Up Close With David Ghatan

As a kid building cities out of LEGO bricks, David Ghatan was determined to become an architect – but the theatre had other plans for him, capturing him during high school with its camaraderie and joy. Growing up in Boston for most of his childhood, David spent summers in Israel with extended family. In 1996, he headed off to The George Washington University in D.C., where he was able to study design and architecture, in a broad sense. With no formal architectural program, GW allowed David to create a program that combined Fine Art, Art History, Theatre Design and Architecture. He laughs: “The way I paid for college was building professional sets – big trade shows, newsroom sets, touring shows…I love working with my hands.”

Deciding he wanted to branch out from scenery design, David asked an architect who was a family friend what he knew about architectural lighting and was given a list of a few lighting design firms. Just finishing up a year of studying abroad, he called the only DC-based firm on the list. His voicemail, asking if the firm was looking for a summer intern, was left for Candy Kling, at CM Kling + Associates. David was hired in 1999 as a summer intern, continued working part-time through his senior year of college… and 24 years later, he is still there - leading the firm.

A legendary lighting designer, Candace “Candy” Kling unfortunately passed away in 2013. David reflected on Candy: “You find these moments in your life when you are just fortunate with opportunity or the people you meet.” They had theatre in common, as Candy had worked for, and been mentored by, Broadway lighting designer Jean Rosenthal – a pioneer in theatrical lighting design. For David, Candy was a “mentor, big sister, mother – all tied into one. There’s a lot of her personality that comes into my design sense but also in who we are as a company and how we choose to approach things.”

Once inside the world of architectural lighting design, David quickly became aware of several things about it that appealed to him compared to his original goal to be an architect: “Lighting is

Asked about challenges, David speaks of the current state of design trades broadly within a growing construction industry where there is more demand and respect for design services, but also at a time where the power has shifted to the constructors, with quality and design becoming a commodity. “This shift requires a lot more defence of your design – for many reasons, including budgetary concerns and a simple power struggle over who gets to drive the narrative, deciding what product goes in. We try to create a collaborative atmosphere with everyone we work with – contractors, architects, interior designers, and owners, and try to educate on why we make certain choices along the way – and why those choices might not just be driven by the lowest cost. I think there is a lack of trust and respect for each group’s expertise and what they bring to the table – across the architecture and construction professions.”

More specific to lighting design, David sees we are now in a place where firms are maturing and need to become better businesses – continue to be great lighting designers, but also raise the bar on running professional businesses. David is on the Board of a new not-for-profit organization aimed at achieving this goal: Business of Light (BOL) – initially started as a way to honor Barbara Horton and Stephen Lees as great friends and mentors to the lighting design community.

Very committed throughout his career to the lighting design community, David is a Past President and ten-year Board member of IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers) and started the local DC chapter with another lighting designer. “Yes, it was time out of my life, my schedule, but it was extremely fulfilling…the friendships, the knowledge, the depth of conversations – things I apply every day still!” David’s mentor Candy Kling signed him up for IALD and IES during his intern days, making it clear that participating and giving back was part of the professional commitment – that legacy continues at CM Kling + Associates today.

Considering advice to those coming into lighting design, David offers: “Be curious, ask the question, do the research – don’t expect it to be handed to you. It’s all out there, it just takes that curiosity. You can tell people who get it - they chase the idea. And we always encourage people to get involved. We make membership in the lighting associations available. We also try to find ways to give people opportunities for trade shows, like LightFair.” Asked about the value of an in-person trade show these days, David is firm that it’s not only about seeing product. The in-person experience is hugely important – you can’t make those connections on a Zoom call. “As a designer, I need those connections with manufacturers – honestly, the physical product is almost less important than the relationship. Yes, I want the product, and I want it to function in a certain way, but I need the phone number to know that if I have an issue to solve in order to realize our design vision, that person at the manufacturer will know who I am and will pick up the phone.”

In the precious time when David is way from lighting, he and his wife enjoy travel, often to Northern California’s wine country, or you will find him reading books - everything from fiction to biographies to business. And, there is always the pull of local theatre productions! ■