David Komonosky Joins LINX Lighting & Control as Principal
David Komonosky joins LINX Lighting & Control as the Southern California–based agency continues its growth. He brings decades of industry leadership, deep specification expertise, and a career shaped equally by design thinking and agency ownership. He joins LINX as a principal alongside co-founders Nick Forman and Matt Sedlock.
For LINX, the move represents more than an executive addition. It signals a strategic commitment to long-term growth at the specification level—where relationships, credibility, and trust often shape years of future work.
A Foundation Built in Lighting Design
David’s career in lighting began on the design side. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Penn State and started his professional journey as a lighting designer with Syska & Hennessy Group. That early experience—understanding how designers evaluate, specify, and defend lighting solutions—became a defining advantage as he transitioned into the agency world.
Rather than viewing design and sales as separate disciplines, David built his career at the intersection of the two, a perspective that would later influence how he structured and grew multiple lighting agencies.
The Origin of “16500”
David’s first agency venture was founded in San Francisco and carried an unusual name: 16500. The name referenced Section 16500 – Lighting Fixtures (CSI MasterFormat 1995), which defines requirements for luminaires and related components under Division 16 – Electrical, including materials, performance criteria, required listings such as UL, and coordination with associated electrical work.
The name was intentional. It reflected a firm built around specifications and the design community, rather than purely transactional sales.
David explained that Acuity encouraged him to launch the firm. The result was rapid growth—from no business to becoming a dominant lighting agency in Northern California.
Building Performance Lighting Systems
In 2007, David decided to replicate his success in Southern California, co-founding Performance Lighting Systems in Los Angeles.
He and his partners built Performance Lighting Systems into a respected and influential agency in the Southern California market, and one of the largest Acuity reps in the nation.
From Delray to Lambent—and an Exit
After Performance Lighting Systems, David was hired by Delray Lighting, which had recently been acquired by Lambent. During his period as CEO of Delray, Lambent added LF Illumination and VLT, expanding its footprint and complexity.
David was also involved with the process that resulted in Lambent being sold to Deltalight of Belgium—an outcome that appeared to mark David’s retirement from the lighting industry.
That retirement did not last long.
Above All Lighting
After the Lambent sale, David took a two year sabbatical to pursue his lifelong goal of fluency in the Ukraine and Russian languages and pursued his love of music. After the time off, David joined Above All Lighting returning to a leadership role. David helped lead the firm through its next chapter by developing strategy and emphasizing relationships.
When the current opportunity to join LINX emerged, David acknowledged that turning in his notice was difficult. Still, the chance to again become an integral part of a lighting agency was an opportunity he could not pass up.
Why LINX—and Why Now
David now joins Nick Forman and Matt Sedlock, co-CEOs of LINX Lighting & Control, at a time when the agency is focused on disciplined growth and deeper engagement with the specification community.
I spoke with Matt about David joining the firm, and he was unequivocal about its importance. Matt explained, “This is a defining moment for our agency.” He added, “Without a doubt, he will accelerate the trajectory of our firm with what he brings to the mix.”
Matt emphasized David’s credibility with lighting designers and specifiers, noting that growing at the specification level has always been central to LINX’s strategy. He also stressed the importance of balance across the channel, explaining that strong designer relationships naturally support contractor and distributor partnerships. “The more you show up on the specs, the more they want to be your partners and bring you discretionary business,” Matt said.
Market Conditions and Momentum
Looking more broadly at the market, Matt said the overall economy feels solid, though not as strong as many had hoped. Projects are taking longer to move through the system, but LINX remains extremely active.
Despite slower conditions in parts of Southern California, Matt noted that LINX is “extremely busy working on projects that are further down the road.” He pointed to growing momentum tied to the upcoming Olympics, along with continued strength in medical, hospitality, multifamily, and higher education markets.
Matt explained that commercial office work—once a major driver for the industry—has yet to rebound and is unlikely to return to prior levels in the near term.
With a staff of 72 employees, Matt said he is “extremely excited to have David on board” and optimistic about the firm’s direction. Lutron and Signify continue to anchor LINX’s core product lines.
A Strategic Addition
As David Komonosky joins LINX Lighting & Control, the move brings together complementary strengths: agency building, specification expertise, and a leadership team focused on sustainable, long-term growth.
For LINX, it is a bold step forward. For David, it represents a return to his passion of being a lighting agent.
This article was updated at 4:53pm, 29 JAN.