Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Lighting Solutions for Homes and Restaurants
Founded in 1993 by Lawrence Grown, Metro Lighting has evolved from a garage studio on Virginia Street in Berkeley, CA, into an 8,000-square-foot showroom and fabrication facility. Our team of local artisans and designers, including co-founder Christa Rybczynski, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create personalized lighting solutions for homes and restaurants. With over 30 years of collective experience, we specialize in custom lighting design, metal fabrication, and glass blowing, serving clients across the SF Bay Area and beyond. Sustainability is central to our practice, reflected in our rooftop solar array that powers the entire facility and our commitment to zero-waste initiatives. As an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified shop, we ensure every fixture meets rigorous safety and quality standards.Our collaborative approach empowers architects and designers to bring their visions to life, offering Lunch & Learn sessions to deepen industry partnerships. From intricate stained glass to large-scale environmental art projects, we prioritize timeless design and client satisfaction. Our teams expertise extends to metalworking, glass kiln-forming, and electroplating, enabling us to tackle projects of any scale. Recognized for innovation, Lawrences 2018 Burning Man installation, Chilopod.life, exemplifies our bold creative spirit. Today, Metro Lighting remains a leader in bespoke lighting, blending artistry with functionality to enhance every space we touch.
Services
Custom Lighting Design
Metal Fabrication
Glass Blowing
UL Certification
Sustainable Lighting Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in architectural lighting design.
- Our UL-certified shop ensures rigorous safety and quality standards.
- We combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable, zero-waste practices.
- Our team includes architects and artisans skilled in metal and glasswork.
- We provide collaborative design support for custom projects.
Associations and certifications
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Services
Custom Lighting Design
We collaborate with architects and homeowners to create tailored lighting solutions. Our process integrates artistic vision with technical precision, ensuring fixtures complement architectural spaces. Services include 3D modeling, material selection, and on-site consultations.
Metal Fabrication
Our in-house metal shop offers welding, forging, and finishing for custom fixtures. Techniques include artisan patinas, powder coating, and electroplating. Projects range from small components to large-scale installations.
Glass Blowing
Skilled artisans craft Mirage and Dune glass lines using traditional methods. Services include kiln-forming, cold-working, and stained glass for residential and commercial spaces.
UL Certification
As a UL-certified shop, we test and label fixtures for dry/damp locations. Services include compliance verification for incandescent and LED luminaires, ensuring safety and regulatory adherence.
Sustainable Lighting
We prioritize sustainability through solar-powered operations and zero-waste initiatives. Services include energy-efficient LED integration and repurposing materials to reduce environmental impact.
People
Lawrence Grown
Founder, Lead Designer
Architectural lighting pioneer with 30+ years of experience. Founded Metro Lighting in 1993 and the West Berkeley Design Loop. Specializes in sustainable design and large-scale art projects.
Christa Rybczynski
Partner, Lead Designer
Architect and operations expert with 30 years in custom lighting. Collaborates on restaurant designs and manages day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless project execution.
Boun
Fixture Fabricator
Master metalworker with 25+ years of experience. Specializes in solving complex fabrication challenges and maintaining production schedules.
Mike
Metal Fabricator
Expert in sandblasting, finishing, and assembly. Brings a decade of lighting fabrication experience from renowned industry firms.
Alex
Glass Blower
Oakland-based artist creating Metro Lightings Mirage and Dune glass lines. Combines technical skill with artistic vision for high-quality, unique pieces.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Berkeley, CA, and the San Francisco Bay Area, with projects extending to Oregon and Hawaii.
Are your fixtures UL certified?
Yes, we are an Underwriters Laboratories-certified shop, testing and labeling fixtures for dry/damp locations.
Can you create fully custom designs?
Yes, our architects collaborate with clients to develop custom lighting solutions tailored to specific architectural needs.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, explore our 3D showroom tour or contact us for virtual design consultations with our team.
What materials do you work with?
We specialize in metal fabrication, glass blowing, and finishing techniques like powder coating and electroplating.
How do I schedule a visit?
Visit our Berkeley showroom Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, or contact us for appointments outside these hours.
Reviews (6)
Joe D.
Jun 25, 2022
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The most unique, high quality fixtures you'll find in the Bay Area. Everything is customizable. They finished the metal part of the fixture to match our unique faucets. Fantastic!
Brian C.
Oct 03, 2021
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We have always had an appreciation for the lighting designs at Metro. When we had the opportunity to get pendant lighting for our kitchen remodel Metrowas first on our list. We are so thrilled with what they created for us. The 1927s California bungalows need scale in respect to the size of the homes from almost 100 years ago. So, our pendant lights fit in perfectly. The kitchen is not done yet and I will be updating photos when it's completed.
Elizabeth Zima
Aug 24, 2021
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Wonderful shop that creates custom lighting. They partner with local glass blowers. The quality of the workmanship and the products for sale is unequaled. Our experience with our sales person was terrific and she was able to show us how the lighting would look by using a clever lighting table and high end light bulbs. When we were done making our selections we felt that the lighting fixtures we selected would really enhance our living/dining room.
Asali E.
Mar 26, 2021
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We began working with Metro Lighting in May 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and all of the people involved were incredibly helpful and accommodating. Even though the storefront was closed, Cora guided us on a video tour of the entire showroom, answering all our questions, and allowing us to see the lights in action. We ended up ordering from the back catalog, and this was fully accommodated and encouraged as well.
Our lights are incredibly unique and absolutely beautiful, and the first thing people comment on when entering our kitchen. Thanks Cora and Metro for all your help, especially during these strange times!
Our lights are incredibly unique and absolutely beautiful, and the first thing people comment on when entering our kitchen. Thanks Cora and Metro for all your help, especially during these strange times!
Zhanzhi Hu
Jan 01, 2021
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Enjoyed the visit! They have a lot of hand crafted options and can customize on ideas. If you are into your unique lighting options, it's the place to go.
Lupe M.
Aug 25, 2020
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So disappointing. I made an appointment online two days ago. I received a confirmation of my appointment and even a reminder early this morning. I drove over from Dublin, struggles to find parking, but all was good as I was on time. NO ONE FROM METRO LIGHTING SHOWED UP! I knocked and knocked and got the attention of a kindly gentleman who came to the door. He said no one was there and then he tried calling someone. Apparently there was no answer. What a disappointment.
