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 100% 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 all about sports and to not be a push-over. He also knew everyone! He was very social and well-loved among the neighborhoods! I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson from 1987-1990. I have been in the lighting industry for 35 years already!
How did you end up in the lighting industry?
I headed home earlier than expected from UofA and got my first job in the lighting industry in 1990 working for then Ackermann & Stamper Lighting or Ackermann Lighting after Bob Stamper left and went to work at RC Lurie. I was 21 years old. I learned so much there. Paul Ackerman and Bob Stamper were early mentors in my life. I quickly accelerated in the office and went from receptionist to outside sales until I left in 1999.
This is when I moved to Northern California and began my career at ALR in Oakland. This is where I grew the most professionally and personally. ALR makes you a better salesperson – the people around you push you to be your very best. I was supposed to go back to Arizona after three years, but I couldn’t leave this wonderful company and the work family I loved. Plus, this is where I started and raised my family of 3 amazing boys. I have been at ALR for 25 years and manage the Specification sales teams for all our offices. I was named 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’m old school, the original 8101LED post top!! I love this fixture; it was the first beautiful indirect outdoor post top that gave you zero up light. 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?
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt!! Why? Because I saw it with my own eyes on the BEGA trip and it was unbelievable. You question just how they could have been built – it was truly remarkable.
What advice would you give to someone who's just starting out in the lighting, architecture, and design industry?
This is a great industry; you can make a good life in it. Always be kind and honest. It truly will take you places you never could imagine. And be willing to learn! You will never stop learning in this industry. Respect your elders and listen to them. I probably could go on and on with this question, but in the end, be willing to learn, you must work hard and put in the time to get places, it does NOT happen overnight. And that’s ok, it is part of the journey to the top.
