Inside the LUMY Judging Process

Sean O’Connor discovered the transformative power of light and shadow while studying architecture. Since founding Sean O’Connor Lighting 27 years ago, he has built an award-winning portfolio that defines space, identity, and beauty through light.

Working closely with architects, interior designers, and clients, Sean designs integrated lighting systems that evoke atmosphere and emotion to support each project’s vision. Passionate about both form and function, he has also designed numerous lighting products for top manufacturers, earning the Lightfair International Innovation Award three years in a row.

A respected voice in the field, Sean has lectured at major industry events including Neocon, Lightfair International, Designers Lighting Forum, IES, GE Nela Park,  the Philips Retail Lighting Leadership Forum, and Lightapalooza speaking to professionals and students alike. He has also been a featured guest on the LytePod and the Lighting Controls podcasts.

Unique within the lighting design world, Sean is an avid collector of 20th-century and contemporary design and decorative arts. His deep engagement with the art and design communities enriches his work, fostering a shared vision among design teams.

In 2022, Sean was named Lighting Designer of the Year by Designing Lighting for his lifelong contributions to the field. His firm has received numerous honors, including the Edison Award of Excellence, IALD Award of Excellence, International Illumination Design Award of Excellence, and Architect’s Newspaper “Best of Practice” in 2023. It has also twice been named Firm of the Year by the Los Angeles section of the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Jonathan Hoyle, Principal at The Lighting Practice (TLP) and Director of the firm’s Philadelphia office, is an award-winning lighting designer and industry leader. He joined TLP in 2008 after completing his Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design at the University of Illinois. Jonathan’s project experience includes corporate, education, exterior facades, historic interiors and exteriors, hospitality, public spaces, and a variety of transportation environments. His experience with a variety of project types offers a unique perspective when designing a new project.

Jonathan was recognized by Lighting Magazine for his leadership in lighting design in the 40under40 class of 2020. He also served for four years as an adjunct professor in the Architecture Department at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He has educated his local and national lighting and architecture communities through presentations on emerging technologies at IALD Enlighten Americas, AIA Philadelphia’s Suburban Pro Con, Neo-Con, Design on the Delaware, LEDucation, ArchLIGHT and Illuminate Philadelphia. When not at work, he can often be found riding his bike through the city streets or along wooded trails.