Kristin Pickar-Knussmann,

AIALD, MIES, LEED AP

Principal Designer & Owner, Lighting in Layers

With over two decades of lighting design experience, Kristin remains passionate about lighting as an integral part of any space, especially in residential projects. Whether it’s a cozy living room, a sprawling kitchen, or a luxurious master suite, she believes lighting is essential to creating an inviting, personal atmosphere. She believes in the power of lighting and its ability to completely transform a room—turning everyday spaces into a special experience.

A proud Texas A&M graduate (Cum Laude, Bachelor of Environmental Design), Kristin has built a career spanning top-tier hospitality projects, high-end residential homes, and large commercial developments. She founded Lighting in Layers to bring her extensive experience to homeowners, drawing from her success leading KPK, a commercial-focused lighting design firm.

With Lighting in Layers, Kristin aims to bring the same level of expertise and thoughtful lighting design seen in her hospitality projects to residential spaces—helping homeowners achieve lighting that is both functional and beautiful, creating spaces that feel just right.

When she’s not thinking up innovative lighting solutions, Kristin is usually at home with her husband, three daughters, and their dog. Family is everything to her, and she treasures their annual trips to Port Aransas for the best beach time in Texas, as well as skiing adventures in Colorado.

Kristin’s career is award-winning, her approach is all about collaboration and creativity, and her love for lighting continues to shape incredible spaces. One room at a time, she’s turning everyday homes into extraordinary places to live.