Who We Are
We are a small business that believes in a personalized approach. It is our passion to build lasting relationships that benefit every client from the manufacturer to the end user. Our vision is to future-proof a design so that as new products are developed, they can easily be added to an existing control system with minimal effort.
What we do
Our specialty is designing, deploying and supporting the ideal control system for each specific project with a clear vision of balance between functionality and energy savings. By working with quality manufacturers from around the world, we integrate new and innovative products into industry standard communication protocols that are easily adopted as a part of an integrated controls system. We help to educate the architect, the engineer, the designer and the contractor so that they better understand how to effectively design and deploy controls systems.
how we do it
We help architects, engineers and lighting designers develop project specifications that are customized to each project. We help contractors deploy control systems for design specification and code compliance. As part of deployment and continued support, we offer services to program the system for initial start-up and continued commissioning that both maintain and improve upon the functionality of the system as it evolves over time.
Our Founder
Ward Christensen is passionate about using his technical engineering mind and his love of people to design, implement and deploy the best lighting controls solution for each customer. Ward was first introduced into the world of automation controls as a mechanical engineering student. Ward spent 15 years contributing to the design, implementation and efficiency of industrial process controls within the packaging industry.
In 1999, Ward moved away from packaging automation and found a home in sales in the lighting controls industry at Lighting Controls & Design (now part of Acuity). He soon discovered he loved sales and working with people. In 2009 Ward joined PLPSoCal, where he created and managed the lighting controls division. He very quickly became an expert on a broad range of major brands within the lighting industry. However, Ward felt there was a huge disconnect between the design intent and the functionality of the final product. He wanted to provide support to the entire construction team from architect to end-user.
In 2020 Ward ventured out on his own to not only provide the missing support, but to also promote the market of underutilized yet highly effective and versatile controls and launched Chris Controls.