The Women of Lusive: Carolyn Harris

Carolyn Harris

Director of Project Design

Joined Lusive in 2017

After more than seven years in the field of lighting design, Carolyn came to Lusive in 2017 after working alongside some of the most recognizable and prolific interior designers and developers in the hospitality industry – such as Steelman Partners and Wynn Design, where she served as a Senior Lighting Designer at Wynn Design and Development in Las Vegas and a Lighting Design Manager for Wynn Macau. Carolyn not only brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in hospitality lighting design, but also an extensive background in management and production which gives her a skilled eye for detail and quality.

Tell us a little bit about what brought you into the world of lighting?

As a young interior design student over 15 years ago, the only thing that ever interested me was lighting. Don’t get me wrong, I loved space planning and materials, but there was always something about lighting that excited me.

When I met my first lighting designer at my first interior design job, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do with my career. From there, I was unstoppable. I got an internship under that same lighting designer and then was hired at a different firm as a junior level designer.

That was the start of my journey - since then I’ve designed and opened one of the most prestigious casinos in the world, converted two full hotel casino properties to LED, and designed three guest interfacing control systems.

What’s the most memorable/favorite Lusive project you’ve been involved with?

The jobs I love the most are the jobs that have significant design challenges that require everyone on the team (designer, architect, engineer) to work together to make something truly one of a kind.

If I had to name a few, they would be Tao Chicago, The Armory at MGM Springfield, and Kaos at the Palms.

What’s your idea of happiness?

Two things - there is nothing more magical than the first time the lights are turned on in a space, on a tower, or in a light fixture. It makes me giddy every time.

And Saturdays at home with my family are priceless.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d love to learn an exciting new talent, but I’m too busy changing diapers these days to enjoy anything but new mommyhood and lights!

What’s something that no one else knows about you?

I’ll never tell.

What’s the best aspect of working at Lusive?

The people that I get to design with and the clients I love to work alongside with - I learn so much from all of them every time we start a new concept together and bring it to completion.