LIRC Ambassador Spotlight

Ajith Gopinathan, Intra Lighting

As key representatives of LIRC member companies, LIRC Ambassadors are among the highest-visibility profiles in the Lighting Industry Resource Council on the global stage. They work closely with the IALD Region + Chapter Coordinators to engage with the local lighting design community, bolster communications, promote events, encourage networking, and promote the IALD and LIRC.

This edition, the LIRC Ambassador Spotlight features Ajith Gopinathan, Regional Manager at Intra Lighting, an LIRC Member company based in Dubai, UAE.

Ajith is a seasoned lighting professional whose journey began in entertainment and theatrical lighting before moving into architectural lighting. Over the years, he has been a technician, show designer, architectural lighting designer, sales strategist, and business leader. In the mid-2000s, Ajith began advocating for creating a platform for lighting professionals in the Middle East, working with leading designers to strengthen the regional presence of the lighting design community. The opening of the IALD Middle East Chapter was a valued milestone and he has been closely associated with its mission ever since.

Ajith considers himself passionate about community building, knowledge sharing, and advancing the role of lighting in shaping the built environment: "I have always envisioned IALD/LIRC as a space where our community can come together in a friendly, inclusive, and non-political environment," he shares. "As an LIRC Ambassador, my goal is to nurture that vision by creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and meaningful exchange."

"I plan to work closely with the IALD Middle East Chapter, which I am already doing with its coordinators, to ensure member feedback is heard and translated into activities that truly add value. Initiatives such as coffee catch-ups during trade shows, networking opportunities with design professionals, and collaborative discussions will not only strengthen ties within LIRC but also with the wider lighting design community. Equally important will be raising the visibility of LIRC in the region. I aim to engage with local media, design associations (such as RIBA and AIA), Government regulatory authorities, and cultural organizations to highlight the IALD’s work and develop partnerships that expand our reach. At the same time, I will serve as a point of contact for visiting members, offering guidance and helping them connect with local opportunities. Ultimately, my ambition is to grow the chapter into a vibrant, connected hub, one that enriches current members, attracts new ones, and positions LIRC as a vital partner in shaping the future of lighting design in the region."

To become an LIRC Ambassador, nominate a colleague, or learn about the responsibilities and benefits of the Ambassador role, read more here on the IALD site.

Learn More

Please direct all inquiries regarding the LIRC or the LIRC Ambassador Program to the LIRC Steering Committee.