Dawn Hollingsworth is a distinguished lighting designer and a visionary leader with over 35 years of experience in theatrical and architectural lighting design, consulting, and product development. As a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) and a WELL Accredited Professional, Dawn combines her extensive technical expertise with a passion for creating innovative lighting solutions that enhance environments and elevate experiences.

Currently serving as the Principal at Darkhorse Lightworks, LLC, Dawn has been instrumental in providing environmental and architectural lighting design services across diverse sectors, including commercial, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and entertainment. Since November 2015, she has led her firm in developing cutting-edge lighting solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations. Under her guidance, Darkhorse Lightworks has gained recognition for its commitment to excellence and creativity in lighting design.

Dawn’s impressive career includes significant roles in leading organizations within the lighting industry. She served as Design Director at BOLD – Brian Orter Lighting Design, where she contributed to the design direction and business development of the Los Angeles office for nearly a year. Prior to that, she was a Principal Lighting Designer at Stantec from April 2011 to January 2015, where she was responsible for overseeing design direction and ensuring the successful execution of numerous architectural projects.

Her foundational experience was gained at Visual Terrain, Inc., where she served as Managing Design Principal for nearly 15 years. In this role, she was not only responsible for design direction but also managed marketing and finance operations, showcasing her diverse skill set that spans both creative and operational domains. Dawn’s career began at Thomas Lighting Group, where she honed her expertise in sales, product management, and marketing management.

A Fellow of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Dawn is well-respected within the lighting community for her dedication to the craft and her commitment to advancing the profession. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her outstanding work, including an IALD Award of Merit and multiple accolades from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

Dawn’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design and Technical Production from the University of Oklahoma. She also attended Colorado Women’s College, where she focused on Theatre.

An advocate for education and professional development, Dawn has been a speaker at industry conferences such as Enlighten Americas, Lightfair International, and the LED Specifier Summit. She has taught lighting design at various universities, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of designers.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dawn is actively involved in various industry organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the International Landscape Lighting Institute, where she holds the position of Treasurer. Her commitment to excellence and innovation continues to make a significant impact in the field of lighting design.

With a personal mission to be cognizant of the environment and the use of its resources, Dawn Hollingsworth remains dedicated to advancing the lighting design profession while creating meaningful and sustainable solutions for her clients.

Character

Dawn Hollingsworth exemplifies integrity and dedication in her professional endeavors, consistently prioritizing ethical practices in her work. Her commitment to sustainability reflects her cognizance of environmental issues, making her a responsible leader in the lighting design industry.

Knowledge

With over 35 years of experience, Dawn possesses extensive expertise in theatrical and architectural lighting design, product development, and marketing. She is a Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) and a WELL Accredited Professional, showcasing her deep understanding of industry standards and best practices.

Strategic

Dawn demonstrates strategic thinking in her role as Principal at Darkhorse Lightworks, LLC, where she leads her team in developing innovative lighting solutions for diverse sectors. Her ability to oversee design direction while managing marketing and finance operations highlights her capacity to drive organizational success through strategic initiatives.

Communication

As a seasoned speaker at industry conferences, Dawn effectively shares her knowledge and insights with peers and emerging designers alike. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills facilitate meaningful relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring successful project outcomes.