Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Lighting Solutions in Berkeley, CA
Founded in 1993 by Lawrence Grown, Metro Lighting has established itself as a leader in architectural lighting design. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create custom lighting solutions for residential and commercial spaces. With over 30 years of industry experience, we prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and innovative design. Our co-founders, Lawrence Grown and Christa Rybczynski, bring architectural expertise to every project, ensuring seamless integration of form and function. As a UL-certified shop, we maintain rigorous quality standards while offering in-house fabrication and testing services.Our collaborative approach involves clients throughout the design process, from concept development to final installation. We work closely with architects, designers, and homeowners to deliver timeless lighting fixtures that enhance any environment. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is demonstrated through our zero-waste initiatives and solar-powered facility. With a team of skilled artisans specializing in metalwork, glassblowing, and finishing, we guarantee exceptional craftsmanship for every custom order.
Services
Custom Chandeliers
Architectural Sconces
Pendant Lighting
Table Lamps
Ceiling Fixtures
Outdoor Lighting
Glass Blown Fixtures
Metal Fabrication
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of architectural lighting expertise since 1993
- UL-certified fabrication and testing facility
- Sustainable practices with zero-waste initiatives
- Collaborative design process with architects and designers
- Skilled team of artisan metalworkers and glassblowers
Associations and certifications
- Underwriters Laboratories
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Collaborative design process
Unique lighting solutions
Knowledgeable team
Timeless designs
Services
Custom Chandeliers
We create bespoke chandeliers tailored to your space's architectural style. Our team collaborates with designers to develop unique lighting features using handcrafted metalwork and glass elements. Each piece combines artistic vision with technical precision for lasting beauty and functionality.
Architectural Sconces
Our custom sconces enhance interior spaces with directional lighting and decorative appeal. Available in various materials and finishes, these fixtures integrate seamlessly with architectural elements while providing ambient illumination for residential and commercial environments.
Glass Blown Fixtures
Skilled glass artists craft unique lighting pieces using traditional blowing techniques. We offer Mirage and Dune series fixtures featuring organic forms and textures, combining modern aesthetics with centuries-old craftsmanship for distinctive lighting solutions.
Metal Fabrication
In-house metal fabrication supports custom lighting projects with welding, forging, and finishing capabilities. Our craftsmen produce durable, intricate components using sustainable practices while maintaining strict quality standards for both functional and decorative elements.
UL Certification
As a UL-certified facility, we perform in-house testing and labeling for lighting fixtures. This service ensures compliance with safety standards for both our products and external fabricators' work, guaranteeing quality and code adherence for all certified lighting solutions.
People
Lawrence Grown
Founder, Lead Designer
Architectural lighting expert with 30+ years experience. Founded Metro Lighting in 1993 after graduating from University of Cincinnati's architecture program. Specializes in sustainable design and large-scale art installations like Burning Man's Chilopod.life.
Christa Rybczynski
Partner, Lead Designer
Co-founder and architect with expertise in custom lighting design. Manages operations and collaborates with designers to create restaurant lighting solutions. Handles financial and IT operations while maintaining architectural design standards since 1994.
Boun
Lead Fixture Fabricator
Master metalworker with 25+ years of lighting fabrication experience. Oversees production scheduling and solves complex metalworking challenges. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and positive attitude despite occasional family trips to Laos.
Mike
Metal Fabricator
Skilled in sandblasting, finishing, and assembly with decade-long lighting industry experience. Previously worked at Classic Illumination and Lightspann, bringing technical expertise to metal component preparation and final fixture assembly processes.
Alex
Glass Blower
Oakland-based artist creating Mirage and Dune series glass components. Rhode Island School of Design graduate with expertise in glass sculpture. Combines artistic vision with technical precision to produce consistently high-quality lighting elements for Metro's signature collections.
Questions
What types of custom lighting can you create?
We design and fabricate all types of architectural lighting including chandeliers, sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures. Our team works with metal, glass, and other materials to create custom solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
Are your lighting fixtures energy efficient?
Yes, we offer GU24 LED fixtures and can incorporate energy-efficient components into all our designs. Our UL-certified shop ensures proper testing and labeling for modern lighting efficiency standards.
Can you match existing lighting designs?
Our team can replicate or complement existing fixtures using traditional craftsmanship techniques. We specialize in creating cohesive lighting solutions that integrate with architectural elements and interior design schemes.
Do you work with designers and architects?
Yes, we collaborate closely with design professionals. Both owners are architects who enjoy working with designers through every project phase, from concept development to final installation coordination.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We maintain a zero-waste facility powered by rooftop solar energy. Our fabrication processes prioritize recyclable materials, and we implement sustainable practices throughout our 8,000 sq ft Berkeley showroom and production space.
How can I visit your showroom?
Our Berkeley showroom is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm. We also offer a 3D virtual tour for remote exploration of our lighting collections and design capabilities at any time.
