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, he 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.
Paula Martinez-Nobles, president, Fisher Marantz Stone said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Marantz. Paul and Jules founded the company that would become FMS in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to brighten our lives and the world around us. Thank you, Paul, for your wit and wisdom. We honour your life and legacy.”
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. In 1971 he joined forces with the lighting designer Jules Fisher to create Jules Fisher & Paul Marantz, Inc, Architectural Lighting Design. Initially based in Jules Fisher’s basement in Manhattan’s Chelsea district, the company grew rapidly with projects across America before, in 1977, Ian Schrager called upon the duo to design his new disco. From there the company found itself called upon for projects around the world, Fisher and Marantz later joined by Charles Stone and the company evolving into Fisher Marantz Stone, Inc.
As a designer, Marantz’s legacy spans across five decades of groundbreaking work – some of his best-known projects include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE; Tribute in Light memorial in New York, honouring 9/11 victims; the Times Square Ball; and 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.
