TSA Technical Series: Lighting Design Fundamentals

Good lighting can make or break a space. 

Beyond its utilitarian use, lighting is a powerful tool that can instantly change the way we feel and experience our environment, shaping moods and evoking emotions in a way few other design elements can. Yet despite its transformative capabilities, more often than not, lighting is treated as an afterthought rather than a core design element—often layered late into the design process without making use of its full potential.  But it doesn’t have to be this way, and embracing lighting design early on can be key to elevating your spaces to the next level. 

Join us and Sasha Denisov of Lutron for an introductory webinar on this powerful design tool, starting with a foundational understanding of lighting design principles, terminology, and technologies. During this lecture, attendees will explore the essential metrics used to evaluate light, learn how lighting influences the visual experience of a space, and gain insight into key architectural lighting design considerations that support both aesthetics and functionality.

Participants in this lecture will: 

• Understand the basics of how to evaluate and specify lighting performance.
• Explore key concepts such as illuminance, contrast, directionality, and colour.
• Understand how fixture selection, optical control strategies, target light levels, and fixture placement techniques can be used to achieve desired visual effects, enhance occupant comfort, and support the intended function of a space.
• Examine how the characteristics of lighting influence the perception and experience of architectural spaces.

Looking to learn more? Lutron will also be hosting a live Lighting Demonstration on October 28, 2026, the evening after this lecture. The demonstration will be held at the Lutron Toronto Showroom and will be a great opportunity to see the lecture’s  lighting applications and principles in practice. Separate registration is required.

TSA MEMBERS: This event is free for TSA Members using the discount code found in the TSA Bulletin and on your Member Dashboard. Not a member yet? Membership is open to everyone and you can join here (student memberships are free!).

OAA MEMBERS:  This lecture is eligible for 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour. When registering, please include your full name as registered with the OAA to ensure your certificate of participation is credited properly. Please also include an email address you check frequently to ensure you receive our certificate in a timely manner.