By RANDY REID
Remembering Paul Marantz The lighting design community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Paul Marantz, founder of Fisher Marantz Stone (FMS), passed away in late May, leaving behind a rich legacy that has shaped architectural lighting across the globe. As reported in his New York Times obituary, his passing was due to complications from a stroke. Paula Martinez-Nobles, President of FMS, poignantly stated, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Marantz. Paul and Jules (Fisher) founded the company that would become FMS in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to brighten our lives and the world around us. Thank you, Paul, for your wit and wisdom. We honor your life and legacy." Paul Marantz's fascination with light began at an early age. As shared on the Fisher Marantz Stone website, his passion was sparked at age ten through a marionette workshop, which led him to build a model theater complete with lighting. Between ages 13 and 15, he was already lighting modern dance recitals and continued to focus on stage design and lighting throughout his undergraduate studies. He served as head designer for a Cleveland theatre company and later for The Berkshire Music Festival (Tanglewood) Opera, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in lighting design. Paul's professional journey brought him to New York, where he started as Chief Engineer at Lighting Services Inc despite not being an engineer by formal training. He later led R&D at Century/Strand Lighting before co-founding Fisher Marantz Stone with Jules Fisher in 1971. From there, Paul helped shape the field of architectural lighting design, working on some of the world’s most iconic projects. Among his many groundbreaking works are Studio 54, the Times Square Ball, the Tribute in Light memorial for the victims of 9/11, and the lighting for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. His projects also include the Barnes Foundation and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel at the Menil Collection in Houston. As Paul shared in a conversation in the inaugural issue of designing lighting (dl) magazine, much of his later concern focused on the rapidly evolving state of the lighting industry. He wrote, "We are losing many of the manufacturers that we relied on. They are either being swallowed up or they are going out of business." He emphasized how the transition to LED technology, while innovative, brought with it uncertainty due to varying quality and limited long-term data on these newer technologies. One of Paul Marantz's most celebrated recent projects was the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York City, for which he and FMS received recognition 24
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from the National Lighting Bureau (NLB). During an interview on the project with Mary Beth Gotti, Paul reflected on the historical significance of the building, originally completed in 1968 by architect Kevin Roche. The renovation aimed to preserve the building’s transparency, both architecturally and symbolically, reflecting the foundation’s mission of openness and inclusivity. The building's iconic 12-story atrium, filled with greenery, presented unique challenges, especially as the lighting system transitioned from incandescent and fluorescent sources to modern LED solutions. "We had to be very careful about the color temperature and rendering of all the lamps," Paul explained. "Different LEDs with the same color temperature don't necessarily exhibit the same visible color." He acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining a cohesive lighting palette during this technological shift. Yet, despite these challenges, Paul and his team succeeded in delivering a lighting design that both honored the building's mid-century roots and met modern sustainability standards, achieving LEED Platinum certification. Paul was deeply involved in every aspect of his work, from technical details to artistic vision. As he described in the Ford Foundation project, he worked closely with management and stakeholders, including Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation. Their collaboration led to multiple design iterations to ensure that both architectural and social justice goals were met. Paul's work was not only about creating beautiful spaces but also about elevating the role of lighting design within architecture and culture. He frequently voiced concerns about the industry’s direction, particularly regarding manufacturing consolidations and the importance of maintaining quality standards. His insights served as both caution and guidance for future generations of lighting professionals. Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Paul Marantz was known for his curiosity, generosity, and boundless creativity. According to the FMS website, he loved being on the water, sailing, paddling, and building (and disassembling) practically anything. The lighting industry has lost not just a master of his craft, but also a visionary who deeply understood the interplay between light, architecture, and human experience. His influence will continue to guide designers, engineers, and artists for generations to come. May Paul Marantz rest in peace, and may his luminous legacy continue to shine.