Lighting Business Class Lead, HDR Inc.; MS, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Lisa Lyons is a lighting designer and electrical engineer whose expertise in architectural lighting design has shaped projects across health care, civic, commercial, federal, hospitality and higher education environments. Her work focuses on creatively integrating lighting within architecture to provide a visual hierarchy of exterior and interior elements that evoke emotion while conveying purpose within a space. Lyons believes that both natural and artificial light have a profound impact on shaping the human experience while promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing controllability and streamlining maintenance. Within HDR’s lighting design team, Lyons advanced from lighting designer to lighting design section manager and later to lighting business class lead, guiding a team of 11 staff members across multiple offices. Her leadership approach is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of her team’s professional skills and personal traits, allowing her to tailor her management style to bring out the best in each team member. Lyons has delivered award-winning work on high-profile projects including the Children’s Nebraska Hubbard Center for Children, Douglas County Juvenile Justice Center and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. These projects highlight her ability to balance technical precision with practical application and human-centered design, particularly in health care environments where safety, resiliency and patient experience must harmonize. Beyond project work, Lyons has maintained a longstanding commitment to education and mentorship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s architectural and engineering program, participating in the team design course and mentoring students since 2010 and now serves on the Durham School Architectural Engineering Industry Advisory Committee. Away from the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She and her husband stay busy with their two daughters, supporting their sports and activities and enjoying craft projects together throughout the year.
