CASE STUDY - The LIA Annual Lunch at Drapers Hall: Jessica Nagle

Jessica Nagle, winner of The LIA’s University Project Brief and a former finalist, began her journey into the lighting industry while studying at Nottingham Trent University. Attending The LIA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Lunch provided her with a valuable opportunity to engage with key industry leaders, innovators, and fellow emerging talent.

For Jessica, this event was more than just an introduction to the sector - it was a chance to network with professionals, gain real-world insights, and deepen her understanding of the industry's dynamic landscape. In this case study, she reflects on her transition from academia to industry, the key takeaways from the event, and how the experience has influenced her career aspirations in lighting.

About You

What is your name, and which university did you graduate from?
My name is Jessica Nagle and I recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Product Design.

What was your project for the University Project Brief of the Year award?
The Lighting Industry Association and CTO Lighting set a project brief to design a luxury task or mood light. Sustainability is something I am deeply passionate about, so I made it the focal point of my design. To achieve this, I explored biomaterials and waste materials, an area I became particularly interested in during my placement year.

After experimenting with various waste materials, I decided to work with waste eggshells, which I collected from local cafés. Through extensive research and testing, I developed my own Eggshell Ceramic material - a material with a ceramic-like appearance that is fully biodegradable and circular. I then designed a floor mood light called Amapola, inspired by nature and sustainability, to showcase the potential of this material.

Experience at The LIA Annual Lunch

How did you feel attending The LIA Annual Lunch as a finalist?
On arrival to the event, I still could not quite believe that it was me attending as a finalist, so it felt very surreal to be there. I was extremely nervous but excited and I also felt extremely proud and lucky to be given this invaluable opportunity.

What was your impression of the event venue and the overall atmosphere?
The venue was amazing, filled with beautiful artwork and lighting, which was very fitting for the event. Everyone was so welcoming and approachable, it was a joy to take part in meaningful conversations, particularly around sustainability, which is a topic I care deeply about. The atmosphere was inspiring, with a real sense of passion for lighting, design, and the industry's future.

Were there any moments from the event that stood out to you?
I had several standout moments from the event which meant a lot to me and were incredibly valuable. One of the key highlights was presenting my project to the AGM attendees. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to tell people about my Eggshell Ceramic material and the conversations sparked from this were incredibly rewarding, as many attendees were genuinely intrigued by the concept and its potential in lighting design.

The event also featured a fantastic lunch and insightful speakers, who celebrated the achievements and progress of the lighting industry. Then came the awards announcement, where my lighting design, Amapola, was selected as the student-winning project. That moment was truly surreal. As someone who has often doubted my own designs, this recognition meant a great deal, knowing that people appreciated my use of waste materials and reinforced my passion for sustainability and material innovation.

Networking & Industry Engagement

How did you find networking with professionals in the lighting industry?
At first, I was quite nervous, as this was one of my first major networking experiences. However, I quickly felt at ease because the people I met were so welcoming and genuinely interested in our projects. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with talented, exciting, and passionate individuals.

Did you make any connections that could help in your career development?
Many conversations were incredibly thought-provoking and left me feeling excited about my future in design. One particularly valuable connection was with Laura Newbold Breen from ACID (Anti Copying in Design), who generously gifted me a year’s membership for winning the design brief and I also became one of their student ambassadors. ACID helps designers protect their intellectual property, an area I previously knew little about. Their advice has been invaluable, giving me much more confidence in sharing my work. Additionally, they are working to make IP awareness more accessible to students, which is crucial for young designers. I am very grateful for this connection.

Were there any particular conversations that left a strong impact on you?
I had several engaging conversations about sustainability and the opportunities lighting design has, to drive positive environmental change. Hearing the enthusiasm and commitment within the industry was incredibly motivating.

One particularly inspiring conversation was with Jay Parmar, who spoke passionately about the importance of increasing diversity in all forms in the lighting and design industry. The discussion left me feeling excited about the industry's future and it made me feel proud and encouraged to be the only female finalist.

Key Takeaways

What was the most valuable insight you gained from attending the event?
I think the major takeaway I got from the event was the positivity in the industry's drive to continuously innovate and improve, in response to current and future challenges. I left feeling inspired by the optimism and forward-thinking approach of those in the lighting sector. Another key takeaway was the openness to diversity, both in terms of people and ideas, which I found incredibly encouraging.

Did the experience change or reinforce your perception of the lighting industry?
It reinforced that the lighting industry is not only dynamic and innovative but it is also invested in sustainability and positive change.

Career Aspirations

Following the event, are you more interested in pursuing a career in the lighting industry? Why or why not?
Yes, I would love to pursue a career in the lighting industry. The event made me feel excited by how evolving the industry is. There is a strong focus on innovation and also sustainability, which aligns with my passion for material development and environmental responsibility.

If yes, what areas of the industry interest you the most?
As previously mentioned, I am particularly interested in sustainability but also material innovation, and creative design. I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with material for this project, so I would love to explore roles that involve material design and sustainable practices within lighting. Additionally, I am intrigued by the marketing and storytelling aspects of design, as they play a crucial role in shaping the way people engage with products.

Would you be interested in further engagement with The LIA, such as mentorship, training, or job opportunities?
Absolutely. My experience with The LIA has been extremely positive so far, and I would love for this to continue, learning and growing within this space through mentorship, training, and potential job opportunities.

Final Thoughts

What advice would you give to future university students considering participating in the University Project Brief of the Year award?
Be bold with your ideas, and just try to have fun exploring areas that excite you or you feel are important, because by choosing something you are truly passionate about, it will show through in your design, making it stand out. It will also make the process more enjoyable.

I was nervous choosing to make my own material for this brief and it was a lot of work which, at times, I was not sure if it would pay off. However, I am extremely proud of myself that I committed to something I am very passionate about, and I also found this helped me feel more creative throughout the designing process. So, do not be afraid to take risks!

Any other comments or reflections on your experience?
Overall, my experience at The LIA Annual AGM was incredible. I learned so much, made meaningful connections, and saw firsthand the exciting future of lighting. The opportunity to engage with industry professionals and discuss my design was invaluable, and I am extremely grateful for the experience and the outcome couldn't have been better.