Announcing the 2025 40 Under 40 Lighting Design Winners

The global lighting community marks an important milestone with the announcement of the 40 Under 40 winners for 2025. Now celebrating its tenth year, the programme continues to recognise emerging lighting designers whose work, thinking, and ambition are shaping the future of the industry.

Since its launch, 40 Under 40 has focused on designers at a pivotal stage in their careers — those pushing boundaries, asking new questions, and contributing to lighting design far beyond individual projects. The 2025 edition reflects the growing diversity and global reach of the profession.

A truly global selection

This year’s competition received 354 nominations, with 156 nominees from 33 countries submitting their work for consideration. Following a rigorous review process, an international panel of judges selected 40 winners, representing a wide range of disciplines, geographies, and design approaches.

The 2025 winners are:

Sarah Wujcik, Ben Strauss, Pegah Mathur, Xander Cadisch, Elif Uyan, Phat Quach, Xena Petkanas, Alita Escobedo, Justyna Bork, Misuzu Nakamura, Alexander Rossini, Iliana Zotou, Durga Kranti Sala, Jane Tsai, Justin Keenan Miller, Kristen Garibaldi, Srushti Totadri, Pauline David, Edwin Allen, James Fuentes McGreevy, Ashley Mikels, Wesley Burdett, Liberty MacDougall, Joseph Brenner, Melike Ozden, Luke Renwick, Ryan Linton, Khorkhe Younes, Bilge Eseroglu, Dorothy Underwood, Paola Medina Querini, Chiara Tori, Krishna Mistry, Andres Regens, Razan Albunayah, Jonas Kuo, Avinash Reddy Gopu, Alexandria Quella, Carla Sigillo, and Omar Vergara.

Together, this group highlights the depth of emerging talent within lighting design today — spanning architectural, urban, experiential, and research-led practices.

Ten years of recognising future leaders

The strength of the 40 Under 40 programme lies in its long-term impact. Over the past decade, many former winners have gone on to lead studios, contribute to education, publish research, and influence the broader direction of lighting design worldwide.

The 2025 winners now join this growing global network — connected not by style, but by a shared commitment to the discipline and its future.

Celebrating at Light + Building Frankfurt

To mark 10 years of 40 Under 40, a special celebration session will take place at Light + Building Frankfurt on 9 March, from 4pm to 6pm.

The session will begin by honouring the 2025 winners, followed by talks from past winners reflecting on their passion for light and their professional journeys. Drinks will follow, creating space for conversation and connection. Past winners are especially encouraged to attend and take part in this milestone event.

With thanks to our supporters

The organisers extend their thanks to Light Collective, Selux Lighting, Filix Lighting, and the six judges (Carla Wilkins (Germany), Jeff Shaw (United Kingdom), Noemi Barbero (Spain), Giuseppe Simone (Australia), Paola Pietrantoni (USA), Waleed Fakousa (UAE)) supporting the 2026 programme. Their continued involvement helps ensure the competition remains rigorous, relevant, and forward-looking.

The lighting industry is in great hands — and the 2025 40 Under 40 winners are clear proof of that.