As the highly creative and celebrated principal and co-owner of the Reveal Design Group in New York, New York, since 2009, Levia C. Lew leads the design for numerous projects, particularly focusing on non-residential ventures, while her husband manages residential projects. Ms. Lew is deeply involved in the design presentation process, often creating the presentation packages herself. Her hands-on approach and her commitment to building and maintaining client relationships are key elements of her professional success. She believes in actively listening to her clients’ needs and empowering them to feel a sense of ownership over the final lighting design. Ms. Lew’s dedication extends beyond project completion, as she remains available to assist clients with any issues that arise.
Before her tenure at Reveal Design Group, Ms. Lew worked as a lighting and set designer, as well as a scenic painter, for Banished Productions from 2006 to 2016. She also operated as a freelance design consultant from 2009 to 2015, further honing her skills in various aspects of design. Her earlier roles included junior lighting designer positions at Domingo Gonzalez Associates and at Focus Lighting Inc. Beforehand, she gained experience as a gallery lighting designer for the Smithsonian Institution and was an assistant lighting designer at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Further, Ms. Lew was a lighting fellow at Arena Stage and an intern at the Office of Design and Production at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her career began as a science interpreter at the Pacific Science Center, where she worked for more than five years.
Ms. Lew has received prestigious awards throughout her career, including the MUSE Design Award in 2020 and a Boutique 18 Honoree recognition from Boutique Design in 2015. She won multiple awards in 2013, including a Citation Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society of New York, a Lumen Award, and the Cooper Source Award, all reflecting her exceptional talent and contributions to the field of lighting design. To stay involved in her industry, Ms. Lew maintains memberships in the International Association of Lighting Designers, the Illuminating Engineering Society of New York, and the Designers Lighting Forum of New York. These affiliations underscore her active involvement in the design community and her commitment to staying current with industry standards and innovations.
Ms. Lew holds a Master of Fine Arts in theatrical lighting and set design from Illinois State University, which she earned in 2003, and a Bachelor of Arts in art history with a minor in theatrical design from Randolph College completed in 2000. Her extensive educational background laid the foundation for a diverse and impactful career in lighting and set design. Specializing in theatrical and architectural lighting, her current focus is on training younger team members to understand the industry from her perspective. Ms. Lew emphasizes the importance of technical proficiency, enabling team members to contribute to troubleshooting and collaborate effectively with electricians. Her goal is to elevate the capabilities of her senior designers and showcase the team’s expertise within the broader design industry.
One of Ms. Lew’s most notable achievements was her contribution to the Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary. She helped create and build a sculpture called Me+You, displayed at the Futures Exhibit at Smithsonian Arts & Industries, which was the brainchild of artist Suchi Reddy. This project was a great honor for Ms. Lew and highlighted her ability to collaborate on high-profile projects. She takes great pride in her ability to inspire and guide younger designers on her team. Recently, she has seen team members develop a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which has been particularly gratifying for her. She is determined to continue fostering this growth and ensuring that her team is well-prepared for future challenges.
Looking ahead, Ms. Lew’s goal is to design custom fixtures with two of the world’s leading glass manufacturers. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, studying plants and herbs, gardening, surfing, and listening to music.
