David Seok CLD, IALD

Senior Lighting Designer

David Seok joined The Lighting Practice in 2014.  In 2019 he was promoted to Senior Lighting Designer and returned to New York to work in The Lighting Practice’s NYC office.  Prior to joining TLP, he worked as a lighting designer for a Philadelphia area lighting design firm.  David’s project work includes corporate, education, mixed-use developments, hospitality and entertainment environments.  His passion for design and urban redevelopment has led him to volunteer with Community Design Collaborative and participate in DesignPhiladelphia’s 2015 Pearl Street Passage installation project.  Beginning in 2017, David has taught lighting design as an adjunct professor for the Drexel University Department of Architecture + Interiors. Recently David was recognized for his leadership in lighting design as one of Light Collective’s 40under40 class of 2021. 

Why did you become a lighting designer?
In architecture school, I was in awe of Tadao Ando’s Church of Light and how he was able to use light in such an elegant way to create a powerful, impactful space.

What is your favorite aspect of light?
I love watching people’s faces light up (sorry…) when they experience lighting in the public realm, like façade lighting and art installations.

What is your personal mission statement?
Work hard, no matter what you’re doing.

Where is your favorite place to get pizza?
Joe’s Pizza in Little Neck, Queens, across the street from my elementary school, P.S. 221.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture – Drexel University

Credentials & Affiliations

  • Certified Lighting Designer (CLD)
  • International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) - Member
  • Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) - NYC Section Member
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York - Affiliate Member
  • The Architectural League NY - Member
  • Community Design Collaborative - Volunteer
  • IES Fundamentals of Lighting - Instructor (2016 - 2018)
  • Drexel University, Department of Architecture - Adjunct Professor (2017 - 2019)
  • DesignPhiladelphia - 2015 Pearl Street Passage