Your Interview Ashley Elizabeth Chan

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

I am Ashley Chan, a lighting designer currently working in Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design (HLB) in New York City. I started my career as an interior designer in an architecture and interior design firm in the Philippines.

As an interior designer, I worked with lighting and started to integrate lighting concepts in my designs. I soon came to appreciate the power of light: not just as a thing of beauty but also as a design element that can shape the environment and serve a functional purpose. Light has the ability to elevate everyday experiences and even promote sustainability.

After six years with the firm, I decided to continue learning lighting and pursue an MFA in Lighting Design at Parsons School of Design in 2020. Since then, I have been immersed in the world of lighting, handling different projects in hospitality, corporate, transportation infrastructure, and educational sectors.

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 was born and raised in the Philippines where the sun reigns for most of the year, and there are only two seasons: hot and hotter. Long before I knew the concept “daylighting,” I developed an instinct for how natural light can shape a space, and even influence behavior and mood, from enhancing focus to boosting well-being. As I hone my craft, I also see immense value in contributing to sustainability by harnessing natural resources. I believe this practice has the potential to one day have a transformative—and perhaps even outsized—impact on communities. I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge in all areas of lighting and specialize in daylighting, with the goal of aligning the built environment more closely with nature.

What project are you most proud of and why?

I am fortunate to have gained exposure to a wide range of infrastructure development, from schools to airports. That said, I am most proud of the bridge projects I am working on because I see them not only as a transitional spaces, but also as art forms that merge light and structure. Bridges connect not just people and places, but also communities and cultures, and the way they are lit can transform their significance, both functionally and emotionally. Having the chance to work on something that has a profound impact on the local community—and their morale—is as exciting as it is humbling.

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

Even after Parsons, I was not sure what to expect once I started working in New York City. The technical demands of the work seemed daunting to me. As a woman in a STEM field, I was intimidated, but I was motivated to learn new skills and accepted every challenge as an opportunity to improve. I have been fortunate to work with and learn from brilliant mentors in HLB who not only share their expertise but push me to refine and elevate my craft. The lighting community itself is extraordinary in that every interaction with designers, whether in conferences, educational talks, or in the office, is warm and supportive, and there is this culture of encouragement—much like the light designers create. The community is truly an invaluable resource for education and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

How does light inspire you?

Light inspires me to look deeper and go beyond what and how we design into how we experience spaces. Light bridges the gap between the designer and the end user because it is rooted in perception, influencing how people feel and interact with others and with their surroundings. Proper use of light adds a necessary depth in spaces and can be transformative, enhancing connection to nature, evoking specific moods, or fostering more meaningful interactions. As the industry evolves, I am excited for people in different industries to learn more about light and how it can act as a catalyst to create human-centered spaces that enhance well-being, productivity, and sustainability.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

Don’t be afraid to embrace learning, especially when it challenges you: it’s where growth happens. Lean into learning and teaching moments. Everyone I have met in the industry has been excited to share their knowledge, and it is inspiring to be part of such an open, giving community. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and I am excited to one day pay it forward and be a mentor who inspires and empowers others, just as I have been inspired in my journey.