VALERIE INSARDI
LIGHTING DESIGNER

Involvement
IES, Jr. Associate IALD, LEED Green Associate

WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?

I grew up in Seaford, New York. It’s on the South Shore of Long Island, about ten minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and one hour from the city. It wasn’t until my adult life that I clocked the advantages of this location.

WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM VACATION BE?

I would love to spend a couple weeks in Japan. It has both huge modern cities and diverse, well-protected natural scenery. I’d love to experience and learn about this culture that combines both tradition and modernity.

WHAT BOOKS ARE ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?

I just finished The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell. This work of historical fiction tells the story of life in the copper mining town of Calumet, Michigan. It focuses on the women who spearheaded the early twentieth century labor movement in this region, and of the turbulent, violent political landscape they were up against. I’m hoping to visit Keweenaw National Historical Park, which preserves and shares the story of the rise, domination, and decline of the copper mining industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

IF YOU HAD TO WATCH ONE SPORT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Soccer, hands down. Volleyball would be my number two.

WHAT’S THE BEST PLACE YOU HAVE EVER VISITED?

One of my favorites is Calanques National Park in southern France. The park is the only European National Park to encompass land, sea, and urban areas. It spans about 12 miles between Marseille, France’s second largest city, and Cassis, a historical fishing village surrounded by beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. The whole area is quite unbelievable, with the gray limestone cliffs and turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea. I also loved all the poppies.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY?

Hiking! I’ve spent nearly all of my adult life in New York, so I have a lot of appreciation for the peace and calm that comes with spending time outdoors. I always love a good challenge too.