This approach to lighting design as fundamental to the surrounding space is what sets Kristin Pickar-Knussmann apart. With over two decades in the industry, she has mastered the art of integrating lighting into the fabric of architecture and design. A graduate of Texas A&M University (Cum Laude, Bachelor of Environmental Design), she has worked on everything from luxury hospitality and high-end residential to large-scale commercial projects across the U.S. and internationally. Before founding KPK Lighting Design in 2017, she served as a Senior Designer and Houston Branch Manager for an esteemed lighting firm, where she developed an extensive portfolio that includes Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, The Post Oak Hotel in Houston, and the George R. Brown Convention Center remodel.

At KPK, Kristin leads a team of talented designers, collaborating closely with architects, interior designers, and developers to ensure that lighting isn’t an afterthought—it’s an integral part of the design vision. Collaborative design workshops are a crucial and exciting part of the process to Kristin, where she works alongside other disciplines to seamlessly weave lighting into every detail. She thrives in the diversity of projects, but hospitality and restaurant environments hold a special place in her heart, as they allow for immersive, atmospheric storytelling through light.

For Kristin, inspiration can strike anytime, but often at 1 to 3 AM. When a brainstorming session stalls, she steps away, trusting that the best ideas strike when least expected.

Outside of work, Kristin cherishes time with her husband, three daughters, and their dog. Their annual trips to Port Aransas for Texas’ best beach and skiing adventures in Colorado are traditions she holds dear.

With an award-winning career, a passion for collaboration, and an eye for the transformative power of light, Kristin continues to shape extraordinary spaces—one luminous detail at a time.