48|PROTAGONISTA that lighting can be a key element in the commercial success or failure of a project. We have many commercial projects where lighting is an element that adds visibility, which brings traffic, which in turn makes the project successful. How do you foresee the future of the profession? In my opinion, the number of lighting designers will increase. The fact that there in no way of regulating or certifying the practice of this profession bothers me. I worry that we will not have the knowledge needed to practice the profession. The future can be very chaotic if, as a group, we fail to come together to establish basic rules so everybody, that is part of this field, can share the practice of the profession, be it designers, manufacturers, developers, researchers or teachers. All of these areas require clear rules. Presently, there is no professional certification process and there is a need for it. Moreover, we need clarity on what is expected from a designer as part of his job; what can a client expect, in terms of lighting, at the different stages of the work and what problems is the lighting designer required to solve. Defining this will allow for a clearer, more open relationship between client and lighting designer in which both parts will get what they are expecting. One of the problems caused by the lack of standards in the profession is that everybody does what they suppose is best, which results in different levels of success in the process. It is wonderful that we have many programs that gives us exposure and spread the information needed to carry out and appreciate a lighting project, for example: diplomas, courses, Masters, etc. However, there should be a federal entity stipulating the minimum knowledge required for the practice of the profession of lighting designer because, it is paramount to produce a viable project. There should be tools to regulate the people interested in developing this career so they can have access to the knowledge and afterwards, prove they have mastered the knowledge and can apply it professionally. This education process has to be a common effort. The first step is to overcome inertia; that first effort is the hardest. Why hire the services of a light professional? Simply, to make projects effective in terms of quality, amount of light, energy efficiency and sustainability; feasible in the allotted time, enduring and adapted to the client’s budget. A well thought project is feasible technically, aesthetically and within budget. The key is understanding, from the very beginning, the scope and needs of the project and the client; if this is clear the solutions offered will be the most suitable. Granted that in the course of the process, adjustments have to be made to make sure that the solutions offered meet the initial needs. Every step we take, from the conceptual to the executive project, gives us an opportunity to fine tune. We aim to satisfy the client through a well- executed project. Innovation and creativity are trendy now. Is it possible to apply them to your projects? Are there innovative elements in your projects? Of course there are. Otherwise, repeating a formula would be very boring. Our clients are very different, so architects, interior designers, developers, etc., have to adapt to every new project. In my case, if I were to repeat the same formula in all my projects, I would lose all my clients. Many times, clients compete with each other, so they need to have