I was copied on this letter that JoAnne Lindsley, a leading lighting designer, past president of IALD and principal of Lindsley Consultants Inc., wrote to Texas Representative Wayne Smith about the new bill, which has passed both houses of the state legislature, that essentially would require licensing to do lighting design. Rep. Smith initiated the bill without the language restricting the lighting design profession. JoAnne gave me permission to publish the letter here at LightNOW. Add your voice to hers by calling Rep. Smith at 512.463.0733 or email him.
Dear Representative Smith,
I am writing to you because I understand that you initiated this bill without the restriction that excludes the profession of lighting design.
I have been a Professional Lighting Designer for three decades.
Architectural Lighting Design has been a distinct profession for more than four decades.
Time is short and I have just learned of the Texas bill HB2649/SB2414 this evening. I understand that it has passed both houses in preparation for signing by Governor Perry. I implore you to do what you can to revert to the original language of this bill that did not exclude unlicensed professionals.
Not knowing the original impetus for this bill, I cannot intelligently argue that this mandate is counter to the motivation. I can tell you that hundreds of professional lighting designers are well qualified, uniquely qualified in fact, to do the tasks that are outlined in this bill. Although many, or most of designers like me are trained in one of the professions that are named, they have chosen to concentrate in the rich and interesting field of lighting design. There is no licensing criteria for architectural lighting designers. To lose their services in the state of Texas will be a great disservice to the people of Texas and set an unfortunate precedence for legislation in other states.
I have copied Professor Fred Oberkircher of Texas Christian University, among interested others. Fred is leaving his long time post as Director of the TCU Center for Lighting Eduction to become the President of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
I have reviewed his resume at: http://www.demt.tcu.edu/oberkircher.asp,
and while he is supremely qualified in the field of lighting it appears that he will not be able to practice in his home state of Texas after September 1st, should this legislation be signed into law. You can view Professor Oberkircher’s resume through the link above.
My resume is attached for reference as exemplifying the background of an experienced but unlicensed professional. I live and practice in the New York Metropolitan area. I have a current project under construction in Arlington, TX.
Please consider this message, and resolve this legislation in favor of allowing the benefits of professional lighting design, for people and buildings of your state.
Sincerely,
JoAnne Lindsley
