Member Spotlight: Brett Malak, Assoc. AIA, IES, and Principal of Brett Malak Lighting Design Inc.
Visit Brett's website: https://kbmld.com/ | Email Brett: [email protected] | Call her office: 908.228.3133
BIO:
Brett Malak started her professional career on a traditional architecture path, but chose a road less traveled after graduating with her Bachelor of Architecture from NJIT. Upon discovering there was a specialized niche within the field of architecture after taking a lighting design elective course at NJIT, she decided to follow the light and make the illumination of architecture her calling. Over 25 years later, she still thinks lighting is one of the most crucial elements of a project – good lighting makes the space, bad lighting is shameful and insulting, and mediocre lighting is unfortunate and lazy. She approaches every project as a fresh challenge to create “good” light and welcomes the opportunity to get behind the walls and ceilings to really highlight the architecture of an environment.
Prior to starting her own company, Brett Malak Lighting Design, Inc (BMLD) in 2009, she was Director of the lighting department at Cosentini Associates in New York City. Her now NJ-based firm is an award-winning, nationally certified (WBE) woman-owned Architectural Lighting enterprise that has designed and consulted on a wide variety of projects, including hospitality, commercial, high-rise residential, private residential, retail, and institutional, both domestically and internationally. She focuses on producing designs that are sensitive to and celebrate the Architect’s design intent while still meeting the project requirements for code compliance and energy efficiency.
In addition to designing architectural lighting and controls, Brett also served on the Steering Committee for the Green Codes Task Force in New York City in the early 2000s, just as LEDs where first being introduced to the lighting world. In conjunction with the USGBC and the Urban Green Council the purpose of the group was to rewrite the building codes and help “green” the laws and regulations that governed construction in New York City.
Brett has often participated as a guest lecturer on the subject of lighting design, technology, and energy conservation at various architecture firms and lighting conventions, as well as schools such as Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and NJIT. She also appeared on an episode of HGTV’s program Home Rules to explain energy efficient lighting techniques for homeowners.
As well as being an Associate member of the AIA, Brett is also a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), WILD (Women In Lighting + Design), and participates in the LightUp MBC campaign – the annual international event where on October 13th of every year buildings, bridges, and monuments all across the world are illuminated in pink, green, and teal to bring awareness to the need for more funding and research towards the treatment and a cure for Metastatic Breast Cancer. If anyone is interested in getting involved or becoming a sponsor, please contact her.
Q&A:
Thank you, Brett for taking time out of your very busy schedule to open the door to your studio practice, and for sharing your insights into the profession, your inspirations and aspirations, and your advice to those entering the architectural world.
What was your favorite recent project?
Oddly enough, my favorite recent project wasn’t one on the books, it was for me. I fancy myself an amateur landscape designer so I undertook the tall task of completely overhauling my property and creating a “secret garden” of sorts for myself and my family to enjoy. The land was in a very sorry state 7 years ago when I bought it - barren, sad, and ugly. I dug deep into my memory to recall some design techniques I learned in my Landscape Architecture classes I took back in college, and researched as much on the topic as I could, from identifying plants and trees to installing rain gardens and irrigation. The design evolved slowly and most of it I planted myself (my son helped a bit). For major elements like drainage and leveling of the grade, I hired professionals. And of course the most important element was the illumination…the garden takes on a different life after dark when the lighting I integrated into trees and steps ignites the landscape. Now, 7 years later, as things I planted have filled-in, flowered, and flourished, I can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor (literally!). Just this summer I reached a point where I am mostly happy with it and can put my pencil down…for now.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable in your role as an architect?
I have been an Architectural Lighting Designer for over 25 years, and have had my own firm for 14. Most days I am comfortable in my role, but I think everyone has difficult and challenging days once in a while. That is what makes this profession so rewarding and fulfilling. And definitely not boring!
What would be your dream job or a project you'd like to work on?
There is a huge urban redevelopment project going on in Pittsburgh right now, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. Being a massive fan of that city and its sports teams, I would love to get in on that. They’re going to need a lot of lighting. You have any connections?
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Travel the world to explore and experience as much as possible, cook, watch the Steelers, and putter around in my garden.
What are 3 facts about you that make you unique?
I am a female named Brett. That’s pretty unique, as it seems to confuse a lot of people. It is a gender-neutral name, after all. My parents were ahead of their time. Also, I am a black belt in Goshi-Shun karate and have the titanium in my right foot to prove it.
Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?
I can point to specific structures that I love and respect the design of (The Chrysler Building, Verrazzano Bridge, SoFi Stadium – even though I don’t like their teams). But in very broad terms, I get inspired by architecture that causes me to pause and want to know more about it. It also needs to respect its environment and have some element of mystery about it.
Who or what are your inspirations for life?
Creative and resourceful people…my family in particular. My parents, siblings, and son all offer me inspiration in their own ways for their creativity and ingenuity. I am proud to be from a family of creative thinkers, artists, musicians, and designers.
What’s exciting about what you are doing now in the office?
I am working on a bunch of different custom lighting fixture designs. I have always done that to some extent, but lately many of the projects I am working on are asking for custom decorative fixtures so I am getting to do some more “industrial” design, which I find exciting. The Architect or Interior Designer will give me an aesthetic concept they have in mind, and I will turn it into a real, functioning thing. It’s very rewarding.
What advice would you give to recent graduates entering the professional world?
Architecture is a fantastic education that can set you up for many niche career paths, so be open to the possibilities that await you! And don’t be afraid to pursue a discipline within the field of Architecture that best suits your style, speaks to your soul, and satisfies your desire to be creative and engaged in the built universe.
PROJECTS:
W 22nd Lobby. 512 W22nd Street, New York, NY. The lobby of this commercial office building on The High Line is used as an event space and gallery for rotating art exhibits. The lighting and controls were designed to be incredibly versatile to accommodate this ever-changing environment. Recipient of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Illumination Award of Merit 2020 and first place winner 2021 GM Lighting Award of Excellence
West 22nd Exterior. 512 W22nd Street, New York, NY. This commercial office building on The High Line was designed according to Biophilic Principles. Both the interior and exterior illumination captures the 4th of the 6 Principles: Light and Space. Several terraces and walkways surround the facades of the building, allowing tenants to connect with nature and the outdoor environment on every floor. Recipient of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Illumination Award of Merit 2020 and first place winner 2021 GM Lighting Award of Excellence.
Private Residence. San Jose, Costa Rica.The undulating curves of the vaulted ceilings and layered coves echo the landscape of the Costa Rican mountains in the view beyond. The play with varying degrees of color temperatures and dimming control mimic the changes in daylight from dawn to dusk. Most of the lighting is indirect, offering a soft glow and creating a cozy, welcoming environment.
Homewood Suites Restaurant. 
Peninsula Gotham Bar. This was a renovation project of a New York City landmark that was deeply in need of a complete overhaul in order to breathe new life into the dated, dark main bar for the hotel. All of the old incandescent fixtures were removed and a new layout using all LEDs and a new dimming system was implemented. Recipient of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Illumination Award of Merit.
Are you interested in taking part in our Member Spotlight Series? Contact Robert Epstein, Component Director, for more information: [email protected]
