Your Interview Ajin Cho

Introduce yourself (name, company, position, country) and tell us how you got into lighting design (including education/qualifications).

My name is Ajin, and I am a Lighting Designer at Domingo Gonzalez Associates in New York, U.S.A. I earned my MFA in Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design after completing a bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Korea. While working as a visual merchandising designer at UNIQLO, I became fascinated by how lighting can transform a space. This discovery inspired me to pursue further studies in New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for architectural lighting.

Tell us about your work – is there a specific type of project you like to work on or an area you specialise in and why?

I enjoy working on large-scale infrastructure projects that require close collaboration among many disciplines, as teamwork is one of the most exciting aspects of architecture. At the same time, I am interested in smaller-scale projects where I can focus more directly on the user experience within a space. My background in visual merchandising has given me a strong perspective on how lighting can shape perception and interaction, and I want to bring that sensibility into my design work.

What project are you most proud of and why?

One of the projects I am most proud of was my early involvement in the final phase of an airport. It was my first professional experience on-site, and I learned a great deal about both technical and collaborative aspects of lighting design. Airports are places that almost everyone, including my family and friends, experiences at some point, so being part of such a recognizable public project felt especially meaningful. It reinforced my passion for contributing to projects that serve the wider community.

What is the biggest challenge that you have overcome in your career?

As a lighting designer, I collaborate closely with colleagues, architects, and engineers. However, outside of work, I have always been more introverted, which made it difficult to enjoy networking or community engagement. Over time, I have been challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone and connect more with the lighting community. Living and working in New York City, where the community is vibrant and active, has been a motivating factor, and I continue to push myself to participate more.

How does light inspire you?

Light has become part of how I experience the world. Wherever I go, I naturally observe the space through its lighting. Well-designed lighting inspires me to think about what makes a space successful, while poorly executed lighting teaches me what to avoid in my own work. Living abroad also allows me to encounter cultural differences in lighting, which deepens my perspective and encourages me to continue learning and experimenting as a designer.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

Stay positive and keep challenging yourself. The lighting industry is still growing globally, and with growth come opportunities for women to make a strong impact. By embracing challenges and maintaining confidence, we can expand the boundaries of the profession and inspire the next generation of women lighting designers.