History

the evolution of integration and our resourceful process

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.

Recognizing the attractive way light penetrated these materials and access to semi-precious rock quarries throughout the world inspired us to design a proprietary LED backlighting technology and begin laminating glass to our stones, allowing for better translucency besides granting more strength and stability. Our incorporation of design and engineering capabilities prompted a re-branding to GPI Design, through which we have developed a unique market niche: delivering integrated backlighting solutions for all types of translucent architectural surfaces.

Today, GPI Design is a creative hub that takes an architectural concept and transforms it to reality, all the way through installation. GPI’s distinctive integration of surface, engineering, lighting, and installation services truly breaks the mold. With work spanning the globe, the world’s most creative minds come to us with ideas and we transform the concept into reality – importantly, this occurs through a process of refined engineering and iterative mock-up building.

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.

Learn more about GPI Design