In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Chip Israel and Kelly Jones, co-CEOs of Lighting Design Alliance (LDA), to unpack the philosophy, process, and people-first culture that transformed a small firm into one of the industry's most respected design teams—and what happened when they recently merged with a larger technology-focused company to unlock the next chapter of growth.

This isn't a conversation about business strategy or growth metrics. It's a candid, deeply human look at what it means to build something together, trust your gut when the path isn't clear, and create opportunities for the next generation—even when that means relinquishing control of the very thing you spent decades building. Chip and Kelly reveal why culture isn't a slogan, it's how you work every day, why showing up matters more than having all the answers, and why the best measure of success isn't the rendering or the award—it's seeing your team grow into leaders themselves.

💡 Key topics explored:

• Why culture is built through daily actions, not slogans—and how trust and respect create the foundation for everything else

• The importance of surrounding yourself with great talent and giving them the freedom to run with opportunities

• How to let go of control as a designer and leader—and why trusting your people is the hardest and most essential lesson

• What it really means to show up for your team and clients, even when it's inconvenient

• Why the marketplace is changing—and how firms need to adapt to design-build, turnkey projects, and new ownership models

• The role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of designers—and why giving junior team members client exposure is critical

• How Epic Universe became a once-in-a-lifetime project that elevated the bar for themed entertainment lighting worldwide

• Why partnerships in business require hard conversations, mutual respect, and complementary skill sets

• The decision to merge with a larger firm—what drove it, what it means for the team, and why purpose and culture alignment mattered more than the deal itself

• Why enjoying the journey and taking advantage of every opportunity matters more than having a perfect roadmap

Whether you're a designer wondering how to build a sustainable practice, a young professional trying to figure out what comes next, or anyone curious about what it takes to grow something meaningful in a creative industry—this conversation offers a rare, honest look at partnership, growth, and the courage it takes to trust the journey even when you can't see where it's going.

Listen now to hear what two decades of collaboration, trust, and shared passion reveal about building a lighting design firm that puts people first—and why showing up and enjoying the ride might be the best advice anyone can give.

❤️ Big appreciation for the partners who support this work and trust the vision. They believe in thoughtful conversations, strong community, and letting designers' voices lead. Grateful to build this together.

1️⃣ Gotham Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/gotham

2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix

3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX

4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode

5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro: Lessons Learned and Trusting Your Gut
00:01:18 Sponsor Spotlight
00:02:33 The Merger: A Natural Evolution
00:05:34 Building a Culture of Trust and Empowerment
00:06:09 The Art of Letting Go: Leadership and Delegation
00:07:29 What Drives Great Design Teams
00:08:34 Culture Isn't a Slogan: It's How You Work Every Day
00:10:00 The Unexpected Merger: How It All Came Together
00:12:22 Hard Work, Efficiency, and Surrounding Yourself with Talent
00:13:32 No Roadmap Required: Embracing the Non-Linear Journey
00:15:19 Complementary Leadership: How Chip and Kelly Work Together
00:15:50 Endless Opportunities: The Future of Healthcare and Beyond
00:16:38 Taking Risks: From Disney to Career-Defining Moments
00:17:22 Risk, Fear, and Making Decisions
00:19:11 Dealing with Hard Conversations
00:19:44 Future-Proofing the Firm: People, Legacy, and Showing Up
00:20:59 Sponsor Spotlight: Kelvix, Leadflex, Diode LED
00:24:37 Adapting to a Changing Marketplace
00:26:35 The Scale Question: Small Firms vs. Large Firms
00:28:46 Giving Back: Education, Mentorship, and Community
00:30:07 The People Thing: Learning to Let Go When It's Not a Fit
00:31:42 Sponsor Spotlight: Tarjeti USA
00:32:33 What Gets Them Pumped: Epic Universe and Beyond
00:36:18 The Next Chapter: Hiring Friends and Building the Future
00:37:21 Advice to Your Younger Self: Show Up and Enjoy the Journey

40 years as CEO: Evolving Design Firm Ownership - Chip Israel + Kelly Jones