Family and Consumer Sciences alum Diane McNabb Rodriguez’85, of the Circle Design Group Inc. (CDG), served as a member of the LIGHTFAIR 2014 Conference Advisory Committee (CAC), responsible for the program content of the world’s largest annual lighting conference.
“There really is something for everyone at LIGHTFAIR,” Rodriguez said. “Interior designers, architects, engineers, and landscape architects can all participate in continuing education classes, spend time getting to know lighting manufacturers and see their products in person, and strengthen existing business relationships as well as make new ones. It is ‘one-stop shopping’ for all things lighting.”
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, LIGHTFAIR is the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. The show hosts lighting manufacturers from around the world in more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, and an annual attendance of more than 25,000 people from more than 70 countries.
Circle Design Group Inc. partners with architects and owners to engineer comfortable, efficient spaces in which to live, work, and play. Specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems engineering since 1982, the Indianapolis-based business is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise in the city Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Licensed in 19 states, CDG employs LEED-accredited professionals and “lighting certified” lighting designers.
Rodriguez brings to Circle Design Group 25 years of experience as a member of interior design, architecture, and civil engineering firms. She parlayed her interior design degree from Illinois State University into duties as project manager and team leader in a variety of firms in California, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Concentrating in lighting design since 1998, Rodriguez focuses on delivering lighting designs that balance aesthetics, owner budgets and energy/LEED considerations. Her recent projects in hotel, aviation, and health care include Indianapolis’ JW Marriott, the Indianapolis International Airport, and the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.
Her commitment to continuous learning has led Rodriguez to LEED and LC accreditations from the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions.
Rodriguez is past president of the Indiana section of the Illuminating Engineering Society and currently serves as a director at large for the board of directors of the International Association of Lighting Designers.
An inveterate traveler, Rodriguez has visited Canada, France, England, Italy, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and 40 of the 50 states in the United States. She also enjoys cart racing and her new baby grand piano.
