We’ve come a long way since opening our doors for business back in 1968 – from a living room in Manhattan to multiple studio locations worldwide. Founding Principals Jules Horton, Stephen Lees, Barbara Horton and Teal Brogden laid the foundation for HLB, leading with a progressive business acumen that has fueled over a half century of impassioned practice, industry stewardship and innovation in lighting design. As our firm has grown, we’ve remained committed to the same ideals they set out with, working seamlessly in sync across our ever-growing team of talented professionals to push the boundaries of what is possible and make a positive impact on the world through light.
Firm Milestones
1968 Jules G. Horton Lighting Design was founded in New York City.
1976 Stephen Lees joins the firm.
1980 Barbara Horton joins the firm.
1984 Stephen Lees becomes a partner, firm name changes to Horton Lees Lighting Design. Firm opens second design studio in San Francisco.
1991 Teal Brogden joins the firm.
1994 Firm opens third design studio in Los Angeles.
1999 Firm name changes to Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design.
2007 HLB opens design studio in Boston.
2015 HLB opens fifth design studio in Miami.
2016 HLB opens design studio in Denver.
2018 Illumination Arts joins HLB.
2022 186 Lighting Design Group joins HLB.
2023 HLB opens design studio in Dubai.
2025 HLB opens design studio in Chicago.
2025 CS Design joins HLB, adding a design studio in Montreal.
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