SEATTLE- Ross De Alessi Lighting Design of Seattle recently earned top international lighting design awards for its lighting of the renovated Seattle Space Needle.

Principal Ross De Alessi, IALD, LC, MIES, led his firm's team, including designers Cathy Woods and Brent Medsker, to Awards of Excellence at both the International Illumination Design Awards and General Electric's Edison Awards competition. The project was also named to the International Association of Lighting Designer's Compendium of Good Practice.

Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle underwent a dramatic two-year transformation, including complete renovation of the 520-foot high observation deck, and a new steel and glass base-level Plaza Building for retail and comfortable guest arrival prior to the monument's elevator ride.

For the first time, permanent lighting now illuminates the entire Space Needle. Judges said the lighting enhances, embraces and respects the structure, retail areas and guest facilities without impeding the views.