Initially established in 1994 as a European organization, PLDA has since expanded its reach beyond Europe, with a growing membership in Asia and North America.
Despite experiencing a liquidation in 2014 due to insolvency, PLDA continues to serve as a voluntary federation of lighting designers and consultants on an international scale, aiming to enhance the profession's standing and promote its recognition.
Fellow members are deemed to have excelled in contributing to the Architectural Lighting Design profession and PLDA.
The association thus dedicates a large portion of its time to the organisation and support of education programmes at university level.
PLDA works closely with many universities around the world, for example at KTH in Stockholm/S, the Hochschule Wismar/D, Fachhochschule Hildesheim/D, Parson's New School of Design in NYC/USA and Bachelor and Masters programmes in many European countries.