advocates for lighting

Our greatest resource is our team—smart people from diverse backgrounds who rise to the challenge of lighting design that is visionary and impactful. 

PRINCIPAL

Jill Cody

IALD, CLD, LC, LEED AP

With over 20 years of experience as an architectural lighting designer, Jill uses light to craft spaces, heighten experiences, and enhance connections. She has directed lighting design for many project types, across a wide range of project sizes and budgets.

Jill guides the Dark Light team to ensure every project offers creative solutions to constant challenges—design integrity vs. technical solidity; initial design goals vs. future operation—a balance between dark and light.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Stephanie Wood 

LEED AP, MIES, Associate AIA

Stephanie has more than 20 years’ experience designing and managing lighting for hospitality, high-end commercial/residential, healthcare, and multi-family projects in the U.S. and abroad.

Her design brings a balance between the built environment, the requirement for energy savings, and the desire to enhance and inspire a space. A Washington native, she studied at the University of Washington where she received degrees in architecture and building construction management.

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Kristen Hagland

Associate IALD

Kristen views architecture as means of reassuring belonging and understands the essential role lighting has in affecting that sense of comfort in place. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and spent time studying and working in Washington DC, gaining valuable insight into the malleable nature of lighting conditions.

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Amber Thimmesch

IES EP

Amber is a designer driven to better the lives of others through memorable lighting experiences—manifested by resourcefulness, collaborative thinking, and creative solutions. She has an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in architecture with a minor in art history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

LIGHTING DESIGNER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Austin Olesen

Austin Olesen

Austin received his degree in interior design from Iowa State University. His responsibilities include development of graphics, calculations, and research to support all phases of our design work.

Austin received his degree in interior design from Iowa State University. His responsibilities include development of graphics, calculations, and research to support all phases of our design work.

OFFICE MANAGER

Rebecca Traffanstedt

Rebecca supports all aspects of Dark Light's work. Her experience in accounting, marketing, and project administration helps our team to offer the best possible client experience.