Paul Marantz, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone, dies
(USA) – The lighting design community is mourning the loss of Paul Marantz, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone, who has passed away.
A lighting visionary who, through his extraordinary contributions to architectural lighting design, has helped to transform the perception of lighting design as a profession.
Alongside Jules Fisher, Marantz co-founded the company that would become Fisher Marantz Stone in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to inspire to this day.
Initially working in theatre lighting, Marantz held a strong interest in light from the tender age of 10 years old, thanks to a marionette workshop. When he was 11, he built a model theatre, complete with lighting, and between the ages of 13-15, he lit modern dance recitals.
Most of Marantz’s undergraduate years were focused on theatre, particularly stage design and lighting – he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College, Ohio, with graduate work at Case Western Reserve University and Brooklyn College.
His first job in New York was as Chief Engineer at Lighting Services Inc., which was followed by heading Research and Development at Century/Strand Lighting, before starting what is now FMS with Jules Fisher in 1971.
As a designer, Marantz’s legacy spans across five decades of groundbreaking work – some of his most iconic projects include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE; Tribute in Light memorial in New York, honouring 9/11 victims, the Times Square Ball, and Broadway theatre, Studio 54.
An inductee into the IALD College of Fellows, Marantz is widely considered a pioneer of lighting design, helping to establish the profession as an essential design discipline.
Rest in peace, Paul.
Paul Marantz – 1938-2025
