Professional Legacy:
Sophia Stezenko, Light Touch PLD’s creative director, has been a cornerstone of the team since she joined in February 2014. Her journey with Light Touch PLD is a testament to her unwavering commitment to design excellence and her profound understanding of the intricacies of lighting. Sophia’s role within the company is pivotal as she spearheads the boutique hospitality pillar, with a focus on high-end hospitality and F&B projects. Her vision is not just to deliver exceptional projects but also to nurture and mentor talented designers, sharing her wealth of experience to maintain the highest standards of excellence.
Sophia’s educational background reflects her dedication to the craft. She earned her master’s degree in architectural lighting design at the Wismar Academy, following her diploma in product design from the Berlin Art Academy. Her foundation in both product design and architectural lighting design has enabled her to bring a unique perspective to her work.
Before joining Light Touch, Sophia worked at Consuline Architetti Associati in Italy, where she honed her skills in lighting systems development and architectural and event lighting projects. Her experience in Italy added an international flair to her expertise. She then moved to UAE where she worked for 3 years and then her journey with LT began.
Sophia relishes the design development process, and support on execution whenever possible. She mentions that she loves commissioning as this is where she can add her final touch to see everything that was envisioned and imagined for a project actually coming to life. Over the years, Sophia’s passion for both exterior/landscape and interior lighting design has played a vital role in creating evolving experiences, especially in Hospitality projects.
Beyond the Desk:
Beyond her professional achievements, Sophia is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. She finds solace in sketching and baking, and excitement in beach volleyball and the exhilaration of riding her motorcycle on open roads. Her love for exploration extends to traveling, where she seeks inspiration from different cultures and landscapes. Sophia’s passion for discovering the beauty of the world around her transcends into her work as a lighting designer, as she infuses her projects with a deep appreciation for the natural and human-made wonders.
Sophia’s admiration for great minds is evident in her choice of role models. Leonardo DaVinci, the polymath who excelled in various fields, serves as an inspiration for her multifaceted approach to design. She also favours the wisdom of Albert Einstein’s words “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious”, “Most people see what is, and never see what can be”. She also feels close to Winston Churchill’s words, who emphasized the importance of courage, excellence, and vision “My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best” and ““Courage is what I takes to stand up and speak, courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
At Light Touch:
Sophia’s value to Light Touch is immeasurable as she brings a level of passion and precision that elevates every endeavour. Her extensive portfolio of notable projects reflects her ability to turn spaces into captivating experiences. Her eye for detail and innovative approach have consistently exceeded client expectations. These include but not limited to the list below.