“Design is defined by light and shade, and appropriate lighting is enormously important.”
About
Our story began nearly 30 years ago with a vision of combining aesthetics and technical excellence in lighting design that would set the standard in the industry.
Our team collaborates with each client and design team to develop a unique lighting solution that completes their overall design vision. Through professionalism, dedication and exceptional project management, we deliver the highest quality lighting design which enhances the architecture, art, interior design, and landscape of luxury residences and exclusive hospitality properties.
Our lighting design is the common thread between space and art, creating unparalleled experiences that go beyond illumination.
Industry Awards (National)
2024 IES Illumination Awards (San Francisco Section)
Awards of Merit: Interior, Lighting Control Innovation – Caymus-Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley
2022 IES Illumination Awards (San Francisco Section)
Awards of Merit: Interior, Energy & Environmental, Lighting Control Innovation – St. Joseph’s Art Society, San Francisco
2020 California Preservation Design
Award for Historic Preservation – St. Joseph’s Art Society, San Francisco
2019 IES Illumination Awards
Award of Excellence, Interior Lighting Design – Silver Oak Winery, Alexander Valley
2019 IES Illumination Awards (San Francisco Section)
Awards of Merit: Exterior, Interior, Energy & Environmental Design – Silver Oak Winery, Alexander Valley
Industry Awards (Regional)
2024 IES SF Lux Awards
Second Place – Lighting Control Innovation - Caymus-Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley
Third Place - Interior Lighting – Caymus-Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley
2022 IES SF Lux Awards
Award of Excellence – St. Joseph’s Art Society, San Francisco
Awards of Merit – Interior, Outdoor, Control Innovation, Energy and Environmental Design – St. Joseph’s Art Society, San Francisco
2020 IES SF Lux Awards
Award of Merit: Interior Lighting – Kua Bay, Hawaii
2019 IES SF Lux Awards
Award of Distinction: First Place – Silver Oak Winery, Alexander Valley
Award of Merit: Energy & Environmental Design – Silver Oak Winery, Alexander Valley
Meet Our Team
Principal
Margit joined EJA in 2005 to pursue a more creative career path in lighting design. This was a natural transition from her extensive experience as a lighting showroom manager where she interacted regularly with clients, architects, and interior designers in locating the perfect decorative fixtures. Margit’s positive attitude and high level of efficiency make her a pleasure to work with.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, University of California, Davis
Margit Yasukawa
Associate Principal
Markus’s interest in lighting began at a young age when he transformed his Brooks bicycle seat into a desk lamp and a Porsche hood into a lampshade. While in architecture school, Markus’s interest in lighting-enhanced architecture grew and he now brings that enthusiasm to his residential and hospitality projects at EJA. He enjoys collaborating with sophisticated design teams to find unique ways to blend architecture and lighting.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
Markus Wolf, LC
Senior Associate Lighting Designer
Oliver began as an electrician and transitioned into programming lighting control systems. His lighting design work at EJA creates a perfect intersection of technical expertise and a love of design. He is a skilled furniture refinisher, crafting functional works of art in his spare time.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and German, California State University, Chico
Master of Arts in Environmental Law and Policy, Vermont Law School
Juris Doctor, Vermont Law School
Oliver Trixl, LC
Senior Associate Lighting Designer
Though Jonathan fell into a career in lighting design by accident, his background in photo and video editing software development has given him a unique perspective on lighting. Jonathan’s years of experience as a designer, controls specialist and project manager, along with his quick wit and can-do attitude make him an asset to the EJA team.
Bachelor of Science in Math, Computer Science and Physics, Plymouth State University
Jonathan Snyder, LC
Production Design Associate
Travis enjoys the interesting and challenging work we do at EJA. His extensive architectural production and design background, along with his AutoCAD and technical expertise make him our go-to person when we need a problem solved or need to get a deliverable out the door.
Travis Jernigan
Associate Lighting Designer
With a background in interior design and visual art, Clara developed a keen interest in architectural lighting at Parsons School of Design. She excels in creating stunning spatial experiences through the artful use of color and lighting.
Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Art, University of Taipei, Taiwan
Master of Fine Art in Interior Design, Parsons School of Design NYC
Clara Tsao
Associate Lighting Designer
While Alyssa’s career in lighting began in theater and live events, she later transitioned into programming commercial control systems, control system design, and lighting fixture sales. Alyssa now brings her breadth of experience as a technician and her vision as a designer to the EJA team.
Bachelor of Science in Theatrical Lighting Design, English and Screen Arts and Cultures, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Alyssa Loiacano
Junior Associate Lighting Designer
With prior experience in Interior Design for corporate and hospitality sectors, Yoko has a deep appreciation for the pivotal role that lighting plays in crafting spaces. She values the highly collaborative team-oriented environment that she feels sets EJA apart from other firms.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Sophia University Tokyo
Associate of Arts in Interior Design, Parsons School of Design NYC
Yoko Dungca
Operations Manager
Kristine loves how working at EJA allows her to combine her small business operations experience with her love of creativity and design. She works closely with senior leadership and the entire EJA team to ensure success for our clients, our collaborators, and the company.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University, Fullerton
Certificate in Paralegal Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Kristine Nolan
Office Manager
Heather utilizes her diverse administrative and project management background in the visual effects industry to keep the EJA office running smoothly. She loves working with people who combine technical know-how with artistic vision.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
Heather Macdonald
Founding Principal
A second-generation lighting designer whose career spans over 40 years, Eric began early on working in the family lighting business. There he learned to draw lighting plans by hand, to machine lighting projectors for art, and to install electrical systems. Since starting his own lighting design business, Eric has built a solid reputation for lighting expertise. In addition to lighting hundreds of beautiful homes and dozens of wineries/hospitality properties, his passion has been lighting countless pieces of magnificent art.
Eric Johnson
Co-Founder
Kimberly’s career began in the corporate world in retail, marketing and then software development. She came to EJA in its infancy on what was supposed to be a temporary assignment and found inspiration in building a team of talented professionals, creating organizational structure around them, and managing the company’s finances. She often thinks of her projects at EJA as very similar to cutting the tiles for her mosaic projects, the pieces eventually fit together until she starts the next one.
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, The University of Florida
Master of Business Administration, Dominican University
Kimberly Johnson
President
Mike comes to EJA as a multidisciplinary leader experienced in best practices, from startups to small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. By working closely with each team member, he understands the perspective of every position in an organization, improving operational efficiencies. His unique mix of design and engineering skills allows Mike to oversee the delivery of services from concept to implementation.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Math, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Science in Industrial design, ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena