Renee Cooley graduated from Yale University with an MFA in Photography. Within a few years of designing with Light & Space Associates, she participated in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum renovation and expansion. In 1991 she began her own lighting practice. Award-winning and published projects include: the Norton Residence, Bergdorf Goodman-Plaza Level, and Four Seasons-Tokyo.

Emily Monato graduated with a BS degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1992 she joined Renee Cooley in the lighting design practice now called Cooley Monato Studio. Award-winning and published projects include: Takashimaya cosmetics-NYC; Graves 601 (Le Meridien Hotel-Minneapolis); and worldwide locations for Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.

New York School of Interior Design, 170 East 70th Street, New York City