member of both the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Derek earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology from Wake Technical College in Raleigh NC. While a member of the Media Systems Division at Design & Production in Lorton VA, Derek was responsible for all aspects of lighting design and show control implementation for many D&P projects. He has also served the architectural lighting industry from the manufacturer’s side—first as a software/ marketing specialist for several lighting companies and then as a manufacturer’s representative. Derek possesses a profound understanding and appreciation for lighting and architecture from many perspectives: creative, technical, and logistical.

Derek has over 21 years experience designing lighting systems for museums, architecture, and entertainment. Completed museum projects at Available Light include: the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico VA, the Mt. Vernon Educational Center, the BB King Museum and the National Law Enforcement Museum. Completed architectural projects include: The Ministry of Education in Kuwait, Amherst College Geology Building, the architectural renovation and new wing of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City NJ, and the new Blackfan Research Tower in Boston.

Rachel hails from the great state of Arizona where she began her career as a theatrical lighting designer. An interest in architectural lighting design first led her to an internship at Available Light and she has been climbing the responsibility ladder ever since! Rachel’s talents have been instrumental to the success of many award-winning museum and architectural projects including the El Paso Children’s Museum, new science complexes for Williams College and Skidmore, and new pavilions for the National WWII Museum. Rachel holds a BFA from the University of Arizona and MBA from Southern New Hampshire University; an industry leader, Rachel contributes to Women in Lighting + Design (WILD), and two IES standards committees: Education, Library, Office Lighting and Theater, Film, and Television Lighting. Ms. Gibney is an adjunct faculty member at North Carolina School of the Arts and Studio School of Design teaching Revit/BIM software to Theatrical Design students.

Rachel is passionate about utilizing theatrical design techniques to create memorable moments for both museum and architectural projects. She approaches her work with the belief that “lighting design is the art of storytelling through an audience’s subconscious observations.”

Kate is a celebrated and respected lighting designer in the architectural and experience design community. Her 19-year career began in the professional theater where those formative years sparked a life-long passion for applying light. Kate thinks of her medium as a powerful tool that helps to both elevate story and sculpt environments. She cultivates a collaborative design process, leading to strong connections between architectural spaces and those who inhabit them. Kate’s work meshes bold and innovate design ideas; she embraces creative and technical challenges with an eye towards the seamless integration of light within the built environment.

Kate earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Theater at Mary Washington College and an MFA in Lighting Design from the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music. An active member of both the IES and IALD, she serves on the IES-LA board of managers; her focus on training young designers is evidenced by serving as chair of the Russell Cole Memorial Student Lighting Design Competition.

Kate’s theatrical portfolio includes musical and dramatic professional productions, including world premieres and Off-Broadway productions. While studying for her master’s degree in theater, Kate was introduced to the world of architectural lighting and was immediately drawn to this immersive, impactful, and long-lasting medium. Her architectural project experience includes designs for wide range of dynamic and sophisticated projects including retail, themed entertainment, museums, hospitality, office, residential, landscape architecture, cruise ships, and multi-media/multi-layered project types. Kate’s designs have received multiple awards from the Illuminating Engineering Society and Themed Entertainment Association.

Annette is an experienced business manager and entrepreneur specializing in small professional services firms.

Prior to joining Available Light, she held positions with Earley Information Science and The Green Engineer where she successfully completed major systems and process upgrades. Annette began her career as Business Manager and co-founder of Lyra Research, a successful boutique market research and consulting firm. She is a cum laude graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she earned a degree in English Literature.

As Managing Director, Annette is responsible for overseeing all the day-to-day business operations at Available Light.

Dawn Hollingsworth, President and Principal of Darkhorse Lightworks, is a lighting designer respected by both peers and clients across the globe. Ms Hollingsworth is both a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) and a WELL Accredited Professional and was named Architectural Lighting Designer of the Year by Lighting Dimensions International for her work on the LAX Gateway Enhancement. Her lighting design portfolio includes a diverse sampling of project types including retail, education, hospitality, mixed-use, health care, corporate, entertainment facilities, and experiential projects. She has received numerous design awards from the IALD, IIDA, Lumen West Awards, and has two Joseph Jefferson nominations for outstanding theatrical lighting design.

Dawn has served as President of both the IALD Education Trust and the IES L.A. Section. She is a Fellow of the IALD, where she also served on the Board of Directors. Dawn has shared her expertise in presentations at conferences including AIA National, LightFair, LDI, IES, Harvard, SPECS, and Entertainment Retail. She has taught at Loyola University, FIT, Woodbury University, USC, and Otis College.

Dawn’s executive-level experience in strategic planning, marketing, engineering, management, and lighting product development has also kept her at the forefront of the lighting design industry. Commemorating her innumerable career achievements, Dawn most recently received a 2022 Edison Report Lifetime Achievement Award.

John has designed lighting for permanent installations for nearly a decade with a keen focus on interpreting the rich narrative of each experience via his medium, light. In the service of creating transportive environments in a variety of métiers, he has employed theatrical and architectural lighting techniques combined with a deep understanding of underlying technologies and control systems. Projects range from museum exhibits such as the El Paso Children’s Museum and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles to architectural works including numerous interior/façade lighting projects for corporate clients in and around NYC. John received his MFA from CalArts and is dedicated to the development of future generations of lighting designers – as is evidenced by his extra-curricular activities as adjunct faculty at both FIT and the NY School of Interior Design, along with serving as Co-Chair of the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition.

He strives to find the perfect way to deploy light as a narrative element in every project; for John, every space – immersive, traditional, or somewhere in between – has a story to tell.

A New York native, Alex began his accomplished lighting career designing for touring theater and dance productions. Since joining Available Light, Alex has pivoted to work on museum exhibition and architectural projects including the recently completed Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the National Museum of African American Music, and the new science research complex at Williams College. Alex holds an MFA from NYU and is an active member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

Alex approaches his work with a belief that: "Effective lighting rarely draws attention to itself. Instead, it boosts your understanding of the subject and helps you experience space and drama in ways you simply could not without it."

Before joining the Available Light team, Arizona transplant Hamilton Smith worked across the country on a myriad of projects, from opera and theatre to film, events, and immersive experiences. “Hess” continues to enthusiastically tackle a diverse variety of high-profile museum and architecture projects including Woods Hill Pier 4 Restaurant, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the National Museum of the United States Army, and Analog Devices’ new World Headquarters & Campus. Hess, has a BFA in Lighting design from the University of Arizona and helps to keep the Available Light software platforms humming, is an active member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and has served on the board of the Designers Lighting Forum.

For Hess, it is the variety of the work at Available Light that he finds most enjoyable as it affords him many opportunities to continue learning and growing as a designer.

Benjamin is a multi-disciplinary designer whose lighting work includes designs for architecture, theater, opera and dance.

Benjamin was recently honored as one of the 2019 award winners for the Illuminating Engineering Society Los Angeles’s Russell Cole Memorial Lighting Design Competition for his conceptual lighting design package for a sushi bar.

In design, the questions ‘why here, why now’ drive Benjamin to shape work that responds to the needs of a client while also striving for environmental sustainability and technical innovation.

Benjamin comes to Available Light from California Institute of the Arts where he earned his Master’s in Lighting Design.

Prior to joining Available Light, Lindsay was a Lighting Designer/Technician at Mohegan Sun Casino. Since joining Available Light, she has worked on several museum and architectural projects including the National Museum of the United States Army and the New Academic Building at the University of Hartford. She is also actively engaged as a designer in our Trade Show division. Lindsay holds a BFA from the University of Connecticut and is an active member of International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and currently serves on the board of Designers Lighting Forum (DLF) New England, helping to organize events and expose students & emerging professionals to the profession of architectural lighting design.

Brigid's path to Available Light has been a rich tapestry of diverse lighting experiences. Armed with a Bachelors in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology, Brigid embarked on a career in the lighting industry. Her early years were dedicated to mastering the lighting trade from within the manufacturing sector. A turning point led her to the world of architectural lighting design, where she pursued a Masters in Architectural Lighting Design at the New York School of Interior Design, earning prestigious scholarships along the way. Before joining Available Light, Brigid began her career in the lighting design department of a large architectural engineering firm.

Beyond her passion for lighting design, Brigid actively contributes to the industry by serving on the board of managers for the NYC section of the Illuminating Engineering Society; she is a champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and values. Her commitment to the industry earned her the Emerging Professional Award from IESNYC. As adjunct faculty at both Pratt and NYIT, she shares her knowledge, experience, and passion with the next generation of lighting professionals

Brigid deeply values Available Light as a home for creativity and collaboration and where the artistry of light finds its expression.

Nastassia Ortiz comes to Available Light from the world of freelance lighting design. A graduate of Northwestern University's MFA Stage Design Program, she has designed a wide range of productions including plays, dance, musicals, and various new works. In New York, her designs have been seen at Soho Rep, HERE Arts Center, the Gerald W. Lynch Theatre, the Arclight Theatre, and Theatre Row. In Chicago, she designed for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Music Theatre Company, and extensively at Northwestern University. Her work has also featured several regional exhibits including the National Design Portfolio Review, the USITT Young Designer's Forum, and the Gilbert V. Hemsley Jr. Lighting Portfolio Review.

Damien’s love for storytelling through lighting began at an early age. Introduced to architectural lighting at California Institute of the Arts, where he earned a BFA, Damien gained immeasurable experience through various internships and design positions with renowned design studios across the country. Damien approaches his work by blending his creative design work to the technical systems supporting the backbone of each project.

Damien has worked on several project types including mixed-use, houses of worship, multi-tower residential, international resorts, and entertainment venues. Two noteworthy projects that he was privileged to work on were Sofi Stadium and 8150 Sunset. While an intern at Available Light, Damien worked on designs the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations and an Aquarium in Florida.

William Kirkham developed a profound understanding and appreciation for the collaborative power of light through his work as a theatre artist. Hailing from Arizona, he first pursued this passion at Northern Arizona University while ultimately earning an MFA at Northwestern University.

Before joining Available Light, William’s journey was marked by success as an award-winning lighting designer and respected professor in the field of theatre and live events. His expertise lies in collaboratively crafting unforgettable and meaningful immersive experiences that captivate audiences.

Nadia studied lighting for events and multi-media art at MassArt— The Massachusetts College of Art and Design—where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interrelated Media. During her time at MassArt, she worked as a freelance lighting technician within the Greater Boston events industry.

Upon graduation, she worked as a Field Support Engineer for lighting manufacturer Signify where she created 3D lighting visualizations for clients, assisted in the coordination of project installation, repair, preventative maintenance, and engineering change documentation—all while providing high level technical lighting support.

At Available Light, Nadia looks to use her knowledge of art and technology in the creation of impactful designs.

At Available Light, Jennifer calls on her wealth of design experience in crafting distinctive and nuanced lighting designs across a variety of project types. Jennifer's love of light and lighting design began with a bachelor's degree in theater from the University of Southern California. She honed her professional skills by working and learning as a freelance designer, lighting technician, and programmer in Southern California.

Jennifer’s hard work and talent led to an exciting chapter as a lighting designer with Walt Disney Imagineering. During her tenure at Disney, Jennifer played a pivotal role in a multitude of imaginative projects, including the captivating Iron Man Presented by Stark Industries experience, the enchanting Peter Pan's Flight New Magic installation, and the cozy ambiance of the Craftsman Bar & Grill at the Grand Californian Hotel. Her success at Disney led Jennifer to design firm opportunities working on numerous theme parks and immersive experiences around the world.

Her creative vision and technical expertise continue to shape memorable environments that enchant and inspire.

It was a serendipitous moment, during an internship at the office coffee maker, that Leyna's entré into the world of lighting design began. Hailing from the state of Michigan, she embarked on a journey of knowledge and artistry, culminating in a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering with a specialization in Electrical and Lighting from Lawrence Technological University.

Although her lighting background and experience tended toward substantial industrial projects—such as a massive 4 million sq. ft. battery assembly plant—Leyna's true passion lies in treating light as a transformational and purposeful medium that defines space and influences its occupants. She firmly believes that through thoughtful design, the power of light can be harnessed to intentionally shape perspectives, offer unique experiences, and create memorable moments.

Josie studied lighting design at Emerson College in Boston. Her deep commitment to collaboration and multi-disciplinary work, led her to a position at Available Light. Her artistic approach is rooted in exploring storytelling elements through a designer’s lens. Via the viewer’s own imagination and experience, Josie values the ability to create a world which allows either brief escape or focused learning. “Light is essential to our very existence. It is how we imprint and take visual pleasure in the wonders of the world.”

Recent projects that Josie has worked on include: National Geographic Society Pavilion & Public Space expansion, Shedd Aquarium exhibits, exhibits at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Dartmouth Hall Renovation, New England Historic Genealogical Society, and SVB Securities offices.

Betty's lighting design journey began at Dartmouth College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. It was at Dartmouth that her love for the art and craft of lighting was ignited and, while a student, she jumped at the opportunity to intern at Available Light. Since those formative years, Betty has displayed an unwavering dedication to the art of illumination, from theater and dance to architecture and museum exhibition.

For each project, she channels her unwavering passion for creative and technical design to craft spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and captivating , but also sensitive to the users who will inhabit these spaces. Betty's hallmark desire is to transform the built environment into something truly special.

Gabrielle Strong lives up to her name through innovation, creativity, artistry, and design. Hailing from a diverse live entertainment background encompassing theater, dance, opera, installations, and film, Gabrielle has left her mark on stages around the globe. Her remarkable contributions earned her a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Outstanding Lighting Design.

Gabrielle is known for her unwavering commitment to collaboration and her dedication to intentional storytelling. Her passion for lighting design dig deep into the profound influence light has on our lives. With a BFA in Cornish College of the Arts and an MFA from Northwestern University, Gabrielle is a force in the field, bringing her artistic vision and collaboration skills to teams that illuminate the world around us.

Susan was a founding partner of Available Light from its inception in 1990 through 2020.

Since December of 2004, Angela has been Office Manager for Available Light. Her responsibilities include accounting, customer service, staff support, and day-to-day operations. Angela’s good humor and fastidiousness are much needed skills when looking after a gaggle of lighting designers! In addition to running our office, Angela is an avid sailor. For 15 years, she ran her own business chartering yacht excursions for clients all over the world.

Prior to joining Available Light, Paulina worked as a video and film professional for over 15 years in both Boston and New York. She has worked on dozens of projects variously serving as Producer, Youth Media Educator, and Festival Programmer. She also served as Associate Director of Museum Development at Northern Light Productions. Here at Available Light, Paulina both spearheads all marketing activities and outreach initiatives and overseers both the proposal process and strategic planning for the firm. Award-winning projects on which she has worked include the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the International Spy Museum, and Amherst College New Science Center. Paulina received her Ed.M. from Harvard GSE and is an active member of the Boston Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) where she serves on the Outreach Committee.

Paulina approaches her role at Available Light with the belief that lighting design plays a critical role in how we perceive and experience the world.

Soon after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Management, Marcia launched a career in the expositions and trade show industry. For 17 years she managed and directed marketing in both the healthcare and engineering sectors, implementing client initiatives for one of the largest exhibit houses in North America. She has extensive experience building relationships, providing comprehensive logistics, and coordinating show site resources - all while working within the classic constraints of time and budget.

As Project Support Administrator for the Available Light Special Events and Trade Show division, Marcia provides expert, high quality logistical and administrative support. In her free time, you might find her on the tennis court, the golf course, or relaxing with her husband.

With more than 7 years of professional experience under her belt, Stephanie is a highly accomplished marketing specialist who holds a Digital Marketing Certificate from General Assembly. Stephanie casts a wide net of expertise from problem-solving savvy to adept project management and from exceptional graphic design skills to expert social media management. Stephanie's unwavering commitment to precision extends to optimizing operational processes and enhancing workflow efficiency. Prior to her joining the Available Light team, Stephanie was co-founder of a digital marketing agency, where she engaged in collaborative ventures with a diverse range of companies and market penetration.

Stephanie firmly believes that lighting design plays a pivotal role in shaping our perception and experience of the world, she brings this fervent passion to her role at Available Light.

Cindy is a PMP Certified Project Manager who utilizes her project management skills for both her work and home life. Cindy holds an MBA in Management Information Systems at Bentley College and has worked extensively on software implementation and custom development project plans and execution.

At Available Light, Cindy is a key member of the Project Support team providing project accounting assistance to the design team.

Cindy enjoys raising her three boys with her husband on Lake Attitash where she volunteers with the Lake Attitash Association and Amesbury’s Lakes and Waterways Commission.