Brienne Willcock is an accomplished leader in professional education, known for her commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity in the development of industry standards. As Director of Education and Standards for the IES, she oversees the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational programs and regulatory frameworks that elevate both individual and organizational performance. Brienne is an active speaker and contributes to a number of different industry publications.
With a strong background in curriculum development, accreditation, and stakeholder engagement, Brienne brings a strategic and collaborative approach to ensuring educational initiatives are aligned with emerging trends and best practices. Her work fosters lifelong learning, professional growth, and the consistent application of standards across the sector.
Driven by a passion for quality education and meaningful impact, Brienne is a trusted voice in the field, dedicated to building programs that not only inform but inspire. She is an active member and supporter of WILD.
Brienne recently authored an article in LD&A’s June issue – entitled – Investing in Change – Seeking Clarity in Lighting Advocacy
Getting to know Brienne…
Q: How did you get started in the industry?
I majored in Art with a minor in Human Environments, then doubled down on my curiosity with a second bachelor’s in Interior Design — both at Eastern Michigan University. That’s where I took a lighting class. The course, taught by lighting designer Karl Geil, struck a balance between pragmatism and creativity that I didn’t know I needed. I’d learned to observe and document light and shadow and discern visual hierarchy in studying art. When Karl presented light as something measurable and technical, but beautiful and impactful…it resonated. In that class I learned that planning layers of light for others to observe and enjoy was more rewarding than other creative outlets. I didn’t pursue it as a career; it hadn’t solidified in that way yet. After graduating I went on to work as a graphic designer at an heirloom flower company, and ran into Karl in a cafe. He asked me if I still liked the idea of lighting, and soon thereafter recommended me for a role at the firm he was part of…and I showed up with a portfolio that centered light as a primary design element in a few projects and got hired on the spot. I had the opportunity to design lighting alongside Robert White, LC, and Stefan Graf, FIALD, across a wide range of project types: automotive, museums, retail, parks, houses of worship, residential, and restaurants. I didn’t set out to be in the lighting industry, but I’d say by three months in I was on solid ground in suspecting I belonged here.
Brienne was named – Person of the Year in 2024 by Edison Report.
Q: How long have you worked in the industry?
I joined Illuminart in 2011 and came to work for the IES in 2019.
Talk about your career path.
As a lighting designer, I was a sponge — I couldn’t get enough. I loved everything from concept design through administration, spec sheets and luminaire comparisons, relationship building and troubleshooting, and innovation. I also fell hard for the industry itself. I attended IALD and IES conferences, served as president of the IES Detroit Section, got involved in AIA and was later recognized as an Honorary Affiliate, and chaired the IES Annual Conference (2016 “Connected Light” highlighting controls innovation, and 2017 “My Light” focusing on personalization, preferences, and subtlety ). Over time, it dawned on me that I might belong at IES — not just to support individual projects, but to help shape the broader industry. I started in education under Tom Butters, and as the organization has evolved, I’ve grown into my current role as Director of Education and Standards. I’ll say I think in countless ways my career has been shaped by two things: leaps of faith — by others, and me — that I took to heart, and relentless curiosity.
Q: What keeps you in the industry?
The people. The value of lighting in the built environment is a big reason I stay, but it’s the community that keeps me inspired. Lighting draws in all kinds of misfits from wildly different disciplines and those are “my people”, as they say.
LD+A is owned by Sage – Full link to article is here: Education