About Us

Founded by Tom Kretzschmar, president, and Jim Stephens, vice president, the two joined forces in 1980. Kretzschmar’s history goes back to one of Texas’ oldest and most prominent electrical firms, Rulon, which his grandfather founded. Jim Stephens taught theatrical lighting design at Syracuse University before coming to Houston’s world famous Alley Theatre as resident lighting designer. After establishing Illuminations they were recognized for pioneering achievements in innovative design, invention and excellence. They developed a client roster, which represents some of Texas’ and America’s finest residences. Illuminations follows a program of continuous improvement by finding better ways to make light work better for people.

Jim Stephens (left) and Tom Kretzschmar (right)

In most houses lighting is strictly utilitarian. At Illuminations Lighting Design, it’s theater. The mood in a Broadway play or movie is determined by how the set is illuminated. It is no coincidence that professional theatrical lighting design experience is among Illuminations’ assets. By giving homeowners control of mood with the push of a button, a complex process becomes effortless. Illuminations developed into Texas’ first full-service specialty lighting firm by producing a fusion of ideas, science and art that began to change the way people see and experience their homes. Illuminations works with architects, custom builders and homeowners by providing professional assistance, from consulting and designing, to furnishing and installing the most dependable equipment. Illuminations also provides construction wiring in new and existing houses to accommodate today’s growing power needs.

To continue the dream and expand the company services, new design and engineering talent has been added to the war chest of talent at Illuminations. Lance Gandy and Sarah Heenan have joined the firm to practice Professional Lighting Design services. Rick Luberger now heads the Landscape Lighting division of the company. Louis Torregrossa, master electrician, heads the Electrical Division of the firm. And finally, Faisal Manzoor joined the team to head the Home Automation and Lighting Control portion of the business.

With this diverse staff, all experts in their fields, Illuminations truly is Texas' only full service lighting and electrical firm.

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