This year marks a major milestone for LIGHTWORKS. Twenty-five years of innovation, growth, and, most importantly, partnership.
What began in 1999 as a shared vision between founders Troy Dunnington and Todd Walling has grown into a trusted, full-service design/build firm supporting some of Southern California’s most respected builders, architects, designers, and homeowners.
Where It All Began
Troy and Todd first met while working at a local San Diego design center. Troy was the owner of Lightz On, an electrical subcontractor, and Todd was a lighting specialist. Through collaborating on projects, they quickly discovered a shared passion for lighting, construction, and design, along with a shared frustration with how projects were being delivered.
CEO Troy Dunnington and Principal Todd Walling in the beginning of LIGHTWORKS
At the time, projects often involved multiple independent subcontractors, including electrical, AV, lighting control, landscape lighting, telephone and data, security, and emerging motorized shading solutions. These groups operated in silos, with little coordination between them, often creating a fragmented experience for both the client and project team.
Troy and Todd believed there was a better way.
LIGHTWORKS was founded on the idea that these services should be integrated and delivered through a single, collaborative partner, bringing clarity, efficiency, and a higher standard of execution to every project.
LIGHTWORKS’ first showroom, opened in 2003
Reflecting on the company’s journey, CEO and Co-Founder Troy Dunnington shared:
“From the beginning, our goal was simple: create a better experience for everyone involved in a project. Not just for the client, but for the builders, designers, and trade partners we work alongside every day.
What I am most proud of, 25 years in, is the strength of those relationships. The trust we have built, the way our team shows up for each other, and the culture we have created. It really does feel like a family. That is what has sustained us, and that is what will carry us forward.”
Co-Founder and Principal Todd Walling emphasized the company’s founding vision and continued motivation:
“We started LIGHTWORKS to solve a disconnect we kept seeing between design, construction, and the client experience. Bringing those pieces together in a more collaborative way was the opportunity.
What continues to motivate me is the ability to work alongside talented builders, architects, and designers to create something cohesive and thoughtful. When the entire team is aligned, the result is always better for the project and for the people involved.”
Growing Through Partnership
Over the past 25 years, LIGHTWORKS has evolved into a team of 30 dedicated professionals, with several employees having been part of the journey since the early days. With expertise spanning smart power electrical, lighting design and fixtures, lighting control, shades, AV, and security, the company has become a true design/build partner.
That growth has been shaped by strong and lasting relationships.
Working alongside leading builders, architects, and interior designers across Southern California, LIGHTWORKS has built its reputation not only on technical expertise, but on collaboration, communication, and trust. Every project is approached as a partnership, bringing together ideas, disciplines, and teams to create a seamless experience from concept through completion.
Barry Fennell, Principal of Wardell Builders, shared:
“Working with LIGHTWORKS has been a consistent advantage on our projects. Early involvement from Troy and Todd, alongside the design team and trade partners, sets a strong foundation from the start.
Integrated homes bring complexity, but LIGHTWORKS simplifies the process, from showroom selections through to coordination, creating a more aligned experience for both the client and the team.
That same organization carries through in the field, where clear communication and planning improve efficiency. Their proposals and billing also deliver the transparency our clients expect.
It’s a partnership we value and continue to build on.”
Relationships with technology partners have also played a key role in the company’s continued success. By aligning with industry-leading brands and staying at the forefront of innovation, LIGHTWORKS continues to deliver solutions that are both cutting-edge and reliable.
This commitment has led to notable recognitions, including induction into the Lutron Hall of Fame, one of only 31 dealers worldwide to receive this distinction, as well as Savant Ambassador status, HTA Certification, and designation as a Lutron Black Diamond Dealer.
David Weinstein, Vice President of Residential Sales at Lutron Electronics, reflected on the longstanding partnership with LIGHTWORKS:
“For more than two decades, it has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented, loyal, and visionary partner. Your longstanding commitment to Lutron Electronics, and more recently to Ketra and the Intelligent Lighting category, has helped elevate the role of lighting in luxury residential design.
Wishing you and the entire LIGHTWORKS team continued success for many years ahead.”
A Culture That Powers Success
Behind every successful project is a strong team. LIGHTWORKS has cultivated a culture centered on training, development, and long-term growth, creating an environment where people build careers, not just jobs.
That internal strength translates directly into the quality of work delivered and the relationships built over time. It also continues to attract top talent to the LIGHTWORKS team and reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence at every level.
Looking Ahead
As LIGHTWORKS celebrates 25 years, the foundation remains the same: a commitment to partnership, a passion for design and technology, and a drive to continuously improve how projects are delivered.
That same mindset extends beyond the jobsite and into the showroom experience. Over the years, LIGHTWORKS has continually evolved its showroom spaces to better support clients, builders, architects, and designers, creating an environment where technology can be experienced firsthand, ideas can be explored collaboratively, and industry partners can come together to connect and innovate.
Today, the showroom continues to serve not only as a reflection of the latest in lighting and smart home technology, but also as a gathering place for the design and building community through educational events, product showcases, and industry networking opportunities.
Our current showroom during one of LIGHTWORKS’ annual industry events, where clients and trade partners gather to experience the latest in lighting, smart home, and integrated technology solutions.
The industry has evolved significantly since 1999, and LIGHTWORKS has evolved with it, adapting, growing, and leading along the way. What remains unchanged is the belief that the best outcomes come from working together.
Here’s to the past 25 years, and to the partnerships that will define the next chapter.