Reed Burkett Lighting Design is thrilled to have three of our recent projects recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society’s 2025 lighting awards program. Cradle of Aviation with design collaboration with Rich Fisher and ERCO, Financial Services Firm (215 N Peoria) designed by The Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and the Usona Institute designed by Ramlow/Stein Inc., were acknowledged with Awards of Merit.
With each project representing a unique sector of work, RBLD continues to demonstrate not only a commitment to high quality lighting design but added value to a diverse range of clients and project types.
For more information on each project, see below and links to their portfolio pages on our website
Cradle Of Aviation – 2 Awards of Merit (Interior Lighting Design & Energy and Environmental Design)
The complete relighting of an extraordinary aviation museum was critical to the life of its collection and for the reimagining of its storytelling potential. An existing theatrically based lighting system was poorly utilized, delivering ineffective and compromising illumination from 300/575 watt luminaires. Energy use was excessive, ongoing maintenance crippling, and source glare significantly diminishing visibility. A thoughtful new design demonstrates how modern lighting and control technologies can: dramatically decrease energy consumption (85%+), reduce maintenance demands, facilitate actions for preservation and protection of artifacts, and enhance the overall coherence of displays. All serving to heighten visitors’ comprehension and enjoyment.
Design Partners: Rich Fisher and ERCO
Photographer: Studio SZ / Justin Szeremeta
See more here
Financial Services Firm (215 N Peoria) – Award of Merit (Interior Lighting Design)
This financial firm’s office blends elegance with functionality, using integrated lighting design to enhance architecture and support diverse work and entertainment needs. High-CRI LED lighting, exceeding energy codes by 21%, is carefully tailored for comfort, task performance, and visual clarity, especially around screens. The design harmonizes with advanced controls, AV, and shading systems to ensure intuitive use. Lighting is meticulously embedded into a variety of architectural materials—drywall, marble, acoustic baffles—preserving both aesthetic integrity and performance. Subtle fixtures and indirect lighting techniques shape spaces, highlight materials, and guide movement, creating a sophisticated, efficient, and inviting workspace.
Architect: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Photographer: Steve Hall © Hall+Merrick_McCaugherty Photographers
Usona Institute – Award of Merit (Interior Lighting Design)
Usona Institute’s 100,000-square-foot headquarters uses light as a therapeutic tool to support mental health treatment with psilocybin. Designed for clients with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, the lighting enhances introspection, comfort, and healing. Dynamic RGB and tunable white systems enable personalized, evolving therapy sessions, while intuitive controls allow therapists to tailor experiences. From home-like hospitality in the atrium to immersive light shows in therapy pods and group spaces, the design blends natural and electric light to create a transformative, adaptable environment centered on emotional well-being.
Architect: Ramlow/Stein Inc.
Photographer: Tricia Shay
