Q&A with Maryanne Berger
Maryanne Berger, Principal at ALR in Oakland, has been in the lighting industry for decades. With a career shaped by leadership and mentorship, her expertise and passion for design will be invaluable on the judges' panel.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I was one of 5 children in a large Italian household. It was loud and passionate and always fun! My mother taught me how to cook and to be a woman and to always follow my heart. My dad taught me to be a fighter and to never give up. He loved sports and that is how we spent a lot of our time together, watching whichever team was on TV that day. He was very social and well-loved among the neighborhood, I always admired how he talked and because friends with everyone. A trait I try to follow as much as I can.
How did you end up in the lighting industry?
My first job in the lighting industry was in 1990 when I started with a lighting representative in Phoenix, AZ called Ackerman Lighting. Paul Ackerman and Bob Stamper were early mentors and taught me so much about lighting and how to navigate the industry at such an early age. I worked my way through the different desks on the inside and eventually made my way to outside sales in the late 90’s calling on electrical contractors and distributors in the greater Phoenix area.
Then in 1999 I moved to Northern California and began my career at ALR. This is where I grew the most professionally and personally. ALR made me a better salesperson. I went from quotes manager to outside sales, back inside, then eventually to specification sales, calling on the design community in the Bay Area. I just celebrated 25 years with this amazing company and became a principal in 2021.
What are you most excited about for the 2024 competition?
I can’t wait to see all the amazing projects and how BEGA was used in the landscaping and throughout the project. I’m excited to see how they make the architecture shine with all the lighting.
What types of projects do you hope to see submitted in 2024?
Cultural, hospitality, recreation and corporate.
What is your favorite BEGA luminaire and why?
I would say the original 8101LED post top (now B88309)! I love this fixture; it was the first performance indirect outdoor post top that could give you zero up light. Plus it’s design was clean, understated and beautiful. Bay Area designers fell in love with it, and it is still the standard for many projects in San Francisco.
What is your favorite architectural marvel and why?
My favorite architectural marvel is the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt! I had the opportunity to see it with my own eyes and it was truly remarkable! To see something that old (4600 years old) that is still standing and relatively intact. It makes you wonder how it could have been constructed, and I was grateful for the experience.
What advice would you give to someone who's just starting out in the lighting, architecture, and design industry?
The construction industry is rewarding in so many ways. You can influence it no matter where you sit in the process. Whether you are an architect, lighting designer or lighting representative, you play a part in the outcome and shaping of every project you touch. Be willing to listen to everyone, educate yourself on technology and sustainability.
Give back when the time comes to do so – get involved! And simply never forget to be kind, honest and true to yourself. And lastly and it is true in any profession or industry, the hard work you put in will pay off in the end, but be patient, it does not happen overnight, and that is ok because it is part of the process and the journey to the top. I just love how you never stop learning in this industry, I still do, and I am always humbled by it.
