David Santiago NOMAS

David joined The Lighting Practice in 2026 as a Designer. He is currently pursuing a degree in Architecture at Drexel University, with a minor in Art History and Construction Management, and is expected to graduate in 2027. Through his academic work, David has completed several intensive courses focused on lighting design and luminaire construction, developing an understanding of both natural and electric light and how it can be shaped and controlled through design. His interest in lighting design began as a personal passion, sparked by collecting and restoring vintage modern and postmodern lamps, as well as exploring connected smart home systems and timed lighting strategies. Outside of work, David enjoys playing tennis and manages Esterlon, a nonprofit organization he co-founded that teaches architectural representation through alternative digital platforms.

What is the best thing about your job?

Working at TLP has several amazing proponents, and I am so thankful I get to call the Philadelphia office home. The best thing about working with TLP is the sheer variety of projects I am working on at once, as every day I am learning something new and taking that experience with me into my next projects. I feel as if I will never stop learning here, and I don’t want to stop learning either.

What/where is your ideal vacation?

Selecting the ideal vacation is challenging because I want to visit so many different countries and cultures around the world. However, my dream is to go to Japan, where I would spend a month abroad. I would like to visit each major city in Japan, starting north with Sapporo and Hakodate, then head south into Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and end in Hiroshima. Between each stay, I would travel by Shinkansen, the high-speed rail that links most of Japan.

What song best describes you?

A song that I would say best describes myself would easily have to be We R Who We R by Kesha. She is my favorite artist of all time, and as a child, that was my favorite song ever. I sang We R Who We R at my cousin’s karaoke birthday party when I was in third grade, and it felt like my theme song throughout my childhood. Like myself, it is a very fun and high energy song and is unapologetically Kesha [And me].