Founded in 1969 and based in Chicago, IL, USA, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to supporting a network of 1,500 independent lighting design professionals who satisfy its rigorous qualification process. The IALD strives to set the global standard for lighting design excellence by promoting the advancement and recognition of professional lighting designers.
In 2012 the CIE and the IALD agreed to co-operate on areas of mutal interest within the context of a Memorandum of Understanding.