Your Interview Sofia Aizzel H. Valdecañas

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

My name is Sofia Aizzel Valdecañas, I am an Independent Lighting Designer based in the Philippines.

I graduated B.S. in Architecture at Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.

I got into Lighting Design by fate. I was browsing for jobs in the year 2016 and it got me to my previous company, Light Plan Inc. and that’s when my love for lighting started.

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 have worked on various types: residential, resort & hotels, churches, and retail stores.

However, I haven’t worked on museums and I find it intriguing to design. Hopefully, someday I could get to work on it.

In this world where everything is in a constant change, our adaptation to the modern environment also arises. An area shouldn’t be just aesthetically pleasing but also visually comfortable.

What project are you most proud of and why?

One of the projects I’m proud of is designing the interior & exterior of this hotel and residences in Davao, Philippines together with our Senior Designer and Principal Designer back when I was at my previous company, LPI.

The client wanted to highlight mostly the façade that it must be seen by the people at the far most distance. So, we’ve thought of illuminating the areas where we think people would draw their attention from.

I had fun coordinating with the architects, interior designers, contractors, and suppliers from Design Development Phase up to the end of the project. This highlighted my work at LPI since I’m very hands on with the project. I’d like to commend also my Principal Designer that time since she gave me the freedom to express and handle this project on my own.

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

My biggest challenge would be introducing lighting design that it’s not just a luxury product, but a need. We live in a world where mostly specialty consultants is a little recognized.

Another challenge is to always remember the 3 key aspects of lighting: aesthetic, function, and efficiency.

How does light inspire you?

Lighting brings an emotional value to architecture, thus, it transforms the face of a certain area.

Light in every form or detail is inspiring.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

Women in Lighting has a beautiful intent in bringing closer the Lighting Designers from all over the world that helps to inspire others.

I believe in a healthy community like this which would eventually spread because of its good purpose.

I support all people, regardless of gender, to keep on believing and have faith always towards their goals or dreams.