Lighting Designer
"Working at a company that provides services across various disciplines in the engineering and design industry has been an incredible learning experience...It's truly amazing to see how each of us contributes our expertise to deliver the best results, while also maintaining open communication and working together seamlessly."
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Yaneli Rozon, and I was born in NYC, but was raised and lived for 24 years in the Dominican Republic. I got my degree in Architecture in the Dominican Republic, where I worked in the industry for a couple of years before moving back to NYC to pursue my Masters in Lighting Design. I joined BR+A while living in NYC and then moved to Tampa, Florida to get a lifestyle and weather like where I was raised. Currently enjoying the Florida life along with my husband, daughter and dog.
What brought you to BR+A?
During my time as an Architect and Lighting Designer, my experience was primarily focused on Residential and Hospitality projects. While these were enjoyable to work on, I wanted to explore how lighting technology could be applied to spaces where I could make a meaningful impact on users. I came across a job posting where Brooke Silber was building a Lighting Team in this company, and when I saw the company's involvement in healthcare projects, I knew I had to apply. I aimed to bring the sense of wellness, serenity, and beauty that I developed in residential and hospitality design into public spaces, creating environments that feel more like "home" while integrating advanced lighting controls and technology. At BR+A, I've had the chance to work on hospital projects where lighting alone can make a significant difference in how patients feel when entering the building. It's been rewarding to apply the principles of wellness and serenity to a setting where people would rather not spend too much time yet still feel comfortable and cared for.
What’s your story?
I've always had a creative mind and a love for art, knowing by the age of 10 that I wanted to be an Architect (I even made blueprints for my dream home and restaurant!). After several years of working as an architect, I realized two things: I wanted to pursue a unique and specialized master’s degree, and that lighting is the “magic touch” that brings any project to life. While researching my options, I discovered that New York is one of the few places in the world where you can study Lighting Design. So, I moved back to the city where I was born. From there, I gained experience in the Lighting Design field, and after joining BR+A in their NYC office, I decided to make the move Tampa, Florida for a warmer climate.
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Working at a company that provides services across various disciplines in the engineering and design industry has been an incredible learning experience. As a Lighting Designer, I used to primarily communicate with Architects and occasionally with Electrical Engineers. However, being at BR+A has broadened my understanding and allowed me to collaborate with MEP Engineers, Fire Protection specialists, Technology Engineers, and even Sustainability experts. It's truly amazing to see how each of us contributes our expertise to deliver the best results, while also maintaining open communication and working together seamlessly.
Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn’t know from reading your resume.
I am a pastry chef, and I used to run my own Bakery in the Dominican Republic. Still to this date, I bake during my free time but only for friends and family.
What’s your superpower?
I would say my superpower is my time management skills. I make a habit of writing down all my projects and deadlines, then allocating specific amounts of time to ensure we can deliver everything on schedule.
How would you describe your work style?
I believe that whenever you look at any of the projects I work on, there’s always a sense of "hygge" and warmth. I constantly think about how I can bring coziness and comfort to the atmosphere through lighting.
What's your niche?
I would consider Lighting Design already as my niche, but within my Lighting Designers peers, I would say my circadian rhythm knowledge and other WELL AP instruments to achieve a better lighting for people.
What's a current industry trend that excites you?
Seeing more projects targeting the WELL certification. This implies that we are thinking about the wellness of the people in buildings. And so, lighting is making sure that we have a good lighting quality source, glare control, circadian lighting, controls integration, etc.