Your Interview Seonmi Ahn

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

Hello, my name is Seonmi Ahn. I am a Lighting Designer at LAPD Lighting Consultants, based in London, UK. My journey into lighting design began in 2014 after I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Chung-Ang University, South Korea. Following my graduation, I had the opportunity to intern at L’Observatoire International in New York. This experience opened my eyes to the creative and technical depth of lighting design, far beyond what I had encountered in my interior design studies.  I was able to participate in hands-on projects and assist with mock-ups, learning how to test luminaires, model cove details, aim lights on site, and fine-tune lighting temperatures. Seeing how lighting designers could control and manipulate light to articulate a design’s intention in a space inspired me to pursue this field further. To deepen my expertise, I went on to study Architectural Lighting Design at Hochschule Wismar in Germany for my Master’s degree.

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?

Throughout my career, I have worked on a diverse range of projects, including retail, landscape, façade, urban, office, and commercial lighting design. My particular passion lies in creating environmentally friendly lighting solutions. I focus on reducing unwanted light, spill light, and upward light to help mitigate light pollution and minimize energy waste, all while maintaining subtle, aesthetic, and functional lighting designs. I believe that thoughtful lighting can enhance spaces while also being kind to our environment.

What project are you most proud of and why?

One of the projects I am most proud of involved designing the lighting for a large urban park. This project challenged me to balance the needs of public safety and accessibility with the goal of minimizing light pollution and preserving the natural night environment. It is still on-going project but the positive feedback from both the client and design team was incredibly rewarding, and it reaffirmed my commitment to sustainable lighting design.

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

The biggest challenge I have overcome in my career was leading a BIM (Building Information Modelling) project, which was the first of its kind for my company. We faced several technical challenges to meet the client’s requirements, including learning new software and plug-ins. I overcame these obstacles through self-study and by actively collaborating with the client’s team to acquire new skills. Today, lighting designers are expected to be proficient in a variety of software tools in addition to their core design abilities. Embracing new technology has helped me to streamline workflows and collaborate more effectively with other disciplines.

How does light inspire you?

Light is everywhere and fundamental to life—not just for visibility, but also for its environmental and biological effects. Designing with light requires balancing aesthetics with sustainability, and each project presents a unique challenge and an opportunity for growth. I am constantly inspired by the transformative power of light and the endless possibilities it offers in shaping our environments.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

To all the incredible women in lighting: your perspective is invaluable. I hope we can continue to share ideas and support one another, helping our industry to thrive and evolve. Let’s keep inspiring each other and making a positive impact through our work. Thank you.