Schuler Shook Receives 2026 IES Illumination Award of Excellence for Jacobs Music Center

Now in its 53rd year, the IES Illumination Awards program recognizes professionalism, ingenuity, and originality in lighting design based on the individual merit of each project. Entries are evaluated by a diverse panel of professionals with expertise in lighting and design.

Awards of Excellence for Interior Lighting Design recognize exceptional contributions to the art and science of light through projects that balance functional illumination and artistic application to enhance the occupant experience.

Out of over 600 entries, Jacobs Music Center was one of nine projects to receive an Award of Excellence. 

About Jacobs Music Center

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

Read more about the project