Bill Schwinghammer
Founder
Bill brings unique skills and a wealth of experience from his work with light. He has a reputation as one of the world’s leading Architectural Lighting Consultants because of his understanding of the medium and its interplay with materials, finishes, surfaces, and volumes in architecture. He combines this understanding with artistic integrity and a desire for functionality.
Mr. Schwinghammer was a visiting adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Architecture and taught lighting design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He has been guest lecturer for the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and the Designers Lighting Forum on New York (DLFNY), and LightFair International.
Bill’s work has been published in national and international magazines and newspapers. His projects have received awards from the International Association of Lighting Designers and the American Institute of Architects, among other prestigious organizations. He holds a patent, jointly with L’Oréal, for a computer-operated Lighting Replication Booth. This invention replicates light levels and unique light qualities from any location around the globe, interior or exterior. This project received an Illumination Design Award from the IES of North America.
Mr. Schwinghammer was Partner for 19 years at Johnson Schwinghammer before founding SCHWINGHAMMER in June 2006. He was the founder of SL Gallery, a contemporary art gallery that presented works that merged contemporary art, lighting, and new media technologies. The gallery provided support for the diverse creative practices of emerging, mid-career and established artists within the community.
Juan José Acosta
Principal
Design in one word: Simplicity
Juan works in luxury residential, hospitality, corporate and landscape projects of all scales. He leads the firm’s efforts in marketing and client outreach and founded its Miami office.
Juan’s project experience includes The Woolwoth Tower Residences, 40 Bleecker, The Hugh and Nine Orchard, all in New York City; The Drayton Hotel in Savannah; the Scenic Hudson HQ in Poughkeepsie; the Postmates HQ in Nashville; and The Perigon in Miami Beach.
Juan has taught in the MFA Lighting Design program at Parsons School of Design, where he is also an alumnus of the Master of Architecture and MFA Lighting Design Dual Degree program.
Ketryna Fares
Studio Director
Design in one word: Balance
Ketryna prioritizes a people-focused perspective in her designs, harmonizing aesthetics, utility, and experience. Her expertise spans projects of all scales in the residential, hospitality, corporate, cultural, sports and recreation, retail, aviation, and landscape markets. Additionally, she plays an integral role in the firm's strategic planning and business growth.
Ketryna earned her MFA in Interior Architecture from the Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts and a degree in Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design. Beyond her professional work, she dedicates her efforts to non-profit initiatives, promoting engagement within the architectural lighting community.
Maria Marangoudakis
Senior Designer
Design in one word: Compelling
Maria’s professional path started at Ford, where she worked designing the interiors for the Ford Explorer. She then transitioned to lighting, where she has worked in a variety of projects that include luxury retail and residences. Some of her most recent works include Irene Neuwirth Madison Avenue in New York City, Scenic Hudson HQ in Poughkeepsie, 300 Banyan in West Palm Beach, and a number of private residences. She holds a BFA Interior Design from College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Alton Rowe
Comptroller
Alton oversees the company’s finances and is in charge of billing.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College.