In a field where gender disparities persist, one woman dared to defy conventions, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural lighting design landscape. Lesley Wheel, a true visionary, shattered glass ceilings and became the first woman to forge a full-time career in a male-dominated profession. Her determination and talent paved the way for other women to follow, inspiring generations of designers to come.
Theatrical origins: Discovering a passion for lighting
Born in 1929, Lesley Wheel’s foray into the world of lighting design was an unexpected yet serendipitous one. Initially pursuing a German major at Bryn Mawr College, her aspirations veered towards a career in the foreign service. However, as fate would have it, she found the prospect of diplomatic life lacking vibrancy. Inspired by her sister’s circle of actor friends, the 21-year-old Wheel ventured into the realm of stage lighting, a role often overlooked by her contemporaries. Initially filling in for lighting tasks that others shunned, Wheel gradually honed her skills, realizing her vocation in the process.
One of her first jobs was at the New York City Ballet, where she worked under the tutelage of the renowned theater lighting great, Jean Rosenthal. It was here that Wheel learned the art of compensating for sparse sets with masterful lighting. This expertise would later serve as the foundation for her groundbreaking architectural lighting designs, where she seamlessly integrated the theatricality of lighting into built environments.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to deepen her knowledge, Wheel supplemented her hands-on training with classes offered by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and gained a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of lighting. However, it was her encounter with Richard Kelly’s iconic work on the Seagram Building in New York City that truly ignited her passion for architectural lighting design. Kelly’s masterful use of light as a sculptural element, creating a luminous band around the building, left an indelible impression on Wheel, inspiring her to explore the possibilities of integrating theatricality into architectural spaces.
“It took me eight years in theater to find out where I belonged,” said Wheel, “but once I got started in architecture, I knew that I was in the right place.”
Forging a pioneering path: Embracing challenges
In an era when women’s roles were often limited, Wheel defied societal norms, though she encountered her fair share of challenges. For many years, she stood alone as the sole female practitioner, yet, her unwavering determination and expertise enabled her to command respect and admiration from her peers. Her ability to prove her mettle time and again demonstrates a profound understanding of lighting principles and their application.
Undeterred by the male-dominated landscape of the architecture, engineering and construction industries, Wheel forged ahead, becoming the first woman to practice lighting design full-time. In 1961, she co-founded the firm Wheel-Garon, Inc., later renamed Wheel Gersztoff, Inc. (WGS), where she served as principal designer and CEO for an impressive 37 years.
During this time, she solidified her position as a pioneering force in the field of architectural lighting design, interpreting the principles of theater lighting and seamlessly integrating them into built environments. This experience proved valuable when she transitioned to architectural lighting and specifically illuminating nightclubs, where she first gained experience. Wheel stated that in cabarets and nightclubs, there was usually minimal scenery, so the lights had to create the atmosphere instead.
Wheel’s firm became renowned for its expertise in hospitality design, illuminating over 70 hotels for Hilton International and working with other major hotel companies alongside her business partner, Don Gertztoff. Among her most celebrated projects were the Willard Hotel restoration in Washington, D.C., the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Union Station in Los Angeles. Her ability to create warmth, intimacy and grandeur through the artful manipulation of light. These iconic landmarks stand as a testament to Wheel’s mastery of her craft.
Establishing the IALD: A Unified Voice for Lighting Designers
Recognizing the need for a formal organization to represent the interests of lighting designers, Wheel played a pivotal role in establishing the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) in 1969. As a founding member, fellow and past president of the IALD, she contributed significantly to the profession’s growth and recognition.
The IALD’s formation marked a significant milestone, providing a platform for lighting designers to collaborate, share knowledge and advocate for their craft. It also paved the way for the development of industry standards, best practices and educational initiatives, further solidifying the role of lighting design as a distinct and vital discipline within the built environment.
Throughout her career, Lesley Wheel’s contributions to lighting design garnered her numerous accolades and recognitions. In 1979, she received the prestigious Designers Lighting Forum (NY) Honor Award, a testament to her pioneering spirit and exceptional body of work.
In 1990, Architectural Lighting magazine bestowed upon her the Reader’s Choice award, further cementing her status as a luminary in the industry. However, her crowning achievement came in 1999 when she became the first lighting designer to receive the IALD Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting recognition of her unwavering dedication and lasting impact.
Wheel’s impact extended beyond her design work; she was a fervent advocate for lighting education, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of lighting professionals.
She served as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless aspiring lighting designers. Her magnetic personality and passion for her craft inspired those around her, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.
Colleagues and former proteges have praised Wheel’s ability to instill confidence, encourage creativity and nurture the talents of those she mentored. Her commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment has left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for a new generation of lighting professionals to thrive and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of architectural illumination.
Her commitment to this cause manifested in several initiatives, including the founding of the IALD Internship Program, which has provided invaluable opportunities for aspiring designers to gain hands-on experience and realize their dreams. Additionally, Wheel served as the director of both the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education and the IALD Education Trust, ensuring that resources are available to support the growth and development of lighting design education. Her dedication to fostering knowledge and nurturing talent has inspired countless professionals to follow in her footsteps.
Legacy and Influence: Illuminating the Path Forward
Lesley Wheel’s legacy extends far beyond her body of work and accolades. Her influence has permeated the very fabric of the lighting design industry, inspiring generations of professionals to push the boundaries of what is possible with light.
Today, women in lighting design stand on the shoulders of pioneers like Wheel, benefiting from the opportunities and recognition that she fought tirelessly to secure. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her commitment to education and her advocacy for the profession have paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry, where talent and passion are the true measures of success.
To young designers entering the profession she is quoted as saying:
“Have fun. One of the great joys of life is to be gainfully employed in something that you’re good at and that you like very, very much. I’ve always loved working with light. When I think about how many people have to do drudgery, I feel I’ve been blessed beyond calculation.”
As the field of lighting design continues to evolve, Wheel’s impact remains a guiding force, reminding us of the transformative power of light and the enduring influence of those who dare to challenge conventions. Her life’s work serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward for future generations of lighting designers, inspiring them to push boundaries, embrace innovation and create spaces that captivate the senses and uplift the human spirit.
[…] Photo courtesy of Language of Lighting. […]