James Fischer

Executive Director - The Zoological Lighting Institute

Passionate Sr. Executive & Entrepreneur with expertise in architecture, global strategy, & community affairs.

Advisor Biography

James Karl Fischer is an accomplished Senior Executive, Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Board Member with more than 20 years of success across the architecture, and renewable and environmental industries. His broad areas of expertise include architectural design, global strategy, wildlife protection, grant writing, and communications. James holds a leadership position as the Executive Director for The Zoological Lighting Institute where he initiated wildlife sensitive design planning to initiate preventative biodiversity-loss mitigating and community building architectural and planning services. He has also served as Regional President for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA-USA). In addition to his role President for RIBA-USA, James additionally led as the Owner and Lighting Design for Zoological Lighting Services. James earned his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architecture from the Architectural Association, as well as his Master of Arts in Architecture in International Architectural History from the Architectural Association,  his Master of Arts in Lighting and, Architecture from RPI,  and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Wesleyan University. He has also served on the RIBA Council as well as on the board of the International Dark-Sky Association. 

Experience

September 2010 - Present

Executive Director - The Zoological Lighting Institute - The Zoological Lighting Institute

  • Founded World's Premier Applied Photobiology Nonprofit/NGO for Animal Welfare and Wildlife Conservation.
  • Streamlined Photobiology Categories to Provide Scholarships and Grants with Clear Intent.
  • Produced Award Winning PhotoDiversity Films, bringing the Ecological and Health Effects of Artificial Light to Prominence.
  • Defined Departmental Structure, and Set Goals and Strategies for Each.
  • Gathered International Board, Stressing Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Practices.
  • Created Partnerships across Universities, Aquarium/Zoo Associations and Scientific Societies (SICB).

September 2009 - August 2016

Owner / Lighting Design - Zoological Lighting Services - Zoological Lighting Services

June 2007 - August 2014

RIBA Council, Overseas Member - RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)

  • Served two terms on the RIBA Council, the governing body of the world's premier professional architectural association.
  • Debated, crafted and voted upon crucial governing issues impactful on the profession as a whole.
  • Developed Diplomatic Channels across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
  • Organized, Promoted and Hosted Trade Advancing Events with the British Consulate and UK Trade & Investment.

Advisor Skills

Communications

Grant Writing

Architectural Design

Global Strategy

Advisor Industries

Architecture