Your Interview Alex Müller

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

My name is Alex Müller, and I’m an Associate, Lighting Design at Alula Lighting Design, based in Toronto, Canada.

I originally studied Interior Architecture, and during my early career I worked in both architecture and interior design. While designing retail and commercial spaces, I realized how transformative lighting could be for a space and its users. That curiosity led me to specialize in lighting design, where I found the perfect balance between creativity, technical knowledge, and storytelling through light.

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 work across different project types, but what excites me the most are hospitality projects and art installations. Hospitality allows me to create immersive experiences where lighting sets the tone, mood, and identity of a space. Art installations, on the other hand, give me the chance to experiment and push boundaries; they’re about storytelling and emotion in their purest form. Both areas allow me to explore the expressive side of lighting design while still balancing technical precision.

What project are you most proud of and why?

The project I’m most proud of is The Invisible Tide art installation exhibited during DesignTO 2025 festival. Through this work, I was able to recreate the wonderful sunsets and sunrises I used to watch while growing up in Peru. It was more than just a design project, it was a chance to share a piece of my soul and my memories with others. Being able to translate something so personal into an experience that people could feel and connect with was truly priceless.

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

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating my career path and finding my place in the lighting industry as an immigrant in a new country. Starting fresh meant not only transitioning from architecture to lighting, but also learning how to build a network, prove myself, and adapt to a different professional culture. I had to develop resilience and confidence along the way, while mastering the technical aspects of a new discipline. Looking back, those challenges shaped my determination and ultimately helped me grow into leadership roles where I can now mentor others facing similar paths.

How does light inspire you?

For me, light is about emotion and connection. It has the ability to shape how people feel in a space without them even realizing it. Whether it’s creating intimacy in a restaurant, drama in a hotel, or a sense of awe in an art installation, light is both subtle and powerful. That duality inspires me, it’s invisible yet essential, technical yet artistic.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

My message would be: own your voice and your perspective. Lighting design is richer when diverse voices are at the table, and as women we bring unique ways of seeing and shaping the world. Don’t be afraid to step into leadership, to mentor, to ask questions, and to create space for others. As an immigrant and a woman in this industry, I’ve learned that your background and journey are strengths, they bring depth and resilience to your work. Together, we can build a more inclusive, supportive community that lifts everyone.