HLB’s Los Angeles Studio Earns California Green Business Designation

HLB Lighting Design announced today that its Los Angeles studio has been awarded a California Green Business Designation, recognizing the firm’s long-standing commitment to sustainability within both its professional practice and studio culture.

The designation, awarded through the California Green Business Network, is granted to organizations that meet rigorous standards for environmental performance, including energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and responsible operations. Certification reflects a comprehensive review process and ongoing accountability for sustainable business practices.

Founded in in 1994 under the leadership of Teal Brogden, now Senior Principal and President at the firm, HLB’s Los Angeles studio has played a central role in shaping the built environment throughout Southern California and around the globe. The studio presently operates under the leadership of Teal Brogden, Tina Aghassian, and Guy Smith, and is a cornerstone of the firm’s West Coast presence.

“Sustainability is not a trend for us. It’s foundational to how we design, operate, and make decisions every day,” said Tina Aghassian, Senior Principal at HLB, who led the firm’s effort to achieve the designation. “Earning the California Green Business certification affirms the work our Los Angeles studio has been doing for years, not only through responsible studio operations, but through lighting design solutions that support long-term environmental performance and human experience.”

HLB Lighting Design integrates sustainable strategies across a wide range of project types, including commercial, cultural, transportation, higher education, hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments. The firm’s approach emphasizes energy efficiency, thoughtful use of electric light and daylight, long-term maintainability, and collaboration with architects, engineers, and owners to support broader environmental goals.

While sustainability is embedded in HLB’s design work, the California Green Business Designation specifically recognizes the Los Angeles studio’s internal operations, ranging from resource conservation and waste diversion to purchasing practices and staff engagement. The certification aligns with HLB’s firmwide values and ongoing efforts to advance responsible business practices across its offices.