Interior Ambiances Lab

Lab Director JUDY THEODORSON, M.ARCH recently retired as Associate Professor at Washington State University School of Design + Construction. In that capacity, she taught environmental systems, studios, and interdisciplinary elective courses in light | lighting. Informed by paradigms for sustainable futures, Theodorson’s pedagogical focus is to facilitate linkages between environmental issues, human experiences, and design. Her expertise spans multiple aspects of light | lighting including daylighting, light and health, and aesthetic, poetic and experiential dimensions of light.

Theodorson has mentored students to more than 25 national design awards with recognition in retail design, sustainable design, lighting, design communications, and housing design. In 2012, the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) recognized Theodorson with the national Teaching Excellence Award for her highly successful capstone studios.

From 2004-2009, Theodorson served as clinical assistant professor, founding and directing the Betterbricks Daylighting and Integrated Design Lab (IDL) at the WSU Interdisciplinary Design Institute in Spokane, WA. Working in collaboration with labs at University of Oregon, University of Washington, University of Idaho, and Montana State University, the IDL engaged in applied research and project based education to promote daylighting and high performance building practices in the Inland Northwest. Her research and teaching agenda has focused on the human side of daylighting including interior strategies, occupant use patterns, and light as a biophilia element with contributions to well-being.

In 2019, Theodorson established the Interior Ambiances Lab (IAL), a design-research initiative that investigates intersections of environmental conditions, especially light, and human experiences.

.From 2019-2022, she served as Program Head and Graduate Coordinator for Interior Design.

Prior to her work at WSU, Theodorson worked professionally and taught at University of Idaho, Montana State University, and University of Oregon.

In her personal life, she wrangles triplet sons, practices ashtanga yoga, chases after outdoor adventure, and travels as much as possible. She is currently living in a Cohousing community in Bozeman, Montana.

CV Link

WSU Research Affiliate JENNA SCOTT, MA initiated the research on colored lighting and inspires us everyday.

Fall 2023 (Judy in Italy) Graduate Research Assistant: Darren James Thompson

PROJECT Development of lightbox for lighting lab

Fall 2022 Graduate Research Assistant: Ryan Quinn. Undergraduate Researchers: DJ Thompson and Victoria Burnett.

PROJECTS Chromatic Light Experience research (Quinn, lead researcher); pre-design for light-play space

SPRING 2022 Graduate Research Assistant: Leigh Ann Bryan. Undergraduate Researchers Architecture; Ruben Estrada, Ryan Quinn. Interior Design; Kate Hickox

PROJECTS: in-person immersive testing; luminaire prototyping; SDC Gallery: The Chromatic Light Experience (Ryan Quinn, lead researcher);

Attended the UO Reynolds Symposium: Aalto | Light at Mount Angel Libary

FALL 2021 Graduate Research Assistants: Leigh Ann Bryan and Emma Gerrish. Undergraduate Researchers, Architecture; Justin Betz, Ruben Estrada, Ryan Quinn.

PROJECTS: colored light space set up; in-person immersive testing; experiments inspired by light as water; luminaire prototyping.

SPRING 2021 Graduate Research Assistant: Leigh Ann Bryan. Undergraduate Researchers, Interior Design: Courtney Eastep, Caitlin Eberle. Undergraduate Researchers, Architecture: Justin Betz, Ruben Estrada, Brandon Fry, Dutcher Harmon, Ryan Quinn, Denise Tlatelpa.

PROJECTS: analysis of colored light survey data culminating in EAEA15 paper; gallery exhibit design and planning; luminaire design; assistance on Miyasaka’s Spokane Sportsplex Public Art Project

FALL 2020 Graduate Research Assistant: Leigh Ann Bryan. Undergraduate Researchers, Interior Design: Caitlin Eberle, Lily Caro , Britney Ornellas, Amanda Sangster. Undergraduate Researchers, Architecture: Grace McGowan, Denise Tlatelpa.

PROJECTS: LAMP competition; colored space survey; collection of precedent and literature.

SUMMER 2020 research assistants: Leigh Ann Bryant, Lilian Caro,  Caitlin Eberle.

PROJECTS: photography of colored light space; development and distribution of on-line survey.

SPRING 2020 research assistants: Leigh Ann Bryant, Lilian Caro, Madison Cohee, Nicole Dyer, and Caitlin Eberle.

PROJECTS: setting up experimental colored light space; obtaining research authorization; research methods