Stephanie Teotico: Leading in lighting design and specifications

GTA Construction Report staff writer

Stephanie Teotico started her career in the lighting design and construction industry early,  right out of university at age 22. However, in just a decade, she has achieved much success, with a focus on community service and a work-ethic that goes well beyond the standard expectations.

Today, she is a specification sales manager at STL Lighting Group. She started her career in 2018 at one of Toronto’s top engineering firms, Mulvey & Banani International Inc.

Her early career start presented some challenges. “The account representatives that called on me, saw me as young and naive,” she said. “People would undermine my decisions and it felt like people didn’t take me seriously.”

“So I dedicated myself to getting my credentials and being active in the industry. I volunteered on the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) board, I started teaching at Ryerson just two years after graduating, and I got my LC lighting certification at (age) 25.”

“After more than a decade  in  lighting industry, I am  very lucky to be recognized and have credibility in the industry,” she said.

“Stephanie has been a recipient of numerous industry awards, locally and internationally, which are testament to her enthusiasm and passion for design,” says Steve Takacs founder of the  STL Lighting Group.

Stephanie received the IES Toronto Section’s President’s Award this year. (She serves on its executive as the public relations/social committee chair.)

Several of her Toronto projects have received design awards including, Telus at 25 York St, 18 York St. and the Metrolinx offices.  Her other projects include the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium and MaRS Tower in Toronto, and a diversity of international projects.

These skills and practical experience, of course, have made her undeniably qualified to support specifiers, including architects, electrical engineers and lighting designers. She can make suggestions and offer practical insights, and help specifiers convert design challenges into practical, projects that can be bid in a cost-effective manner.

Stephanie has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from OCAD University and a post-graduate certificate in Lighting Design from Ryerson.

“As a woman in an industry where we are still a minority, I would say perseverance and having a good work ethic is the best advice I can give to anybody,” she said.  “Networking and being present is also essential to getting your name out there, where people can recognize you as a valuable professional in the industry.”

Together, the specialized experience, educational achievements, and community and association leadership rightfully place her in the Top 10 Women of Toronto’s Design and Construction Industry.