Illuminated Integration is proud to celebrate Senior Designer Becky McCarthy for earning her Lighting Certification (LC) — a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates advanced expertise in the art and science of lighting design.
For Becky, this certification represents more than professional growth; it reflects a bridge between two worlds she’s long worked to unite — theatrical and architectural lighting design. With experience rooted in entertainment, Becky recognized the LC as an opportunity to expand her understanding of how lighting shapes spaces across industries. “We do so much in both the entertainment and architectural spaces,” she explained, “and this certification shows that we can confidently speak the language of architects and clients who think deeply about function, comfort, and aesthetics.”
The LC certification tests knowledge that spans everything from energy efficiency and code compliance to controls, occupancy sensors, and sustainable design principles. For Becky, the process reinforced the importance of lighting not just as a visual tool but as a contributor to how people experience spaces — from parking lots to hospitals, museums, and theaters.
Becky’s journey to certification has been years in the making. Since joining Illuminated, she has steadily built her expertise through hands-on project experience, mentorship, and independent study. “It’s been about three years of learning through real projects,” she shared. “I started with a checklist of terms and concepts, but it grew into understanding the thinking behind every design decision. Lighting a roller coaster at night isn’t all that different from lighting a parking lot — it’s about how people interact with light and space.”
Now certified, Becky sees this milestone as a way to strengthen Illuminated’s collaborative work with architects and clients. “This gives us the confidence to enter conversations knowing we’re aligned on the same priorities — functionality, aesthetics, and compliance,” she said. “It proves that we’re not just installing technology because it looks cool. We’re ensuring every design performs as beautifully as it looks.”
Beyond her own growth, Becky is committed to bringing that expertise back to the team. As a senior designer, she reviews projects across the company, helping ensure that every installation considers code requirements, client needs, and the capabilities of modern lighting technologies. “It’s about elevating the whole team,” she said. “Until others pursue their own certifications, there’s value in having someone who can guide projects with that full understanding.”
That expertise has already made an impact. Becky’s leadership on a current, large-scale architectural project has helped position Illuminated as a trusted partner capable of balancing technical precision with creative vision. The success of that work has even led the client to recommend Illuminated for additional projects — a testament to the company’s growing reputation for thoughtful, code-compliant, and beautifully integrated designs.
As Becky looks ahead, she plans to continue expanding her credentials — next setting her sights on the CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification to further her understanding of integrated systems across lighting, video, and audio. “Our work touches everything,” she said. “The more we understand how those systems connect, the better we can serve our clients.”
Becky’s accomplishment reflects both personal dedication and Illuminated’s commitment to ongoing education and excellence. Her LC certification is not just a professional achievement — it’s a milestone that elevates the company’s ability to design, communicate, and innovate in every space we illuminate.
