Your Interview Ashley Spafford

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

Hi, I’m Ashley Spafford, and I work in Specification Lighting Sales at Sterling Architectural Products, also known as Sterling Lights. My path into lighting wasn’t traditional—I have a degree in psychology and worked for a crisis hotline while in school. That experience shaped how I approach my work today, it taught me how to really listen and understand people’s needs.

I got into lighting through my sister, who worked at a small, female-owned lighting business focused on residential projects. I applied there and quickly realized how much lighting can shape a space and how it makes people feel. That’s when I fell in love with lighting and decided to pursue it as a career. From there, I moved into the lighting agency world, which is where I am today at Sterling.

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?

As a lighting specification sales agent, I work with designers, architects, and clients to find solutions for their projects. A big part of what I do is problem-solving, figuring out the right products, handling technical requirements, budgets, and timelines and while making sure the lighting supports the overall design vision. I especially enjoy seeing how thoughtful lighting can transform a space, whether it’s creating a dramatic effect or something more subtle that just feels right.

How does light inspire you?

Light inspires me because it’s a feeling. When it’s done well, it completely transforms a space. Every environment has light or darkness, natural or artificial, and sometimes the lighting is meant to be bold, while other times it’s quiet and understated, shaping how a space feels without drawing attention. The most rewarding part of my work is helping create lighting that complements the design and enhances the experience of a space.x

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

Be yourself, and keep being yourself—your voice and perspective matter.