Where it all began
Pharos has been providing dynamic lighting control solutions for the best part of two decades. Today, our products are trusted to run day and night, illuminating iconic installations around the world. Find out more about our journey, starting where it all began…
2004
Pharos Architectural Controls is founded
Pharos is founded by Richard Mead, Chris Hunt, and Nick Archdale in November of 2004
2005
Product launch: LPC
Launch of the flagship LPC (Lighting Playback Controller), Pharos’ first controller
LightFair Awards win
Pharos wins Best of Controls for the LPC at the LightFair Awards
PLASA Awards win
Pharos wins the PLASA Award for Innovation for the LPC
2006
PLASA Awards win
Pharos wins the PLASA Award for Innovation for the AVC
2008
Live Design Awards win
Pharos wins Lighting Control Product of the Year for the LPC X at the Live Design Awards
Product launch: LPC X
Launch of the LPC X, a higher capacity controller
ESTA Awards win
Pharos wins the Rock Our World Award for the LPC X at the ESTA Awards
2011
TPC
Launch of the TPC
2012
ARC Innovation Awards win
Pharos wins the ARC Innovation Awards for the TPC
2016
New HQ
Pharos relocates to larger premises in West London to fulfil increased manufacturing requests and continue growing the team
Product launch: VLC
Launch of the VLC, a high capacity controller specifically designed for video playback
Product update: Designer 2
The new era of the Designer software begins, with a complete UI overhaul and a plethora of powerful new features
2018
Product launch: Pharos Director
Launch of the Director lighting control software tool for managing and controlling lighting installations across large sites, such as campus and city-wide installations, which span multiple Pharos Designer lighting control systems
2019
Product launch: VLC+
Launch of the VLC+, a high capacity controller specifically designed to control the world’s largest HD video and lighting façade projects
Product launch: Pharos Cloud
Pharos Cloud offers simple, secure remote lighting installation control and management, from any Internet-connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world
2022
BrightStar Awards win
Pharos wins a BrightStar Award for Cloud in the ‘Connected SSL, Software & Controls’ category
New HQ
Pharos relocates to larger premises in West London with more space for manufacturing and R&D, and room to accommodate our growing product and marketing team
Product launch: Express
Launch of Express, a brand new, stand-alone architectural lighting controller with its own software and range of accessories
LIT Awards wins
Pharos wins twice at the LIT Awards: in the ‘Innovative Lighting Design Software Applications’ category for Cloud, and in the ‘Lighting Control Systems’ category for Express
2023
BrightStar Awards win
Pharos wins a BrightStar Award for Express in the ‘Connected SSL, Software & Controls’ category
New Cambridge office
Pharos opens new Cambridge office focused on R&D and product development
Mondo DR Awards win
The Hallgrímskirkja project, submitted by Pharos, wins a Mondo DR award in the ‘House of Worship’ category
2024
Mondo DR Awards win
The Copacabana Palace project, submitted by Pharos, wins a Mondo DR award in the ‘Hotel’ category
Product launch: DMX Record
Launch of DMX Record, a standalone utility for capturing multiple universes of sACN or Art-Net lighting data
LIT Award wins
Pharos again wins twice at the LIT Awards, this time in the ‘Lighting Controls Systems’ category, for both DMX Record and Express Control
2025
New Denver office
Pharos opens new Denver office to operate as the primary base for the Pharos US team and the company’s US support services and training operations
2026
ETC acquires Pharos
Pharos secures long-term home under new ownership, and continues to operate as a standalone company
