Schuler Shook Projects Receive 11 IES Illumination Awards

IES Minneapolis/Saint Paul Section Award

TOGE Far West Casino, Glendale AZ

The lighting design of this Casino project draws inspiration from the traditions of the Native tribe it represents. A dedication corridor acknowledges individuals of note, while artifact displays share cultural pieces. The Jackpot animation reflects the colors of the local butterfly, while the motion abstractly represents the unfurling and sweep of the wings. 

The lighting strategy included visually quiet ceilings with layers of light. A DMX control system coordinates 30 Jackpot shows across ten zones, with additional programs celebrating seasonal events, tribal colors, holidays, and local sports teams. Adjustable recessed fixtures, integrated lighting details, and coordinated ambient dimming balance everyday visual comfort with dramatic moments of celebration.

Project Team: 
Michael Cohen
Alex Peck

Architect: JCJ Architecture
Photography: Garrett Rowland

Illumination Award of Merit
IES Minneapolis/Saint Paul Section Award

North Loop Green, Minneapolis, MN

This mixed-use development brings together residential and office towers, restaurants, and a vibrant central green. The lighting design establishes a cohesive, hospitality-driven identity through warm illumination, decorative fixtures, and carefully integrated architectural lighting.

Within the towers, layered light highlights material textures, feature walls, artwork, and greenery, while decorative pendants, illuminated shelving, and color-changing coves create distinctive focal points. Coworking amenity spaces balance functional illumination with a relaxed, residential character. Outdoors, festoon lighting, illuminated trees, and architectural grazing bring warmth and visual depth to terraces and public spaces. LED sources, occupancy sensors, and timeclock controls support energy efficiency while maintaining an inviting atmosphere throughout the development.

Project Team: 
Paul Whitaker, LEED AP, WELL AP, IES
Michael DiBlasi, ASTC, IALD
Alex Peck
Mike Libby, LC, IES

Architect: Hines
Photography: © Corey Gaffer Photography (exterior); VONDELINDE (interior)

Read more about the project here

Illumination Award of Merit
IES Minneapolis/Saint Paul Section Award

Spokane International Airport, Spokane, WA

Lighting in the concourse was designed to create a welcoming environment that mirrors the dynamic qualities of daylight. Dynamic-white cove lighting follows a daily astronomic cycle: cool and bright throughout the day and warm and subdued at night. 

Large coves wash the wood ceiling clouds from below, adding brightness on overcast days, while smaller coves create a soft halo effect around each ceiling cloud. In low-ceiling areas, linear dynamic-white lighting provides comfortable illumination on the same daily cycle. All dynamic white fixtures use DMX control for consistent color and smooth changes.

Project Team: 
Mike Libby, LC, IES
Alex Peck

Architect: Alliiance
Photography: Patrick Martinez

Read more about the project here

Illumination Award of Merit
IES Minneapolis/Saint Paul Section Award

Lakewood Cemetery Welcome Center, Minneapolis, MN 

The Lakewood Welcome Center was designed as a tranquil, residential-feeling environment for grieving families, with an emphasis on daylight, landscape views, and a connection to the surrounding 250-acre memorial parkland. The lighting design combines discreet recessed fixtures with decorative pendants and floor lamps to provide comfortable illumination while complementing the wood finishes and double-height spaces. Exterior lighting integrates column-mounted uplights and in-grade fixtures to highlight the colonnade, stone walls, wood ceilings, and entry. Low-wattage LED sources, daylight and occupancy controls, and timed exterior lighting support the project’s net-zero goals.

Project Team: 
Paul Whitaker, LEED AP, WELL AP, IES
Michael DiBlasi, ASTC, IALD

Architect: Miller Dunwiddie
Photography: © Corey Gaffer Photography

Read more about the project here

Illumination Award of Merit
IES Chicago Section Award

222 North LaSalle, Chicago, IL

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.

Project Team: 
Giulio Pedota, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP
John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC
Formerly with Schuler Shook:
Samantha Komber, Design IALD, LC

Architect: Serendi and OTJ
Photography: Daniel Kelleghan

Read more about the project here

Illumination Award of Excellence
IES Chicago Section Award

Jacobs Music Center, San Diego, CA

Originally built in 1929 as a Fox movie palace, Jacobs Music Center is a historic landmark and home of the San Diego Symphony. Schuler Shook provided architectural lighting design and theatre planning for its major renovation, balancing historic preservation with contemporary performance needs.

The lighting design uses light and shadow to highlight the hall’s ornate architecture while allowing other elements to recede. Original decorative fixtures were restored where possible, complemented by energy-efficient LED systems and discreetly integrated custom fixtures. Carefully coordinated with the project’s acoustic goals, the design enhances the renewed performance space while keeping the historic architecture at the forefront.

Project Team: 
John Jacobsen, Design IALD, IES, LC
Emily Klingensmith, IALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP
Joshua Grossman, ASTC
Sam Kitchel
Formerly with Schuler Shook:
Samantha Komber, Design IALD, LC; Jess Baker, Assoc. IALD, IES, LC; Jackson Pattermann

Architect: HGA
Acoustician: Akustiks
Photography: Eric Staudenmaier; Richard Barnes

Read more about the project