The Lighting Practice is proud to announce that the LIT Design Awards has honored firm Founder and Principal Alfred R. Borden, FIALD, CLD with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am humbled by this honor,” Al said. “I feel fortunate to have a supportive family and firm and to have worked with many talented people over the years.”

Al opened The Lighting Practice’s Philadelphia office in 1989 to create a place where like-minded designers could work in a collaborative environment dedicated to design excellence and client service. In 2018, Al spearheaded the firm’s expansion to New York, growing TLP’s network and diverse project portfolio through business development and marketing efforts.

Inspired by his desire to create designs that will positively impact people for years to come, Al uses light as a medium to make a difference around the world. His personal and professional mission is to create lighting solutions that meet clients’ needs, respect and highlight architectural forms, and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The Lighting Practice, through Al’s leadership, has taken on the task of relighting many iconic buildings and landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Philadelphia City Hall, Thomas Edison Memorial, and the Trinity Centre. His collaborative approach to lighting design has provided comfort, safety, and breathtaking beauty to hundreds of buildings and landscapes.

In 2016, Al became one of the first 12 Certified Lighting Designers in the world. The first evidence-based lighting design certification, the CLD program challenges a lighting professional to prove their professional knowledge and proficiency. As Fellow of the International Association of Lighting Designers, Al played a highly supportive and active role in the advancement of the organization’s international development and in writing the first Standard IALD Contract templates, overhauling the IALD Awards program, and establishing a relationship with an international lighting magazine to represent the IALD.

In addition to his active engagement with local, national, and international lighting and architecture communities, Al has looked for ways to support his local community in Philadelphia. Since 2002, he has worked with ‘Lights for the Cure’ and its visionary, Joanne Calabria, to help building owners turn their building facades pink for the Susan G. Komen cause.

Al’s 30-year legacy of lighting is woven into the fabric of buildings across the United States. He continues to be a role model for new designers, setting the standard for work ethic, creativity, and philanthropy in the field at large.

Congratulations to Al on his continuing achievements!

The LIT Design Awards The LIT Design Awards recognize talented lighting professionals and their projects around the world. LIT, which stands for “Light in Theory,” was envisioned to celebrate the creativity and innovation in the fields of lighting products and applications. Winners are chosen by an esteemed jury of leaders in fields spanning lighting, interior design, and architecture.

About The Lighting Practice The Lighting Practice, a WBE/DBE certified firm, has been a leader in lighting design for 30 years. With offices in New York and Philadelphia, TLP has partnered with developers, building owners, and design professionals to develop innovative lighting solutions. TLP’s talented team, over 30 lighting design professionals, has created dynamic and innovative lighting strategies for projects in civic, corporate, healthcare, higher education, historic, hospitality, and retail/mixed-use markets. For more information, visit: thelightingpractice.com.