Up Close With Anne Kustner Haser

BY SHIRLEY COYLE, LC

Soon after starting at Marquette University as a Business Major, Anne Kustner was drawn to the newly developing field of computer-aided design and encountered some sage advice – that computers are just a medium, and what she really needed to learn was design. So, Anne went on to graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, with her final semester including an Interior Design course that she loved.

One day, her sister asked Anne whether she had thought about going into interior design (her sister wisely observing that Anne was getting five interior design magazines and only one graphic arts magazine). Anne got referred to speak to lighting designer Steve Klein, who told her she should get a feel for the lighting industry by talking to an engineer, an architect, an interior designer, a manufacturer and a rep agency. Among the many conversations she had, the engineering firm told Anne they had an opening for a draftsman: “I thought, I’m an art director, so I can draw!" That engineering firm was Arnold & O’Sheridan, and it proved to be a great learning ground, with Chuck Geiger as Head of Electrical at the time. “Chuck was so passionate about lighting, and he taught me all about hand calculations and mock-ups."

The next step on Anne’s lighting path was working as an in-house lighting designer for a lighting showroom, doing commercial and high-end residential projects. Just as the 80-hour weeks were leading Anne to think it was time for a change, an interior designer offered Anne an assignment to do the lighting design for a 36,000 square foot home, along with the request, “I want to work with you now, and a year from now!” Once again, Anne sought out advice from those she trusted and respected. Chuck Geiger advised it was “time to move on – do your own thing.” Anne’s dad suggested she start her own business – and offered to be her business manager while she focused on lighting design. AKLD Lighting Design opened in October of 1994, and is coming up on their 30-year anniversary! “My Dad walked on water” says Anne. “He passed last year, but he made it to our 25th year.”

When asked about big challenges faced along the way, Anne’s optimistic attitude is a balm for the current climate of complaint: “I’m a glass half full person; it’s just the way I’m wired. I think of the business as more of an adventure than a challenge. I took things one day at a time–things happen, projects would stop, people would leave – but you just keep going. Working with good, creative teams makes the work fulfilling. Working with those who respect your opinion, working with architects that support you – it’s really rewarding. I’ve been working with some people for more than 30 years! You grow from each project, you learn to maneuver in different ways, learn to put your foot down and say, ‘No, this is really important, and you’re not going to get the same look by going with that more cost-effective fixture!’”

Reflecting on current issues affecting the lighting community, Anne cites two concerns – fixture pricing, and Revit. On pricing: “I wish there was a better way of getting fixtures to market. I’d almost like to have online pricing just so we know what things will cost and can help our clients budget. All of a sudden, this inflated pricing comes in, and you don’t know where it came from.” On Revit: “I’m concerned about my designers getting weighed down by the technology – there’s already so much to know between lighting and design, and it’s a challenge for designers that each architect draws a little differently in Revit.”

Anne also offers her positive thoughts on great tools available in bringing designs to life. “I just came back from a meeting where we were using virtual reality to be able to walk through a project that hasn’t gotten off the ground yet. The architects were surprised at how small the interior spaces were, and how big the exterior spaces were. With a tool like Revit, there are fewer surprises. I’m excited about tools like Zoom and Teams – we’re working on projects all over the country, effortlessly, and it’s reduced the need for some of the travel.” AKLD has maintained an active in-person work environment in their suburban Chicago location – they take precautions, but Anne feels it’s important to have reps in to the office, for the team to see and experience lighting product performance.

For those who are just coming into lighting design, Anne stresses the importance of getting them excited about lighting, showing them the power of lighting. “There are so many ways to learn. You can see more online with YouTube videos, etc., or you can just go downtown and observe, see what works and what doesn’t.” Anne’s own passion for lighting design comes through clearly: “I think it helps to have a passion for lighting. Lighting is not a job, it’s a real career, it’s a craft, a profession. I’m still learning, and I’ve been in for a long time. It’s about making a composition – lighting instills emotion into a space. Lighting can make a space feel clinical or soothing, big or small, exhilarating for a dynamic space, or may be used for wayfinding.” Anne’s education in graphic design still serves her well in creating compositions with light.

And what does Anne do for fun when she is not busy creating inspiring spaces through her lighting design? Well, she notes that she is married to an amazing man, John Haser – who took over the business management of Anne’s firm from her father years ago as the business’ needs grew more complex. Anne and John love to ski, and were heading for the IALD Rocky Mountain Annual Ski Day, one of her favorite events. Another fine example of Anne finding inspiration and fun at the intersection of people and lighting!