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Kate Sweater

Kate Sweater

New York, NY, US

 

About 

Dwaal Architectural Lighting Design is known for research, alongside thoughtful creative design. We will try to discover the essence of the space and find ways to express this through lighting. We consider first and foremost the people who will be using, occupying or wandering through the spaces.

Dwaal has a reputation for advocating for the end-user while considering the broader goals of the project. Our goal is to design lighting that will make a positive difference.

Founder/Principle Kate Sweater holds a Master of Science in Architectural Sciences (Lighting) from the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Bachelors of Fine Art (Furniture) from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She is Lighting Certified by the NCQLP and is an Associate Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). She is a member of the IES Museum and Gallery Lighting Committee as well as the Brightness Committee.

Kate Sweater has extensive experience with human perception of lighting, lighting for art, and lighting for spaces ranging from high-end homes and hospitality to low-income housing and public spaces.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Lighting Research Center at RPI, Troy, NY, US, Senior Research Specialist

Research in the field of lighting - from technologies to applications and energy use, from design to health and vision. Research and testing of solid-state lighting systems and technologies, as well as supporting the application of lighting technologies through education and design.

Jun 2009 - Dec 2013
 

Moooi, Breda, NL, Lighting Product Research Advisor

Contract advisor on lighting product related research and development

Mar 2013 - Jun 2013
 

Baldinger Architectural Lighting, Astoria, NY, US, Design Engineer

Custom design and engineering of chandeliers and lighting fixutres (built on premises). Used AutoCAD (3D) and Solidworks to fully realize the design and purchasing of fixtures.

Jun 2007 - Jun 2008
 

Focus Lighting, New York, NY, US, Junior Architectural Lighting Designer

Design, research and mock-ups in order to provide architectural lighting solutions. Lighting design for hospitality, restaurants and residences. Creating lighting plans, layouts, fixture schedules, fixture specifying. Working directly with architects and on the job site.

Jun 2006 - Jun 2007
 

Education 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, US, Masters, Architectural Sciences (Lighting)

Master's of Science in Lighting. Lighting research focused on human factors in lighting, lighting technologies, policy, and design.

Jun 2009 - Jun 2011
 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, Bachelors, Furniture

Fine arts degree, with a focus in Furniture.

Sep 1998 - Jun 2002
 

Awards 

Robert Bruce Thompson Light Fixture Design Competition, 2nd Place

Second Place Winner and Citation for Technical Achievement, Robert Bruce Thompson Light Fixture Design Competition 2011

2011
 

Faculty Graduate Recognition Award, 1st Place

From RPI Architecture department for Excellence in the Study of
Architecture and General Academic Achievement by a Lighting Research Graduate

2011
 

Bailey Scholarship Award Winne, 1st Place

Bailey Scholarship Award Winner 2010: Award for entrepreneurialism in lighting

2010
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills