Our History

Originally specializing in natural stone supply, Gripco Products, Inc. was founded in 1994 and emphasized a turnkey approach that quickly led to the on-site installation of large commercial stone pieces. With these experiences and subsequent observations, the company, guided by the natural stone expertise of founder Thomas Lawrence, developed larger, thinner, exotic stone panels that increased both ease of installation and design possibilities.

Inspired by the way light interacts with materials and access to semi-precious stone quarries, we developed proprietary LED backlighting technology and began laminating glass to stone for improved translucency, strength, and stability. This led to our rebranding as GPI Design, creating a unique niche in integrated backlighting solutions for translucent architectural surfaces.

GPI Design is a creative hub that turns architectural concepts into reality, from design to installation. By integrating surface, engineering, lighting, and installation, GPI breaks the mold. With global projects, the world’s top creative minds trust us to refine and transform their ideas through engineering and mock-up iterations.

Tom Lawrence still actively guides and participates in the entire process- whether sketching a fastening concept at an architect’s conference table, selecting custom stone knee-deep in a remote quarry, or wielding a drill on construction installations.