2024 marks a milestone anniversary for Wilmette, Illinois and Denver, Colorado based AKLD Lighting Design.

In 1994, while managing a lighting showroom, Anne Kustner was asked by a repeat client to design the lighting for a new 36,000 square foot private residence in Wisconsin. Her father, Chuck Kustner, suggested she seize the opportunity to start her own lighting design firm, and he offered to manage the business so Anne could focus on design. On October 2, 1994, Anne Kustner Lighting Design (AKLD) was formed in Milwaukee.

Word soon spread that Anne was not only doing great lighting design, her designs were saving clients energy and money. By the time her first project was commissioned, she was starting to receive requests to take on projects beyond Wisconsin.

In 1999, AKLD hired its first employee and shortly thereafter relocated to Chicago. In the last 30 years, projects designed by Anne and the AKLD team have grown more diverse, ranging from luxury residential to institutional, hospitality, health care, and more. Many of these projects have been honored with regional and national lighting design awards, including awards from International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), GE Edison Awards, Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), and more.

From humble beginnings in a basement office to having offices and talented teams in Chicago and Denver, Anne Kustner’s initial vision of doing great lighting design has flourished into a 30-year success story.

To all those who have been part of AKLD’s journey, whether as team members, clients, or industry supporters, we wish to thank you for being part of this awesome journey, which just keeps getting better!