Paige Donnell

Paige considers it her mission to convince people of the importance of lighting design, something she calls misunderstood and underrated. “It can unknowingly move and inspire people,” she says. “As one small piece of the greater whole, it’s the necessary glue that bonds a project together.” She offers up her first SmithGroup project, the Wayne State University Mike Illitch School of Business, as an example. “The building symbolized the school’s undeniable investment in building a brighter future for Detroit,” Paige describes. “Integrating a thoughtful lighting design identity into its iconic shape and form further enhanced its outward presence and built a common sense of pride. It connected people in so many ways.” Paige calls ceramics her side passion, and has studied at Detroit’s renowned Pewabic Pottery studio and school. She’s also rather passionate about her dog—who goes by the name of Lumen.