Meet the Team

  • Ben Wilson

    Ben Wilson

    I’m an architectural lighting designer based in Boston who loves mixing technical know-how with creative flair to bring spaces to life with immersive lighting.

  • Carla Wille

    Carla Wille

    I’m an architect, lighting designer, and educator. When I’m not working, you’ll find me diving into comic books or exploring public spaces!

  • Chris Bocchiaro

    Chris Bocchiaro

    I’m passionate about activating the night with light—whether it’s through my day job at Light Projects designing urban streetscapes, or with my collaborative, Clerestory Light, creating light and sound art at historic sites. I love working outdoors on projects that are inspired by the communities and landscapes around them.

  • Chrisoula Moraitis

    Chrisoula Moraitis

    I’m a passionate lighting designer who loves using design to give back to communities. My journey into architecture—and now lighting—started with a childhood obsession for building with LEGO bricks!

  • Colin Chesla

    Colin Chesla

  • Connor Blackwood

    Connor Blackwood

    I’m an AV consultant and content designer who’s passionate about creating immersive experiences. If there’s a screen or a speaker, there’s a good chance I’m gonna do something weird with it.

  • Damon Krometis

    Damon Krometis

    I’m a director and scholar based in Washington, DC, passionate about creating immersive experiences that bring fresh perspectives to everyday actions. You can learn more about my work at www.damonkrometis.com.

  • Dan Erdmann

    Dan Erdmann

    I’ve had my hands on lighting in almost every context of the industry. From studying theatrical design and running rock shows to Architectural installation, programming and sales - regardless of the role played, the lifetime imprints we can leave on people using light has always been my motivation.

  • Dani Young

    Dani Young

    I’m not a lighting expert, but I’m deeply involved in making the magic of Night Lights in New Leb a reality—helping bring the experience to life behind the scenes.

  • David Jewell

    David Jewell

    I’m David and I’m 9 and a half years old. This is my second year doing night lights, and wanted to do an install all on my own. I also like cats that eat architects.

  • Doug Hildeman

    Doug Hildeman

  • Elaine Cook

    Elaine Cook

    I lead the charge as President of Equity in Lighting and drive business growth at Barbican Lighting across New York, California, and Toronto. When I’m off the clock, you’ll find me on the tennis court, walking my dog, or building cool things!

  • Griselda Pantoja

    Griselda Pantoja

    My job’s pretty simple: I make things shine. As Director of Marketing at Coronet LED, I’m all about lighting that transforms spaces. When I’m not at work, you’ll probably find me chasing down the most dazzling festivals and light installations. Whether I’m designing something impactful or keeping an eye on the next big trend, I’m here to make sure it gets seen, felt, and remembered.

  • Jennifer Loukas

    Jennifer Loukas

    I’m a freelance lighting designer who loves helping other designers bring their visions to life. Whether it’s working on project deliverables, installations, or offering advice throughout the process, I’m always happy to lend a hand.

  • Jess Krometis

    Jess Krometis

    I bring my theatrical sensibilities, shaped by a decade in the Chicago theatre scene, into the world of museum and architectural lighting. I’m passionate about creating innovative, multi-layered designs that spread joy, immerse audiences in new environments, and push my craft forward in the digital age.

  • John Roach

    John Roach

  • Justin Brown

    Justin Brown

    A long time lighting designer with an industrial design background and extensive fabrication experience. I tend to overdo everything and have more simultaneous projects than I care to mention. Sleep is my enemy and strong, black coffee is my friend.

  • Kaci Toms

    Kaci Toms

    As a Lighting Designer at CannonDesign Light Studio, I love crafting lighting solutions that bring spaces to life and enhance the way people connect with their surroundings.

  • Kelly Roberts

    Kelly Roberts

    I’m the detail-obsessed force behind Primary Arc Design—a lighting whisperer who brings glow, grit, and style to every space. After nearly two decades in the industry, I’m still passionate about lighting with purpose and precision.

  • Mia Jean-Sicard

    Mia Jean-Sicard

    I’m a lighting designer and member of the NLNL Logistics Committee. I enjoy the camaraderie and excitement involved in constructing NLNL every summer because it brings together great minds and innovative design that we can share with the local community.

  • Michelle Tessier

    Michelle Tessier

    I’m an architectural lighting designer who loves tackling all kinds of projects—each one a new challenge to create spaces that really work for the people using them. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me traveling, exploring museums, or soaking up nature—anything that helps me recharge and see the world from fresh perspectives.

  • Nick Maurer

    Nick Maurer

    I’m a Lighting Designer based in Chicago, passionate about shaping atmosphere and mood through light. I love finding creative ways to transform spaces and bring stories to life.

  • Quincy Drane

    Quincy Drane

    I’m a Lighting Designer based in New York City. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me exploring a new gallery or out dancing somewhere!

  • Richard Muthama

    Richard Muthama

    I’m a Kenyan architectural lighting designer at Lam Partners with a strong passion for social justice in our industry. I also serve as Vice President of Black United In Lighting and Design (BUILD) and curate projects for Light Justice.

  • Rodolfo Goncalves

    Rodolfo Goncalves

    Rodolfo Goncalves, Space Poppers infused caramel Popcorn, baker.

  • Sanjana Adavi

    Sanjana Adavi

    I’m a Lighting Designer at CannonDesign who loves bringing spaces to life with light. After an amazing experience collaborating with talented designers at New Lights last year, I’m excited to jump back in for round two!

  • Sara Schonour

    Sara Schonour

    I love spreading the joy and magic of light, and I’m so excited to see this event really take off—thanks to the inspiration from my friend Jess, the support of my wife Shantel, and the dedication of the amazing NLNL crew! I wear lots of hats in the lighting design world and beyond, and I truly enjoy this annual chance to be creative, collaborate, and have a little fun.

  • Shantel Schonour

    Shantel Schonour

    As Sara’s wife, I’ve found myself more involved in lighting than I ever expected! I’m an English teacher by day and a big supporter of sharing the love for lighting in every way I can.

  • Terry Jewell

    Terry Jewell

    I’m a native Mainer who spent over a decade in Boston getting started in the lighting industry. After bouncing between sales and design roles, I’ve realized my favorite work comes from volunteering—whether that’s mentoring high schoolers or lighting up events out in the woods.

  • Will Thiel

    Will Thiel

    I’m a multidisciplinary creator with a background in aerospace engineering and robotics. I love blending my skills in algorithms and machine intelligence with my lifelong passions for art, interactive design, and music.