DALLAS – May 19, 2025 – Dallas Market Center announces the debut of Design + Build Day at Lightovation on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, delivering an exciting new slate of programming created specifically for interior designers, architects, and builders. Expanding upon the popular Interior Designer Preview Day, this dedicated event invites the broader design and build community to participate in a full day of curated experiences, educational sessions, and guided showroom tours.
Taking place inside the largest residential lighting marketplace in North America, Design + Build Day will offer attendees access to expert panels, trend insights, product innovation, and exclusive networking opportunities within the important lighting trade event.
Design + Build Day is free to attend for qualified trade professionals. Registration is now open at www.dallasmarketcenter.com/calendar/lightovation-design-build-day/.
“Design + Build Day is a unique opportunity to welcome a broader community of professionals—from designers and architects to builders—into an immersive environment where inspiration and learning take center stage,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “It’s more than just exploring new products; it’s about gaining valuable insights from industry leaders, fostering meaningful connections, and experiencing the future of design and construction under one roof.”
Keynote Event
The Keynote event of Design + Build Day, Future Forward Hospitality Lighting Design, features a panel discussion with Gensler associates, as well as other top lighting design professionals. Recently named the #1 firm on Interior Design Magazine’s 2025 Top 100 Giants list, Gensler associates, along with forward-thinking experts, will share insights on the top global design innovations shaping the future of the built environment, offering attendees a rare, front-row look at where design is headed next.
Events
Participants can look forward to a day filled with design-focused education, trend tours, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities—plus a first look at the newest products and styles debuting at Lightovation. The day of education will conclude with AfterGlow: A Design + Build Progressive happy hour.
Tuesday, June 17
- 10 AM - Breakfast & Design with Hubbardton Forge: Design Experts talk Custom Lighting Solutions | TM 3725 - Hubbardton Forge
Explore what can truly be customized, how to integrate lighting into the design process, and key installation considerations. Experts will share examples of how custom lighting has transformed spaces and solved design challenges, offering valuable insights for designers and builders looking to harness the power of customization. Join us for a conversation that will shed light on how to harness the power of customization to transform any space.
- 11 AM - Future Forward Hospitality Lighting Design | TM 4 - Elevator Lobby
Discover the future of hospitality design as industry experts deliver a forward-thinking discussion on the transformative role of lighting to create authentic and immersive environments. From sustainable materials to innovative digital integration, learn how lighting shapes mood, tells a story, and elevates spaces into impactful, sensory-rich experiences.
Moderator:
- Alexis Cousby, RID, NCIDQ, Fitwel Ambassador | Gensler
Panelists:
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- Jake Groth-Kyle, AIA, NCARB, Fitwel Ambassador, LEED Green Assoc. | Gensler
- Brittany Martin, National Specification Sales | Commercial Lighting Industries
- Jacob Gerber, IALD, CLD, Partner, Director of Dallas Studio | Essential Light Design Studio
- 12 PM - Lunch with WAC | TM 3101
Join fellow exhibitors for a midday break and networking over lunch. Presented by WAC
- 1 PM - The Power of Light: Why Lighting Designers Are Essential to Every Project | TM 4 - Elevator Lobby
Lighting is more than just illumination—it’s a fundamental element of design. This panel explores the critical role of lighting experts in enhancing residential and commercial projects.
Moderator:
- James Adams, AIA, RIBA, Vice President | Corgan
Panelists:
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- Jill Klores, FIES, CLD, IALD, LC, Partner | Essential Light Design Studio
- Michael Janicek, IES, Senior Lighting Designer - Senior Associate | Corgan
- 2 PM - Patti Carpenter Reports: Global Lighting Trends from EuroLuce 2025 | TM 4926 - International Pavilion
Global trends expert Patti Carpenter presents an exclusive look at the latest innovations and movements in lighting from EuroLuce 2025, with a focus on exterior illumination and sustainable design.
- 3 PM - LIGHTOVATION: Outdoor Lighting Trends & Innovations Tour with Patti Carpenter | TM 4926 - International Pavilion
Join Patti Carpenter and Ginger Hartford for an immersive tour showcasing the latest outdoor lighting solutions designed to balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
- 4 PM - AfterGlow: A Design + Build Happy Hour | TM 3 & 4 - Select Lighting Showrooms
Wind down with AfterGlow, a dynamic happy hour featuring curated cocktails, light bites, and premium networking inside select lighting showrooms.
In addition to Design + Build Day, designers are invited to attend Lightovation, June 18-21, which will feature new products, inspiring events, educational sessions, and celebrations with industry professionals and the of the best in the business of lighting.
Spark Magazine: Summer Issue
More than 50,000 customers will receive the summer issue of Spark magazine, the stylish pre-market publication highlighting trends, what’s new inside the market center, and insights from makers and influencers. For June, the magazine focuses on top lighting trends featuring natural materials including stone, Palm Beach versus Palm Springs design style, and design trends for the home, along with features and profiles exploring gift and fashion. The magazine is available at market and on the Dallas Market Center website.
Unmatched Hotel Offers
Dallas Market Center partner hotels are offering new, lower rates to support buyer travel budgets. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $131/night. Rates valid until 2 weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time so please reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
Additional information about the largest residential lighting show in North America is available on the Lightovation page of the Dallas Market Center website. Keep up with the latest developments by following the #Lightovation and #dallasmarket hashtags on social media, visiting the Lightovation Facebook Page and joining the Lightovation - Lighting Industry Discussion Group on Facebook.
For future markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in lighting, home décor, furniture, gifts, and fashion. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus near downtown Dallas, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products via open-daily showrooms and from exhibitors participating in trade events held throughout the year. The Dallas Market Center website is available at dallasmarketcenter.com.
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