REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Photography by Matthew Cohn

Francesca Bettridge, Michael Hennes, and Nira Wattanachote share their behind-the-scenes insights into this $750 million sustainable renovation of a 1970s tower. Witness the transformation of PENN 2, located directly above Penn Station. The reimagined building, designed by MdeAS Architects, now boasts a sleek triple-pane glass curtain wall for daylighting and views, a relocated triple-height lobby, and a variety of new interior and exterior amenity spaces.

A striking two-block-long addition, aptly named The Bustle, cantilevers along Seventh Avenue. The plaza beneath The Bustle, serves as the grand entry portal to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, mesmerizing patrons with a 288,000-diode LED art installation that illuminates its entire length. Unlike a conventional LED screen, lighting helps the ceiling read as a refined architectural surface when unlit.

The tour begins in the first‑floor lobby and moves upward through the WorkLife lounge and pre‑function areas, the Town Hall multipurpose performance space, the conference room, the second‑floor lobby and outdoor terrace, the Perch rooftop lounge, and the spectacular 17,000‑sqft rooftop park.

The renovation assures a lower carbon footprint and supports electrification. See how smart lighting and a focus on worker productivity bring warmth, texture, and a sense of destination. 

Check in at the PENN 2 lobby between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. Tour starts promptly at 6:00. Immediately following the tour and Q&A, we will gather for appetizers and drinks at The Irish Exit, located in the Moynihan Train Hall, 421 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001. 

Presenters

Francesca Bettridge, FIES, IALD, LC
President & Principal, Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Francesca brings creativity, insight, and a strong commitment to sustainable design to award-winning lighting projects around the world. She has collaborated with leading architects on a diverse range of work, including landmark projects such as the Clinton Presidential Center, the LEED Platinum–certified Bank of America Tower at 1 Bryant Park, and Torre Iberdrola in Bilbao.

Her work has been recognized with over 160 industry awards. A Fellow of the IES, she has held leadership roles within the IESNYC and the International Association of Lighting Designers. An international keynote speaker, Francesca has also taught at Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design at The New School, contributing broadly to the advancement of the lighting design profession.

Michael Hennes, MIES, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Principal, Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Michael Hennes has over 35 years in architectural lighting design, with a background in architecture that informs his approach to integrating light with the built environment. He has participated on more than 90 award-winning projects.

A LEED Accredited Professional, Michael is committed to sustainable, energy-efficient lighting solutions and has contributed to the US Department of Energy’s CALiPER guidance committee. He is an active lecturer, presenting at LEDucation, IESNYC, DLFNY, and the Center for Architecture, among others, and has led numerous public and professional tours. He has written for LD+A magazine and served on major lighting design juries. In 2023, he received the IESNYC Brilliance Award for extraordinary contributions to the IESNYC lighting community.

Nira Wattanachote, MIES, WELL AP
Senior Associate, Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Nira Wattanachote brings a unique balance of aesthetic creativity and technical expertise to her lighting design work. With a background in interior design, she developed a strong belief in lighting’s transformative impact on how architecture is experienced.

Since joining CBB in 2000, she has played a key role on numerous award-winning projects, earning Lumen, IALD, National Lighting Bureau Tesla, IES Illumination, and GE Edison Awards. Her portfolio spans corporate offices, hospitality and residential developments, and performing arts spaces. Nira is particularly known for her expertise in custom fixture design, combining innovation with practical, energy-efficient solutions. She has also taught lighting design at Parsons and Pratt Institute, fostering the next generation of designers.

Moderators

Jessie Grillo 
Specification Guardian & Rep Concierge, Lido Lighting and Co-Chair of the IESNYC Programs Committee
Jessie Grillo is the Specification Guardian & Rep Concierge at Lido Lighting, dedicated to supporting the lighting community by bridging gaps among sales rep agencies, manufacturers, and the lighting community. Leveraging a broad industry network, she helps protect design intent while delivering competitive pricing and efficient project coordination. With a strong sales foundation and a specification‑driven mindset, Jessie formulates strategic, market‑ready lighting solutions while providing seamless, white‑glove service at every stage of a project. Known for her collaborative, relationship‑driven approach and strong organizational skills, she simplifies complex processes and adds value throughout the project lifecycle.

Jessie has participated in the IESNYC Programs Committee since 2020, and is active with the informal Lightinas group.  

Carl Jenkins
Sales Manager, Diversified NY
Carl J. Jenkins is an experienced Sales Manager with over 24 years of success in lighting, controls, and specification sales throughout New York City and the Tri-State area. He specializes in building strong relationships with architects, lighting designers, engineers, and distributors, helping guide projects from concept through installation while driving revenue and product adoption. In his current role at Diversified Group, he manages a diverse territory, leads specification efforts, and delivers impactful presentations and training sessions that influence decision-making. Known for his technical expertise, strategic approach, and hands-on project coordination, Carl has consistently expanded market presence and exceeded sales goals throughout his career, with prior experience at Reggiani Lighting, Feldman Brothers Electrical Supply, and Crestron Electronics.

IESNYC Programs Committee
The Programs Committee plans multiple programs each year to keep members active in the Society, and informed about current lighting design issues and considerations. Co-Chairs Michiru Tanaka, Michiru Tanaka Lighting Design, and Jessie Grillo, Lido Lighting. 

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