Energizing and Enlivening Environments is the touchstone of Illuminating Concepts. Throughout our 26-year history, we have provided clients with diverse solutions in the realms of theatrical lighting, architectural lighting, retail lighting, media, FX and design.

IC's spirited designers consistently develop new technologies and patented systems that infuse environments with style, ambience, intrigue, and excitement.

Illuminating Concepts is recognized industry-wide for the creation of "Immersion Experiences," environments that saturate visitors with enticing elements. We are particularly sensitive to the interplay of light and shadows, lines and textures, sound and movement and how they impact consumer encounters.

From the subtle to the dramatic, our design team combines their creative and technical talents to conceptualize, design, program, and architecturally integrate complex show systems.

IC strategically implements these multi-media systems, providing clients with a turnkey easy-to-use installation. The advantage for architects, developers, mall owners and retailers is the creation of captivating environments that increase profit margins.

By engaging the services of Illuminating Concepts, the client gains the ability to breathe life into a space. Whether the preferred treatment is an ambient lighting and sound scheme to enhance architecture - or a completely interactive immersion experience - IC's artistry, sensitivity and technical knowledge culminates in the creation of memorable environments.

 

  • Entertainment Strategy
  • Immersion Experience Design
  • Conceptual Design & Development
  • Conceptual Animations
  • Special Effects
  • Interactive Features
  • Lighting Design - Retail
  • Lighting Design - Architectural
  • Lighting Design - Theatrical
  • Fixture Design & Fabrication
  • Audio Systems Design
  • Creative Programming & Digital Show Control
  • Virtual Remote Systems Control
  • Water Feature Design
  • Project Management
  • Cost Analysis and Quality Assurance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Procurement
  • Maintenance
  • Procurement Services
 

Team Composition:

  • 43 Employees
  • Architectural Lighting Design and Lighting Animation
  • Theatrical Lighting (Broadway, T.V. and Touring Experience)
  • 3-D animators and renderers
  • Show Control and Integration, Fiber Optic Network, Architectural Dimming, Audio Interface and Special FX
  • On site project managers
  • Cost Control, budgets and procurement

The IC team is equipped with all of the skills, experience and software required to provide our clients with an ultimate turnkey service for the design and implementation of award-winning spaces. It has taken close to a decade to bring our current family of employees together; each employee has brought a new area of knowledge and expertise. Our diverse range of skills eases project coordination throughout the various design and construction phases and eliminates the necessity for multiple "specialist firms." We strive to bring value to a project through close collaboration with our partners and an in-depth understanding of the client's goals.

 

Ron Harwood, President and Founder of Illuminating Concepts, remains solidly planted in two careers. He has successfully combined his passion for lighting and environmental design with his love of music and performing.

Ron's education in electrical engineering, coupled with his theatrical road-show experience, has contributed to insightful achievements within the lighting industry.

A committed performer, Ron's talents as a musician, recording artist, and publisher have taken him around the world for 35 years with some of America's most notable names like Bonnie Raitt, Sippie Wallace, John Lee Hooker and many, many more.

Ron's multi-faceted origins have inspired him to bring a "new generation" of lighting design, special FX and environmental experiences to the forefront of the industry. The recipient of more than 50 international awards, Ron recently earned the Guth Memorial Award of Excellence for the NBC Experience and the Paul Waterbury Special Citation for the Las Rozas, Madrid - Heron City Leisure Center.

A frequent guest speaker at conferences for Architects and Property Developers, Ron publishes several articles a year in Lighting and Architectural Magazines. His body of work within the Architectural, Entertainment and Retail environments has been attributed to creating lasting industry trends.

 

IC has won over sixty national and international lighting design awards for a wide variety of project types, ranging from historical renovation to product design. We remain the only lighting design firm to have won the International Illumination Design Award for both indoor and outdoor projects in the same year.

Most recently, IC received the prestigious 2005 Themed Entertainment Association "Thea Award" for our role in the extensive renovation of Greenfield Village. In addition to our own achievements, our clients consistently receive acknowledgment for projects to which we have contributed. We take as much pride in their achievements as in our own.

 

Notable Awards:

  • 2005 Edison Award: Guardian Building (Detroit, Michigan)
  • TEA Award: Greenfield Village (Dearborn, Michigan)
  • IIDA - Paul Waterbury Award: Heron City - Paterna (Valencia, Spain)
  • IIDA - Paul Waterbury Award: Heron City - Las Rozas (Madrid, Spain)
  • IIDA - Paul Waterbury Award: NBC Experience Store (Rockefeller Center, New York City)