Schuler Shook Designers Receive Four Tesla Awards from the National Lighting Bureau

Firm News – Apr 2026

Schuler Shook is pleased to announce that four of the firm’s lighting design projects have been recognized by the National Lighting Bureau with 2026 Tesla Awards honors.

Created to recognize lighting projects that advance human performance, health and wellness, safety, and environmental responsibility, the Tesla Awards highlight design solutions that demonstrate the broader value of lighting in the built environment. Winning projects are evaluated on criteria including innovation, effectiveness of application, energy performance, universality, and sustainability — showcasing projects that not only elevate architecture but also provide replicable best practices for a wide range of lighting challenges.

This year, Schuler Shook received one Award of Excellence, two Awards of Merit, and a Special Citation for Adaptive Reuse, recognizing the firm’s thoughtful integration of lighting design to enhance visual comfort, support occupant wellbeing, and improve environmental performance.

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Award of Excellence

222 N. LaSalle Lobby Renovation, Chicago, IL
Designers: Giulio Pedota, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP; Samantha Komber, Design IALD, LC; John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC

Located in the heart of Chicago’s business district, the repositioned lobby at 222 North LaSalle transforms a previously underutilized space into a refined amenity for tenants and visitors. Inspired by the atmosphere of a European hotel foyer, the lighting design employs warm 2700K illumination and discreetly integrated fixtures to reveal architectural elements including balustrades, pilasters, and the soaring atrium ceiling. Careful detailing and mockups allowed lighting to be seamlessly concealed within the architecture, while low-glare in-grade fixtures illuminate event drapery and enhance the space’s versatility. The result is a sophisticated, hospitality-inspired environment that elevates the building’s identity and experience.

Architect: OTJ and Serendi

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Award of Merit

Mosaic at Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Designers: Emily Klingensmith, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP; Travis Shupe, Design IALD; John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC; Katelyn LeBorges (formerly with Schuler Shook)

The retail podium of this urban high-rise was transformed into a vibrant amenity suite designed to host conferences, events, and social gatherings throughout the day and evening. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly together, creating a flexible and welcoming destination. A warm, modern lighting design highlights the refined material palette while balancing abundant daylight from floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. Carefully integrated layers of light — including luminous ceilings, concealed downlights, uplighting, and decorative elements — reveal textures and architectural details while maintaining visual comfort. The lighting enhances key features such as wood slat ceilings, textured concrete, and screening elements, creating inviting spaces for gathering and collaboration and demonstrating the impact of thoughtful, integrated lighting design.

Architect: Gensler

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Award of Merit

Reverb HQ, Chicago, IL
Designers: Emily Klingensmith, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP; Travis Shupe, Design IALD; Scott Tobin, Member IALD; John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC

Reverb, the largest online marketplace for musical instruments, has created a new office within the repurposed historic Morton Salt building, embracing the character of the original loft structure. The design expresses the brand’s creative identity through warm, hospitality-inspired environments that celebrate music, making, and gathering. A glowing entry, pendant-filled reception, flexible collaboration zones, and highly varied conference rooms each support different modes of work. Open offices balance daylight with soft linear lighting for visual comfort, while a double-height social space anchors the project with a bar, stage, and intimate seating. The result is a distinctive, budget-conscious workplace rooted in Reverb’s musical culture.

Architect: Gensler

Special Citation for Adaptive Reuse of a Retail Building

State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Springfield, IL
Designers: Giulio Pedota, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP; Samantha Komber, Design IALD, LC; John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC; Laura Roman, Jackson Pattermann (formerly with Schuler Shook)

Once a vacant Sears store emblematic of American retail decline, the newly transformed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, now stands as a testament to environmental stewardship and urban reinvention. Linear indirect LED fixtures replace outdated fluorescent lighting, delivering soft, daylight-mimicking 3500K illumination that uplights ceilings and integrates seamlessly with abundant natural light. Daylight harvesting and occupancy controls continuously reduce energy use, while dimmable fixtures in private offices support occupant comfort and flexibility. Acoustic-integrated lighting elements further enhance workplace quality. Exterior lighting uses full cut-off, low-glare luminaires that minimize light spill and meet strict LEED requirements. Overall, the lighting strategy advances both energy performance and well-being.

Architect: JGMA