Our Philosophy
Impactful design results from teamwork aimed at meaningful connections through an intentional creative process.
We are focused on delivering beautifully-lit spaces that are functional, purposeful, and timeless. Our mission is to bring your ideas to light. Through the use of narration, tactile lighting design strategy, and curated lighting controls design we create memorable spaces.
We believe that a client-focused strategy delivers results. Our collaboration experience with multi-disciplinary firms coupled with our strong relationships with lighting manufacturers, local rep agencies, and distributors lead us to provide exceptional service. We serve our clients both locally and on a national level.
Our Team
Sarah Richter
Principal
Sarah has 11 years of lighting and design experience. Her resume is compiled with over 200 successful projects ranging from hospitality gems, tenant fit-outs, alluring retail spaces, intimate residential design, and stimulating workplace designs.
In 2022, Sarah was awarded the 40 under 40 recognition by the International Light Collective. Her passion for collaboration and coordination skills makes her an agile member of the team. She holds two degrees in Architecture, a BS in Architecture from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech (Washington Alexandria Architecture Center).
Through these institutes of instruction she brings a unique level of architectural ability to her work. She works closely with multi-disciplinary teams: including Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, Design Build Firms, Real-estate Developers, General Contractors, and Owner’s Representatives. Understanding the goals and challenges of each team member is key to a successful project. A hierarchy of lighting, the importance of “sparkle“, and the harmony of “design disciplines” make up the foundation of Sarah’s work. An understanding of her clients’ goals, and project parameters allows her to be detail-oriented, and agile while understanding the big picture goals of each project.
Brandon Medlin
Executive Vice President
Brandon has been in the lighting industry for the past 9 years, but his love of lighting and innovative technologies far surpasses that length of time. He brings a unique set of skills to the SRD team: Brandon approaches each project methodically, and with care.
He began his career working for a Commercial Electrical Distributor in Baltimore - there he was first introduced to architectural lighting controls and the importance that this technology plays in the overall feel and ambiance of a space. With this interest in lighting controls and systems he shifted gears into the designer market working for a local Lighting Rep Agency specializing in Commercial Architectural Lighting Controls. He continued to gain knowledge in Project Management, and sharpened his skills of on-site construction problem-solving.
Brandon’s great eye for design complemented by his love of research and problem-solving makes him an asset to SRD, and an even greater asset to our clients at SRD. He brings an open mindset to every project, and aims to provide workable solutions for all disciplines involved. Brandon’s role is primarily Business Development with a focus on Lighting Controls and Technologies. Brandon is also a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) DC Chapter. He enjoys the collaborative process and rolling up his sleeves when it comes to making a project successful. He is an excellent resource for our Design, Construction and Ownership Teams.
ALLIE STEIMEL
Senior Designer
Ms. Steimel has 12 years of lighting and design experience. She is an excellent project manager and has worked on a plethora of project types, including: Site Lighting, Transit Work, Museums, office fit-outs and high-end residential spaces. She believes that understanding a project’s sustainability goals, and energy code requirements are an important part of the design process.
She is passionate about communicating with the other design groups to ensure a smooth delivery of design deliverables. Her education in architecture makes her a flexible member of the team understanding a variety of perviews. She takes great care in understanding the big picture, and carrying those intentions through to the details.
She has won several IES Illumination Awards (Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award) for Lighting Design, in addition to an IES National Merit Award which are Nationally recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society. She is an asset to the SRD design team, and our clients!
JAKE BROWNING
Designer
Jake joined the SRD team in January 2024. After graduating with awards and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech, he began his career in the Architecture industry of Los Angeles. He worked with a renowned firm on high-end residential and commercial projects through Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Vancouver, winning national AIA awards and other recognitions.
This work is where his passion for lighting design began. He became interested in the ability of a great lighting design to create impactful and unique atmospheres in both interior and exterior spaces. He believes that how an atmosphere is lit can truly make a good space great.
Having worked with many different teams both domestic and international, Jake understands the value of communication in a project. Seamless communication is something that he strives for. Jake understands that design is at its core a service industry, and even though we provide and end product, the journey to get there is just as important.
Jake is extremely excited to bring his experience in Architecture and passion for lighting to both the SRD team and the clients they serve.
sven
Administrative Assistant
Sven has been part of SRD from it’s initial conception. As the veteran in the office, our 90-lb door man, lover of all snacks, protector against ANY and ALL package delivery folks.. He enjoys naps in the sunshine, and creating welcomed distractions from deadlines.
Our Values
srd is proud to be a part of the following Memberships + associations
Let’s collaborate
We’re here for you. We are accomplished designers, technical experts, and project managers. So, whatever your lighting design needs, we are ready to collaborate.