Mike Craft has been part of the lighting community for 30 years and the design team at Metro Lighting since 2006. Craft, along with his team of associates, provides custom lighting design and application to leading architects, designers, builders and more in the St. Louis market as well as various locations across the United States. To Mike, lighting is an integral foundation to the birth of a design and continues as a pillar to that design through the enjoyment of the space created for years to follow. Mike is a member of the American Lighting Association and Illuminating Engineering Society. He also has been involved with The Haven of Grace in St. Louis to provide the lighting and electrical supplies for their shelter and home on Warren Street. 

SLHL: What is your design style/philosophy? 
Mike: Simple, thoughtful, organized, planned and inspired. 

SLHL: What does it take to deliver exceptional design?
Mike: Really exceptional clients and team members. I am only as good as those who surround me; Katie Rhoads, my very bright associate, makes that happen. Staying on top of the revolving design trends and how state-of-the-art lighting technology and decorative lighting will add to the outcome.

SLHL: What advice would you give to someone just starting a design career?
Mike: Be prepared to learn something new every day.  

SLHL: How has the industry evolved since you started?
Mike: Well no one uses polished brass as his or her go-to favorite any more. Oh, and there is this little known light source called LED (light emitting diodes) that has had a bit of an impact. 

Resources
http://www.metrolightingcenters.comMetro Lighting, 314-963-8330