Architectural Lighting Works
June 2017 - Present
I work as a product development engineer at Architectural Lighting Works (ALW). ALW builds commercial lighting fixtures for modern offices, schools, health care buildings, sports arenas, hotels, and retail buildings. As part of a small product development team (3-5 person), I developed new products from concept to production.
To begin a new project, I work with the sales and marketing teams to determine possible opportunities in the market. I create concept sketches and renderings that are tested among our existing customer base and in outside focus groups. With this feedback, I work with my team to refine concepts into viable products that are manufacturable, economically viable, and meet the product requirements defined by the company. In the concept refinement phase, we build prototypes using 3d-printing, laser-cutting, wood, and cardboard to test mechanical components. Once the initial concept is determined, I work with my development team and the engineering team at our Mexico production facility to create production models for all necessary components. We work with outside suppliers to create all extruded metals and plastics, cast components, injection molded plastics, and electronics. Our team in Mexico builds all sheet metal, machined, and welded parts and builds final product assemblies. During the final stages of a project, I build BOM’s for manufacturing and costing and assist in the creation of test assemblies. Additionally, I create installation guides using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and SolidWorks Composer. I work with marketing to create CAD models and renderings for use on website and other materials.
Additionally, I assist customer service, sales, and technical support to help find solutions to the challenges our customers may have.
Please follow the links below to view the projects I’ve worked on at ALW.
To see some other conceptual lighting products click here.
Harmonic Collection
2019-2020
The harmonic collection is a selection of acoustic products. Acoustics are important inclusions in open offices and industrial architecture. By incorporating acoustics into our luminaires, we provide architects with an easy solution for solving their lighting and sound dampening needs. I designed and engineered an array of products, both illuminated and non-illuminated, that integrate easily with many of our existing lighting products.
SuperPlane
2017-2019
The SuperPlane family of products is a high-volume, general purpose commercial lighting fixture. It is ALW’s core linear product offering and provides modern optics, high efficiency, and extensive customization options. Additionally, the SuperPlane uses a rolled lens that allows for seamless light in long lengths. Traditionally, extruded lenses are capped to 8 foot lengths and produce seams and light leaks when installed. Our rolled lens allows for continuous lighting for up to 250 feet. In addition, this light fixture is adaptable to a variety of ceiling and wall types allowing an architect to specify this fixture in many spaces regardless of ceiling construction. I worked to design all extrusions, sheet metal components, lenses, and mounting hardware and generated key concepts to reduce cost, simplify manufacturing, and improve aesthetics.
MoonRing
2017-2018
Our MoonRing product family is ALW’s most popular product line. I helped design aluminum extrusions, acrylic lenses, and sheet metal brackets. Additionally, I created a modular canopy that allows architects to install our rings in arrays of 2 - 8 rings. Our goal was to create a canopy that allows easy installation of multiple rings with varying numbers of suspension cables and power cords. This design provides a logical installation sequence that ultimately allows the installer to complete the electrical connections after all rings are fully suspended saving time and repeat trips up the ladder.
