Pharos Architectural Controls: 20 Years of Innovation and Growth

BY RANDY REID

Pharos Architectural Controls is marking its 20th anniversary with a series of initiatives to reflect on its legacy, thank its loyal customers, and highlight its latest advancements. Michael Grosse, Regional Sales Manager for North, Central, and South America, shared insights into the company’s journey and its exciting plans for the future.

Two Decades of Excellence

The story of Pharos is one of innovation and collaboration. Over the past 20 years, Pharos has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality lighting controls that integrate seamlessly with architectural and entertainment projects. The company has developed longstanding relationships with global customers, particularly in North and South America, who rely on its advanced DMX and DALI solutions for their most demanding projects.

Grosse explained, “Our success is rooted in the partnerships we’ve built with OEMs, integrators, and lighting designers who trust us to deliver reliable, innovative products. The support and feedback from our customers have been instrumental in shaping what Pharos is today.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Pharos has launched campaigns to highlight these partnerships, including a podcast series. The campaign is called ‘10 People, 10 Projects, 20 Years’ and focuses on 10 industry leaders and 10 standout projects that have played a role in the development of Pharos and its products. The company has also started recognizing customers who’ve been with them for over a decade with custom-made awards designed to resemble the iconic LPC (Lighting Playback Controller).

Expanding the Market

Pharos’s initial focus was on lighting manufacturers bundling their controls with fixtures, ensuring a streamlined user experience. Over time, the market has expanded to include integrators and AV specialists. These professionals are bridging the gap between live entertainment and architectural lighting, bringing Pharos’ solutions to retail, hospitality, and public spaces.

Grosse shared, “As DMX technology became more widely adopted in North America, we saw a demand for better-quality controls in smaller-scale projects. We’ve started working with experienced integrators and brand-agnostic specialists to ensure more projects benefit from our reliable solutions.”

Innovative Products for Modern Needs

Pharos continues to push boundaries with its next-generation products.

• G4 Four-Port DMX Gateway: Designed for smaller installations, this new node provides four DMX outputs while maintaining the high standards of electrical isolation and self-healing technology found in larger EDN devices. Grosse emphasized, “The G4 protects against up to 277 volts AC, making it ideal for demanding environments like bridges or outdoor installations.”

• D4 DALI Gateway: Supporting four DALI buses, the D4 is tailored for markets where DALI is popular, such as Europe and select U.S. regions. This update caters to projects requiring multiple buses, reducing the need for multiple devices.

• LPC X S3: This latest iteration of Pharos’ flagship controller features updated hardware, including HDMI and DisplayPort connections, and dual audio inputs for timecode synchronization. Its enhanced processing power supports complex projects, ensuring smooth operation even under demanding conditions.

Looking Ahead

As Pharos grows, the company is planning to open its first U.S. office by 2025. This office will serve as a hub for technical support, training, and servicing. Grosse hopes the move will enhance customer service and streamline logistics for U.S. based clients.

Additionally, he noted the increasing importance of integrators in the lighting design process. With complex projects requiring seamless integration of controls, Pharos aims to collaborate closely with lighting designers and AV specialists, ensuring the technology complements their creative vision.

A Personal Touch

Grosse’s background in live entertainment and nightclub lighting informs his approach to architectural controls. His hands-on experience enables him to connect with customers on a practical level, ensuring they receive tailored solutions. Reflecting on his role, he remarked, “I enjoy the slower pace of architectural projects compared to live events, but the attention to detail and focus on reliability remain the same.”

The Pharos Philosophy

Pharos’ success lies in its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer relationships. As the company celebrates 20 years, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what lighting controls can achieve. With a strong product lineup, an expanding market presence, and plans for a U.S. office, Pharos is poised for continued success in the decades to come.

Grosse summed it up best, saying “Our goal is to provide reliable, innovative solutions that empower designers and integrators to bring their visions to life. Here’s to the next 20 years of lighting excellence.” ■