During LEDucation 2026 in New York City, our CEO Bill Sims sat down with Randy Reid from EdisonReport to discuss the future of immersive lighting and light as a true building material.

In the interview, Bill shares insights into the newly formed Aither Global Holdings and its portfolio of brands, including Cooledge Lighting, Velaria Systems, and the recent addition of Nanometer Lighting.

The conversation also explores:

• How immersive lighting is shaping the next generation of indoor environments
• The acquisition of Nanometer Lighting and expanded capabilities in controls and low-profile systems
• Growing industry momentum following strong engagement at LEDucation 2026
  

The future of lighting goes beyond fixtures—it’s about creating environments that feel natural, seamless, and immersive.

Article: EdisonReport — Randy Reid | April 21, 2026. Read the full article.

Bill also speaks to a larger shift in how designers and building owners think about interior space. When light is treated as a building material, it stops behaving like a collection of fixtures and starts shaping the full experience of a room. That matters when you’re designing for comfort, clarity, and the way people actually feel in a space throughout the day. Immersive lighting gives you a broader, more natural field of illumination with low glare and a calmer visual rhythm, helping interiors feel more open and connected.

That’s where Cooledge continues to lead. Our integrated ceiling systems combine luminous surfaces with the performance design teams need to solve real project challenges, from visual comfort to acoustic performance and low-profile integration. For architects, lighting designers, and specifiers, the opportunity is clear: create environments that feel seamless, support occupant well-being, and give your clients a more complete solution than conventional lighting can deliver.