July 10, 2007

Daniel Baldinger, Chairman and CEO of Louis Baldinger & Sons Dies

 

Daniel Baldinger, chairman and CEO of lighting manufacturer Louis Baldinger & Sons died Wednesday, July 4. Baldinger, grandson of the company’s founder, is credited for introducing world-renowned architects and designers to the company and launching upscale arm Baldinger Architectural Lighting. Services were held July 6.

Baldinger took the reins of the family business in 1955, and used his drive and eye for design to propel the manufacturer into new markets including hospitality. The launch of Baldinger Architectural Lighting, which focuses on high-quality, American-made lighting fixtures with brand-name designers, was inspired by a 1982 collaboration Baldinger made with Michael Graves for the Post-Modern Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky, Baldinger. 

In 1986, the Michael Graves Collection of wall sconces and ceiling fixtures hit the market. Several other collections by the likes of Andree Putman, Richard Meier, Kevin Walz, Adam D. Tihany, David Rockwell, and the late Charles Pfister followed.

“He was equally at home discussing the design influences of a particular period or the fortunes of the Yankees or Mets,” notes a release from the company. “He spoke six languages and was witty and charming in each.”

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marjorie, daughter, Toby, and son, Howard, a 21-year employee of Baldinger and currently the company’s president.

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