INVITED Speakers
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Richard Bracebridge FIES is a New Zealand–based specialist lighting designer with 47 years’ experience in the lighting industry. He founded Light Works on 5 May 1998, establishing it as one of New Zealand’s oldest independent lighting design practices.
Over nearly five decades, Richard has contributed to a broad range of civic, commercial, hospitality, and public realm projects throughout New Zealand and internationally. He works in close collaboration with architects, engineers, and clients to develop lighting strategies that align technical performance with architectural intent, combining rigorous engineering principles with a strong understanding of spatial experience.
Richard has received 28 national and international lighting awards and was made a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society in 2018 in recognition of his contribution to the profession. Drawing on his direct involvement with NZICC, he brings first-hand insight into the project’s design decisions, challenges, and innovations.
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Ilona Haghshenas is a registered architect and Auckland Studio Principal at Warren and Mahoney, one of New Zealand’s largest and most influential architectural practices. With more than 25 years’ local and international experience, she brings a global perspective and deep expertise to complex civic and community projects.
Leading the firm’s largest studio, Ilona champions innovation and fosters a strong culture of collaboration. She is passionate about guiding projects from concept to completion, with a strong focus on design integrity and quality throughout construction.
Ilona was a key project lead for the New Zealand International Convention Centre, guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver one of the country’s most significant public projects. She believes creative, adaptive thinking is an architect’s most powerful tool and is driven by a commitment to guardianship - ensuring projects are realised as originally envisioned and enrich both their communities and the built environment.
Moller Architects (NZ)
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Craig Moller (Ngāti Haua) of Moller Architects has been practicing for over three decades. Moller completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland, prior to graduating with a Masters of Architecture from Yale University. Moller has worked extensively as an educator, having taught at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland since 2007 and previously at Te Kura Waihanga School of Architecture at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
He has sat on accreditation review panels evaluating schools of architecture and as a juror for the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards, Interior Awards and Architecture + Women Awards. He rides a bike and draws in his spare time.
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Technical Director, Steensen Varming (Australia)
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Dr Emrah Baki Ulas is an internationally established and acclaimed professional in lighting.
He is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, and also Technical Director at the global practice, Steensen Varming.
Dr Ulas has a uniquely combined academic and practice perspective, and has extensive experience in design practice management and technical design leadership roles in the built environment. Dr Ulas has collaborated on hundreds of lighting projects and contributed to many award-winning buildings. He has particular expertise in public, civic and cultural facilities; museums, galleries, performing art centres, urban illumination, as well as art lighting and conservation.
He is a sought-after public speaker globally, and he has given numerous keynotes and invited talks in international professional forums.
MAW Design (NZ)
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Michael Warwick is a leading lighting and sustainable design consultant with nearly 30 years of experience in building science. Since working on the board of the interim New Zealand Green Building Council (iNZGBC) in 2005, Michael has been instrumental in shaping the country’s sustainable landscape, having served on technical working groups for the Building, Office, Interiors, and Homestar tools.
As the Director of MAW Design, Michael combines creative lighting artistry with technical rigour. His portfolio ranges from dynamic public art installations to achieving a 6-Star Green Star Interiors rating for the Stephenson & Turner office fitout, which remains a benchmark for integrated daylighting and energy efficiency. Michael represents New Zealand on the ISO Technical Committee for Light and Lighting (ISO/TC 274) and provides expert advice to government agencies on lighting policy and high-performance learning environments. With an academic background in Building Science and Lighting Technology, Michael is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between technical compliance and human-centric design during this era of global environmental concern, navigating the complex requirements of diverse international rating tools and regenerative frameworks.