For Wildwood School in land-locked Los Angeles, SPF:a Architects actually converted a 1940s-era warehouse into a learning center with a creative atmosphere . The design would feature the original wooden posts, beams and truss roof of the building in an open plan. The project needed luminaires that were efficient, secure, and fit logically with the design. SPF:a worked with PEI Engineering of Agoura California to light the new 55,000 sq. ft. facility.

The popular Retro trend creates an opportunity for architects and engineers to try something new that's old, utilizing high quality luminaires that might otherwise be considered too industrial for high style projects. PEI principle Parvis Ebrahimi, working with Dave Paladino of California Lighting Sales, decided to take advantage of Craft Lite® industrial luminaires from Paramount Industries, Inc. (Croswell, MI) for ambient lighting in a number of locations throughout the school.

First introduced in 1947, the Craft Lite luminaire is still current with energy efficient electronic T8 and T5 fluorescent technology. However, the core ruggedness of the product has never flagged. Its exceptional durability provides trouble-free service in the school environment.

The Wildwood School project was featured in the October 2002 issue of Architecture Magazine. PEI has now utilized Craft Lite luminaires for several schools over the last few years. Craft Lite luminaires are being installed in current school projects down the West Coast from Washington to California. They're also in schools in Michigan, Indiana and across the country.