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Sarah Donald

From an early age, light has always fascinated Sarah. Now, after three decades across the spectrum of lighting disciplines and project types, every experience has been examined, deconstructed, and folded into an unrelenting pursuit of mastering light. She's come to believe that light is living art: color, shadow, angle, texture, and energy that shapes how people perceive and experience an environment. As Owner and Principal of Curious, Sarah brings both a practiced eye and genuine curiosity to every project, always learning from what light reveals.

Owner & Principal, Curious Lighting Design

 Sarah Donald

Memberships & Standards

Sarah is a Professional Member of the Certified Lighting Designer, International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and a longstanding member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), where she actively contributes to Recommended Practice (RP) committees. These memberships reflect her commitment to advancing the field through both peer collaboration and the development of industry standards.

Sustainability Expertise

Sarah holds the LEED AP BD+C credential, reflecting her expertise in sustainable building design and construction. This credential underscores her understanding of how lighting intersects with energy performance, occupant wellbeing, and environmental responsibility across a variety of project types.

CLD

Certified
Lighting Designer

Professional Certification

IALD

International Association
of Lighting Designers

Professional Member

IES

Illuminating
Engineering Society

Member, RP Committees

LEED AP BD+C

Sustainable Building
Design & Construction

Accredited Professional

Education

SUNY Purchase Conservatory
BFA Theatre Design / Technology (Lighting Design)

Parsons School of Design
MA Architectural Lighting Design 

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Certificate Executive Leadership Programme

Awards

The Frederick Gunn School Tisch Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship

Washington, CT · Net-Zero Emphasis
 

  • 2025 Illuminating Engineering Society Boston Section Award

  • 2025 Lit Design Award Winner for Interior Architectural Illumination
     

*completed while at Lam Partners

A list of lighting design projects and their awards next to a photo of an industrial space featuring unique white, wire-frame

Boston Children’s Hospital Brain, Mind, and Behavior Center

Brookline, MA · LEED Silver
 

  • 2023 Illuminating Engineering Society Boston Section Award of Merit for Interior Architecture

  • 2023 Illuminating Engineering Society Boston Section Award of Merit for Energy
     

*completed while at Lam Partners

The Jackson Laboratory

Farmington, CT · LEED Gold
 

  • 2015 IES Award of Merit
     

**completed while at Atelier Ten

University of Portland Chapel of Christ the Teacher Renovation

Portland, OR
 

  • 2012 IES National Award of Merit

  • 2012 IES Oregon Section Guth Award for Interior Lighting Design
     

***completed while at Interface Engineering Lighting Studio

University of Portland Shiley Hall Renovation + Addition

Portland, OR · LEED Platinum
 

  • 2010 IES National Award of Merit
     

***completed while at Interface Engineering Lighting Studio

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