Interviews
The Legacy of Light: A History of Hudson Valley Lighting Group
Studio Hour with David Littman
From a World’s Fair breakthrough to a global design powerhouse, Hudson Valley Lighting Group’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and an enduring love for beautiful light. The company’s roots reach back decades before its founding, beginning with a moment of brilliance at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, where founder David Littman’s grandfather helped unveil the world’s first fluorescent light in partnership with General Electric.
At just twenty-three years old, David founded Hudson Valley Lighting on October 17, 1985. The early years were scrappy and ambitious, fueled by a clear vision: to create lighting that marries form, function, and artistry. What began as a small operation in New York’s Hudson Valley has since grown into Hudson Valley Lighting Group, a collective of brands defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and design integrity.
Four decades later, that same spirit continues to guide the company’s evolution. Each collection is a reflection of David’s belief that lighting is more than utility—it’s emotion, materiality, and storytelling. It’s about creating moments of beauty that illuminate life itself.
This interview marks the debut of Studio Hour, our new series exploring the people, studios, stories, and philosophies shaping the future of lighting and interior design. In our conversation with David Littman, we trace the legacy of light—from family invention to global influence—and the enduring creative spirit that continues to define HVLG today.
Your family has a long history in lighting. Can you share how that legacy influenced you?
My grandfather worked with GE on the invention of fluorescent lighting, which launched at the 1939 New York World’s Fair—it was the first energy-efficient alternative to incandescent light. He designed the housings, which became known as “troffers,” and went on to found Lightron in Brooklyn. The business eventually moved to Cornwall and later New Windsor, where we still own the building today. It’s now home to our architectural downlighting company, USAI Lighting, which I run with my sister.
My mother, who’s from Vienna, instilled in me an appreciation for art and antiquities. My parents were serious collectors. As a kid, I spent a lot of time at auctions with them. At the time, people were buying new; they were buying old. They had an eye for rare, beautiful things—especially from the 18th century—and that shaped my aesthetics early on.
Photo credit: Margaret Bourke-White The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Did you always know you’d go into lighting?
Not at all. I was planning to work in finance. I earned my MBA from George Washington University and had a strong job offer on Wall Street. But before I accepted, my father asked me to come look at a business he was thinking of buying. He said, “Just take a look before you step into corporate America.”
He had always been his own boss, and I think he wanted me to have that same freedom. That visit changed everything. I was close to my parents, and I felt a pull. So I turned down Wall Street and took over the business in 1985. I spent the next 30 years at our Newburgh location before we moved here to Wappingers Falls.
Melrose Pendants, Nathan Schroder Photography
What is HVLG’s mission today, and who are you designing for?
Our mission is to create the most beautiful, highest-quality lighting products on the market—not just nationally, but globally. But unlike ultra-bespoke brands catering to a tiny group of ultra-high-net-worth clients, our products are for a much broader audience. We aim to reach the top 40% of American consumers, which is around 125 million people.
That means we work across a range of price points, materials, and finishes—from solid brass to painted steel—always trying to deliver exceptional design at a reachable price. It’s an ongoing, creative challenge, and one I’ve been passionate about for 38 years.
Moore Pendants, Holmdel Wall Sconce, Melbourne Picture Light, Eco-Downlights
What makes the Hudson Valley such an important part of your story—and your company’s?
I was born and raised here. Our family’s businesses were based in Newburgh and New Windsor for decades. The Hudson Valley is not just beautiful—it’s full of talent. And now that so many people want to live here, it’s easier to recruit, even if the talent isn’t local. The quality of life is hard to beat.
When we needed a new space, Wappingers Falls just made sense. We bought this beautiful building that used to be owned by IBM and Coca-Cola. It sits on 67 acres, which means we can expand as we grow. The town was incredibly welcoming, and it gave us room to dream big.
When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite local spots?
We now live here part-time, but we’re still very connected to the area. My daughter loves horseback riding up here, and I golf whenever I can—the courses are great. My wife says this is her zen place. We live in a historic home overlooking the river in Newburgh, and it’s truly special. As for food, Hudson Taco is a favorite. We also love Sapore in Fishkill and Il Cenácolo in Newburgh.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Honestly, it’s the people. Watching our team grow has been the most fulfilling part of this journey. We have incredible local talent—designers, engineers, business developers—many of whom started here and built their careers with us. And they’re world-class. I’d put our product development and customer service up against anyone in the industry.
One thing I’ve always believed: your workplace should be as beautiful as your home. We’ve created a space where people feel inspired, respected, and excited to raise the bar. And I think that shows in the work we do.
Explore Hudson Valley Lighting Group brands here.