With an accomplished career that has spanned more than four decades, Jeffrey is one of the firm’s founding partners. Originally trained as an Architect, he learned early on that lighting could be used to not only embrace the design vision, but also dramatically enhance it. “I remember saying of course I’ll help with lighting, but I don’t want to lose my focus on architecture. Six months later I knew that lighting design would be my lifetime career.” Since then, Jeffrey has collaborated with world-renowned architects on both historic spaces and new construction, often tasked with integrating fresh and modern with standard and traditional. His projects have been honored with awards from the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society, and local preservation organizations; his work has also been featured in industry publications like Architectural Record, Architect Magazine, and LED’s Magazine. Jeffrey is a member of the IES, Designers Lighting Forum of New England, and Boston Society of Architects.

jeffrey@sladenfeinstein.com

Kathy joined the firm in 2012 and handles all its bookkeeping. She has more than 20 years of experience and working knowledge of accounting principles and software and is a graduate of Northeastern University.

kathy@sladenfeinstein.com

Katelyn has provided marketing support for SFIL since 2014, managing social media, photography coordination, advertising, budgeting, and assisting with business development. She has been working in the AEC industry for 20 years, collaborating with designers, architects, contractors, and photographers. Katelyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and has been a guest lecturer at Boston University, the Boston Society of Architects and the Society of Marketing Professional Services.

katelyn@sladenfeinstein.com

As an artist and a dancer, Kranthi believes in expressive design that is both beautiful and functional. She holds two Master Degrees, one in Interior Architecture and one Biotechnology which allows her to design spaces that promote human well-being through light. Kranthi's design experience includes academic buildings, commercial offices, fitness centers, and hospitality spaces. She is also proficient in disinfecting lighting technologies and has led SFIL in disseminating this knowledge to the industry by co-authoring materials for and co-teaching a seminar taught to various architectural firms. Kranthi is a 2016 DLF scholarship recipient to visit Light + Building in Germany and a Faculty Member at New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University.

kranti@sladenfeinstein.com

Peter joined SFIL in 2021 as a lighting designer and was named Senior Lighting Designer in 2023. His experience includes lighting design and visualization for commercial offices and life science facilities, sports venues and academic institutions among other space types. Peter earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied lighting and electrical systems. Peter’s educational background and industry experience brings the combination of both the technical and artistic elements of lighting design to the firm.

peter@sladenfeinstein.com

Jennifer joined the firm in 2020 after 14 years at a Boston-based engineering firm, where she served as an Electrical Design Engineer, Project Manager, and Associate. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Endicott College and has an extensive understanding and experience of electrical engineering theory, electrical/energy codes, lighting, and controls in large commercial, residential and mixed use developments. Jennifer applies her technical knowledge from engineering to each design project, while her interior design background allows her to contribute to the design team’s aesthetic vision. Jennifer enjoys being involved with the lighting community and is on the board of managers of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Boston section.

jennifer@sladenfeinstein.com

Melissa is a dedicated sustainability professional with a proven track record in driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints while implementing her design strategies. With her extensive experience in the architecture and design industry, Melissa brings a unique perspective to the role of Associate Lighting Designer at Sladen Feinstien. She has a deep understanding of the built environment and its impact on sustainability. Her passion for material transparency and her advocacy for sustainable practices have led her to become a respected expert in the field. As the leader of SFIL's Washington DC Studio, Melissa is committed to delivering measurable results, including energy savings, carbon footprint reduction, and cost management. Melissa's expertise extends beyond her experience in the lighting design studio. She has taught lighting design, served as an Ambassador for the International Living Future Institute, and been recognized as one of Lighting Magazine's international 40 under 40. She is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences, a co-chair of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Sustainable Lighting Committee, and a thought leader in the field of sustainable lighting practices.

With her strong technical skills, strategic thinking, and dedication to sustainability, Melissa is well-positioned to help her clients achieve their holistic design goals and create a more sustainable future.

mel@sladenfeinstein.com

Carol joined the firm in 2015 upon receiving her Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Design from The New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University and was named Associate in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, she sought a career change, adapting her graphic design background and experience working in the newspaper business to the AEC industry. Carol excels at integrating the technical aspects of lighting design—like controls, installation, and mounting details—with creative solutions for complex projects. Her work on retail, multi-family residences, corporate spaces, academic institutions, and historical buildings has been honored with industry awards and accolades, reconfirming her commitment to helping clients understand the importance of lighting and its enlivening benefits to a space.

carol@sladenfeinstein.com

Ben joined the firm in 2018 after nearly a decade at a nationally recognized lighting design firm in Michigan. He was named Principal in 2023. Ben views lighting as the final layer of the design process, enhancing the architecture and overall user experience. He brings an educational background in technical theatrical lighting to the SFIL team. This combined with his architectural lighting experience and interest in design, lighting controls and software technologies allows him to transform dated spaces into state-of-the art complexes. Ben brings his perspective on the technical aspects of design to the team and forges successful relationships with his clients. 

ben@sladenfeinstein.com

Reiko joined SFIL in the early stages of the company’s establishment and became a Principal in 2017. With an academic background in both architecture and interior design, she cherishes the beauty of architectural form and enjoys bringing life into each space through the use of light. “I love architectural lighting and how it can create a memorable user experience. I look at architecture as a musical score and lighting as the musical expression, such as dynamics or articulation that bring the music to life.” Knowing how powerful lighting can be, Reiko thrives on pushing its boundaries in a project’s vision, sustainable footprint, and occupant’s well-being. Her focus is on the holistic sustainable lighting design between different recommended practices and standards. Reiko is an advocate and educator on LEED and WELL, has presented at multiple conferences and has authored published papers. She has received many national lighting awards and in 2018, was named one of Lighting Magazine’s international class of “Top 40 Under 40” lighting designers.

reiko@sladenfeinstein.com

Julie joined SFIL in 2002 as the firm’s first official employee and was named Principal in 2013. Over the years, she has led teams to create award-winning lighting designs for academic institutions, hospitality projects, commercial clients, religious organizations, museums, and libraries earning the highly regarded IES Award of Excellence. She also helms many business development efforts and provides both graphic design and marketing support. Julie is continually seeking design inspiration and is particularly passionate about world travel and experiencing other cultural traditions while pushing the boundaries of comfort. “Travel has shaped who I am as a designer, taught me not to fear difference and to take risks. It has had a profound influence on my life and my role as a lighting designer.” Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of the Holy Cross, and an Master’s Degree in Interior Design from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University, where she served for 12 years as an Adjunct Faculty member for the Interior Design Department.

julie@sladenfeinstein.com

One of the founding partners of the firm, Josh has been practicing lighting design since 1993. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and an Master of Science in Interior Design, he enjoys drawing inspiration from all aspects of design, the arts and the natural world around us. “We are surrounded by an endlessly vast and spectacular world that we can tap into, challenging us to achieve a deeper connection within our design explorations to the benefit of our clients.” Since early in his career, Josh has had a passion for teaching, having taught the advanced lighting design studio at the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University, as well as courses at the Boston Architectural College, Mount IDA and University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His extensive work in hospitality, life sciences, mixed use, academic, corporate, and residential projects have received honors and awards from the American Institute of Architects and its chapters, the Illumination Engineering Society, and a variety of national preservation organizations. Josh has led presentations and served on panels for national conferences and events including NeoCon, ABX, and Boston Lights, and was a recipient of a Mentor in Design Award from Design New England in 2018.

josh@sladenfeinstein.com