Paul Johnson joins Ayrton in new global role

Paul “PJ” Johnson has joined Ayrton in the newly created position of global install director, in turn opening up a unique new area of activity for the company, expanding the use of stage lighting to architectural and large-scale, long-term installations.

Driven by a love of music, Johnson has spent the past 15 years in architectural installation and creative companies, whilst also maintaining an ongoing involvement in stage lighting design. He now brings his eclectic experience to Ayrton where he will focus on bringing together the best of both worlds.

“There is an increasing potential in architectural development to introduce an ‘experience’ into building design through creative lighting,” said Johnson, “and there’s a huge skill set in the world of entertainment lighting which can translate across to fulfil this need.

“I’ve always enjoyed the process of moving my love of stage lighting and music to another location, and Ayrton fits into this perfectly due to the undeniable robustness and longevity of its products and a willingness in the company to think outside the box.”

Johnson’s new role will be to share his experiences in encouraging architectural companies and specialist design houses to consider using lighting differently from the outset, in his words: “to use techniques from stage lighting and reimagine them elsewhere in large-scale architectural projects; to think creatively of how to use colour, animation, tone and light levels as exciting ways of changing perception.”

“It’s a whole new dynamic in the world of architecture and installation,” added Michael Althaus, global sales director for Ayrton, “and I am genuinely excited that Paul Johnson is joining Ayrton with the view of expanding this idea and to build up a strong team around him. Ayrton is a brand that has spent the last 5­–10 years pushing the envelope. Johnson is the perfect fit: he is excited by thinking in different ways and sharing his ideas with other designers, just as Ayrton does as a company.”