Spira receives the 2010 NEMA Falk Award

Joel Spira, who has dedicated his career to what he calls “the magic of lighting,” is the recipient of the 2010 Bernard Falk Award, which recognizes an important contribution to the industry through technology, marketing, education, public affairs, or other means.

Mr. Spira formed Lutron Electronics in 1961 to market his invention of the first electronic solid state dimmer for incandescent lighting. Although he developed the device as a means to make the incandescent light bulb in his apartment last longer, it ultimately paved the way for contemporary digital lighting controls that are a hallmark of modern architecture.

Born in 1927 in New York City, Mr. Spira served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His work with radar, heat-generating rheostats, and bulky thyristors ultimately led to elegant and practical dimmers that revolutionized lighting. In 1959, he commandeered the spare bedroom in the Brooklyn apartment he shared with his wife, Ruth, and set out to devise a solid state device that would enable people to vary the intensity of light in their homes.

He went on to invent the first electronic dimming ballast for fluorescent lamps, as well as hundreds of devices, systems, and processes for controlling electric and natural light. He is credited with having 266 design patents and 226 utility patents.

Lutron Electronics has grown to be a respected designer and manufacturer of lighting electronics and automated window treatments for residential and commercial applications. Its 15,000 products, based on 3,000 patents, help customers save $1 billion in energy costs annually, reducing lighting bills by three percent.

In April 2010, Mr. Spira donated materials related to the company’s 50-year history to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The donation included an early version of the original solid state Capri dimmer, his inventor’s notebook, and historic photographs. The materials join other artifacts, including experimental light bulbs from Thomas Edison, in the museum’s electricity collection. 

The Spiras attribute their success with Lutron Electronics to five principles: take care of the customer, take care of the company, take care of the people, innovate with high quality products, and deliver value to the customer.

Mr. Spira has exemplified service and dedication to the electroindustry. He is a deserving addition to the illustrious list of Bernard H. Falk Award recipients.

Mr. Spira will be honored with the Excellence crystal sculpture, a Steuben art piece designed in 2009 by Jeff Zimmerman.