GPI Design/GPI International Company History
Gripco Products, Inc. was founded in 1994 in Cleveland, Ohio by Thomas Lawrence. With original roots in natural stone supply, the range of services has since evolved to meet the needs of the architectural and building communities. In recent years, GPI International has re-branded and positioned itself to fill a unique market niche- environmentally friendly backlighting solutions for architectural surfaces.
GPI's on-site experience installing large commercial stone applications pushed us to develop larger, thinner stone panels that were easier to handle and install. With access to semi-precious stone quarries throughout the world, we have specialized in exotic stones since 1999 when we began laminating thin layers of these stones to glass to allow better translucency and more stability in an otherwise fragile stone. Since 1994, with our combined experience and technology we have developed a unique market niche- delivering integrated backlighting solutions for all types of translucent architectural surfaces.
Collaborating with world-renowned architecture firms and lighting design firms, GPI Design has become a creative hub for all types of integrated lighting features. GPI’s integration of structural, lighting, electrical, and construction services is truly one of a kind; the world’s most creative minds come to us with ideas and we make the reality possible. Most recently, GPI has expanded its palette of materials to include colored lighting, stretch fabrics, resin panels, and recycled glass- all high-demand items in today’s sustainability-conscious building market.
President Thomas Lawrence is still involved in the entire process- from design consultation in architects' warm rooms, selecting custom stones knee-deep in overseas quarries, and even wielding hammers on construction installations.
Collaborating with world-renowned architecture firms and lighting design firms, GPI Design has become a creative hub for all types of integrated lighting features. GPI’s integration of structural, lighting, electrical, and construction services is truly one of a kind; the world’s most creative minds come to us with ideas and we make the reality possible. Most recently, GPI has expanded its palette of materials to include colored lighting, stretch fabrics, resin panels, and recycled glass- all high-demand items in today’s sustainability-conscious building market.
President Thomas Lawrence is still involved in the entire process- from design consultation in architects' warm rooms, selecting custom stones knee-deep in overseas quarries, and even wielding hammers on construction installations.
