LEDs & SSL Design

LEDs Magazine 40 Under 40 Profile: Mason Barker

July 24, 2020

Honoree Mason Barker uses his theatrical background to develop lighting products that hide in plain sight.

MASON BARKER. (Photo credit: Image courtesy of Luminii.)

As vice president of product development at Luminii, Mason Barker leverages his diverse experience in the lighting industry to help customers achieve their project goals. “In addition to advancing LED technologies and promoting a positive, forward-thinking workforce, he thrives on collaborating with customers and empowering them to bring their visions to life,” according to his nominator.

Barker launched his career in lighting design, moving to lighting-representative firms before co-founding lighting manufacturer Optic Arts in 2014 with partners Jason Mullen and Dorian Hicklin. Barker led product development and operations before transitioning into his current role after the acquisition of Optic Arts by Luminii in 2019.

At Luminii, Barker collaborates with customers on lighting solutions and explores novel applications for new technologies to enhance the customer experience. Indeed, in a column published last September, Maury Wright observed that “[t]he company really gets what is the most important mechanical aspect of LEDs — the small size,” and low-profile, integrated architectural luminaires are a hallmark of Luminii’s product development.

Barker holds a BA in theater from the University of Southern California. Clearly, Barker’s specialty in theatrical lighting design has strengthened his perspective and expertise in producing lighting that hides in plain sight.

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About the Author

Carrie Meadows | Editor-in-Chief, LEDs Magazine

Carrie Meadows has more than 20 years of experience in the publishing and media industry. She worked with the PennWell Technology Group for more than 17 years, having been part of the editorial staff at Solid State Technology, Microlithography World, Lightwave, Portable Design, CleanRooms, Laser Focus World, and Vision Systems Design before the group was acquired by current parent company Endeavor Business Media.

Meadows has received finalist recognition for LEDs Magazine in the FOLIO Eddie Awards, and has volunteered as a judge on several B2B editorial awards committees. She received a BA in English literature from Saint Anselm College, and earned thesis honors in the college's Geisel Library. Without the patience to sit down and write a book of her own, she has gladly undertaken the role of editor for the writings of friends and family.

Meadows enjoys living in the beautiful but sometimes unpredictable four seasons of the New England region, volunteering with an animal shelter, reading (of course), and walking with friends and extended "dog family" in her spare time.

About the Author

Maury Wright | Editor in Chief

Maury Wright is an electronics engineer turned technology journalist, who has focused specifically on the LED & Lighting industry for the past decade. Wright first wrote for LEDs Magazine as a contractor in 2010, and took over as Editor-in-Chief in 2012. He has broad experience in technology areas ranging from microprocessors to digital media to wireless networks that he gained over 30 years in the trade press. Wright has experience running global editorial operations, such as during his tenure as worldwide editorial director of EDN Magazine, and has been instrumental in launching publication websites going back to the earliest days of the Internet. Wright has won numerous industry awards, including multiple ASBPE national awards for B2B journalism excellence, and has received finalist recognition for LEDs Magazine in the FOLIO Eddie Awards. He received a BS in electrical engineering from Auburn University.