"I am contributing to education matters for the lighting industry" - #IamCIBSE
I am a Specialist Lighting Designer at Atkins & SNC Lavalin
I am Chair of the SLL Education Committee
I am contributing to education matters for the lighting industry
Kristina Allison is a Specialist Lighting Designer at Atkins & SNC Lavalin, and Chair of the Society of
Light and Lighting (SLL) Education Committee. We spoke to her to find out how
she got involved in the lighting industry and the role she has taken on at
CIBSE.
How did you come to
work in this industry and be working in the role you are in now?
Well, I studied interior design at college then went on to
do a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design and then my Masters Degree in Furniture
Design, it was only when I finished university that I started working as a Lighting
Design Consultant. So, I’m like most people who work in the lighting industry who
will tell you they ‘fell into lighting’! I really enjoyed the job, I was
involved with lighting design and teaching, specialising in energy efficiency
across the UK. I went on to take over the practice and for a number of years
ran the company - Lighting Enterprises Consultancy.
Following this I went on to work at a global lighting
manufacturer for a while, and later I would get a job with Atkins where I work
now. I had always worked within a specialism, being a lighting designer in the
world of energy efficiency projects, so being part of a multi-disciplinary team
makes me feel at home.
On being part of the
building services industry….
What I find funny about the building service industry, is
how little people consider it generally. I mean, take lighting for example, if
there was something wrong with it, say it was too dark, or too bright people
would notice and complain. Just like if it was too hot or too cold in a
building, like a shopping centre can be in the summer!
But lighting design has something so special, it can
transform a space, a whole area or a building inside and out. I’d like to think
people can just enjoy lighting without understanding how complex it actually
is. That part is what I really like, that every detail is a challenge in the
most exciting ways even down to just the processes in delivering projects. At
Atkins we are very keen to use digital tools to deliver projects and at the
moment I’m doing some very exciting things with that and lighting design
automation.
On being part of the
SLL….
Way back in 2007 I got involved with the SLL, when
past-president Stephen Lisk asked me to join the Communications Committee. I
also got involved with the CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) and represented
the SLL at YEN meetings. I organised a few CPD trips to (then called) Philips Lighting
which was popular. I moved into the SLL Education and Membership committee as
it suited the type of work I was doing at the time.
Recently I have been made chair of the SLL Education
committee after 9 years on the committee and I am looking forward to continuing
to contribute to education matters for the lighting industry.
Last year I developed a school lesson as a STEM activity and
went back to my old secondary school to teach year 10 (14 year olds) about the lighting
industry. It was a really successful 2 days and the pupils responded well and
engaged with the lighting samples and made some fun designs (see photos). I
felt that this was an age group that might not know a career in lighting even
existed, I would love to think that I’ve inspired someone in that class to
become a lighting designer?!
Being part of CIBSE and SLL throughout my career has
meant that I feel part of a community, a welcoming community of people
who are open, and keen to share and support. Attending the CPD and social events
that are available to members – and non-members – has given me a lot of
networking opportunities that were essential to me when I ran my company and
have formed friendships too.
What advice would you
give to someone considering getting involved with CIBSE or SLL?
Just come along to an event, everyone is so friendly and
there are always events posted on the CIBSE / SLL website. If you were
interested in becoming more involved with one of the SLL committees, I’d say
come to an event or become a member and express your interest to one of the
team. Its great to have new people with fresh ideas who are enthusiastic about
lighting too.
Comments
Post a Comment