Lighting designer & prinicpal of I.C.O.N.
The principal designer, Akari-Lisa Ishii, has represented the company I.C.O.N. since its foundation.
She has done international (Japan, the U.S. and France) and inter-disciplinary studies in the fine arts, design and lighting. First trained at Howard Brandston & Partners (N.Y.), Motoko Ishii Lighting Design (Tokyo) and Light Cibles (Paris), she founded her company I.C.O.N. in 2004, in Tokyo and Paris.
She quickly became an active member of IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers) and now vice-president of ACE (French Association of Light and Lighting Designers) .
I.C.O.N. aims to create new concepts of lighting design and light art using its international network, particularly between Tokyo and Paris. It conveys new light trends around the world with an innovative touch.
The team works with advanced methodologies, know-how and lighting vocabularies enabling it to carry out a wide range of lighting design projects, from urban spaces, architecture, interior design, landscape, events, museography and stage, to product design.
I.C.O.N. works all over the world. Representative projects include Yves-Saint-Laurent Museum Marrakech, Dior Perfumes world-wide boutique chain, Daiwa Roynet hotels in Asia, classified cloister la Psalette of the Cathedral of Tours, the Coca-Cola Paris office, English garden in the Domain of Chantilly, urban spaces and landscapes in many regions of France, exhibitions at major museums in Paris such as Grand Palais and Quai Branly, Hermes Pavilion Baselworld and diplomatic light and sound events on the Eiffel Tower and the Brandenburg Gate among others.
Recognized for its competence and professionalism, I.C.O.N. won international awards for lighting design for Pompidou Center Metz, the Kabuki Theater in Tokyo, Pompelle Fort in Reims, Cherbourg-Octeville Water Tower, Tokyo University’s 21 KOMCEE, Hotel Cures Marines Trouville and the commemorative event Colosseum Light Messages etc.
In addition to design, Akari-Lisa Ishii plays an active role as member of many panels and committees. She is artist-ambassador of the Lyon Festival of Lights and regularly gives lectures at international conventions and universities.
She is also a product designer and author of three books: My Work: Fascinated by Light, The City and Light and ICONIC LIGHT.
Besides she was also selected as one of the 120 most representative women of Japan by Bungeishunju.
