
BACKGROUND
Gwen Grossman Lighting Design (GGLD), established in 2010, is a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) lighting design firm based in Chicago. Our staff draws upon their diverse backgrounds in theater, architecture, interior design, and fine arts, which combines talents to create exemplary, award-winning work. Founding designer Gwen Grossman boasts over 25 years of experience and is Lighting Certified (LC) by the NCQLP, a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Design (IALD), and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
GGLD has successfully collaborated on hundreds of lighting design projects ranging from corporate offices, hotels, restaurants, public libraries, retail, education, religious spaces, exterior landscaping & facades, as well as private residences. Our clients range from architects, interior designers, developers, engineers, and end users.
MISSION
We are a lighting design firm with a passion for creating innovative, beautiful, and inviting environments that support our clients’ culture while sculpting architecture with light.
VISION
Our vision is to utilize our passion for excellence and artistry to be a nationwide leading architectural lighting design firm. Our designers are thought leaders that holistically approach design while building lasting relationships with our clients. We create memorable, cutting-edge spaces that celebrate culture and architecture.
CORE VALUES

Excellence

Artistry

Collaboration

Innovation

Legacy
PHILOSOPHY
GGLD strives for seamless collaboration, integration, and innovative design with each challenge. Our team provides unique solutions and creativity to bring a balanced composition, harmony, and drama to the architecture. Participation in international and national lighting events has given us superb insight into the aesthetic and technical possibilities that modern lighting systems offer.
The client’s needs always come first as we explore the culture of the environment that they desire to work, learn, or live in. We believe that great lighting is crucial to the human experience. It can bring a sense of calmness or liveliness to any environment. Lighting can also have a profound effect on people’s health, productivity, and mood.
APPROACH
GGLD takes a holistic approach to lighting design and how it relates to the architecture, finishes, and most importantly, the people utilizing the space. We work on a layered lighting approach that allows for volumetric light from all angles and levels. This is what builds dimension, shape, drama, and uniqueness into our work. Extensive research is performed to understand the existing culture of the client’s current space (foot-candle levels, types of work spaces, artwork collection, lighting controls, etc.) so that we can gauge what needs to be incorporated into the new environment. We do this within the strict guidelines of the energy code, surroundings, and by keeping budget in mind. Our goal is to deliver lighting that works seamlessly with the interiors and brings comfort and productivity to the users.