David Shiller

mwConnect and Network Thermostat (NetX) have announced a strategic partnership designed to streamline HVAC integration into networked lighting control (NLC) platforms, to simplify and unify building automation for commercial facilities. This collaboration leverages the strengths of each company—mwConnect’s award-winning expertise in wireless mesh technology and NetX’s established track record providing scalable smart thermostat control for [...]

Multi dimming protocol drivers have been around for a while. They started as 2-protocols, then grew to 3-, 4-, and occasionally 5-protocols. There are now 6-dimming protocol drivers available. Here are three different manufacturers that I’ve found: LTECH More information available here.   Vivalec Lighting Solutions More information available here.   GRE Alpha Electronics Ltd. [...]

  RAB Design is a lighting manufacturer based in Toronto, Canada (not to be confused with RAB in the US). One of their interesting products is their Snap N’Link Series Modular Light Bars that allow “LEGO-like” easy assembly, with flexible connectors, to create endless shape possibilities. Features include: Sturdy aluminum housing. Frosted polycarbonate lens that [...]

  Demand for U.S. industrial space—especially in the warehouse sector—fell for the first time in fifteen years during the second quarter of 2025, signaling a dramatic shift in commercial real estate dynamics since the pandemic-era boom. This decline was marked by an 11.3 million square foot contraction in the second quarter alone, with total net [...]

  The 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24) clarifies lighting and control requirements for single-family residential buildings. Here is a summary of the lighting changes: § 110.9: Lighting Controls and Components. All lighting control devices and systems, light sources, and luminaires must meet the applicable requirements of §110.9. § 150.0(k)1A: Luminaire Efficacy. All installed luminaires and light [...]

  The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo stand out as Asia’s premier lighting events by combining innovation, sustainability, and cross-industry collaboration under one overarching theme: “Illuminated Designs for a Smarter Future.” What makes the two shows different and interesting are the wide-ranging integration [...]

  This is my latest article in LD+A Magazine’s September issue. Indian Community School’s lighting retrofit stands as a testament to the power of design in educational environments. Located in Franklin, WI, the school’s original lighting, while functional, failed to honor the architectural language of the building and did not meet the dynamic needs of [...]

  The 360 Solar Area Light collection by Landscape Forms, developed in partnership with FlexSol Lighting Solutions, represents the integration of aestetic design and off-grid solar lighting. The solar luminaires are visually distinctive, highly efficient, and resilient across varied environments and climates. Design and Technology 360 Solar features a unique, slim cylindrical profile created by [...]

  Recent trends in U.S. housing construction highlight how single-family housing starts have declined while multifamily construction has grown—primarily in smaller and less densely populated markets—during the second quarter of 2025, according to the NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HBGI). Single-Family Construction Declines Single-family construction experienced declines in nearly every region during Q2 2025, signaling [...]