MEET THE OWNERS

Hi, I’m Aerin Thomson.

As one of the Principals of Electric Rose Lighting Design, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience in architectural lighting, blending creative vision with deep technical expertise. My work bridges aesthetics and function, with a focus on electrical documentation, photometric analysis, 3D renderings, and tailored lighting layouts that meet both design intent and code compliance.

With a strong foundation in Engineering Graphics (York Technical College) and a Bachelor of Arts from Lander University, I began my career in drafting, which led me to lighting through a manufacturer’s rep internship, and quickly grew into a trusted design consultant across commercial, civic, and hospitality sectors. As a principal, I help lead design strategy, oversee documentation, and collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction teams to ensure lighting solutions are both innovative and buildable.

I’m a proud member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD – Southeast Chapter), the Rock Hill Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Queen City Women in Business (QCWIB). These communities keep me connected, inspired, and continually growing as a designer and business leader.

Outside the studio, I live in the Carolina countryside with my husband, our two adventurous boys, and three spirited dogs. Life is a balance of creativity, family, and the satisfaction of building meaningful spaces that shine.


In 2024, I was proud to welcome Ann Watson as my business partner. Ann brings a wealth of industry experience, creative insight, and strong project leadership. With her interior design background and my engineering foundation, we’re building Electric Rose into a powerhouse of thoughtful, client-focused lighting design. Our partnership is founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a passion for enhancing every space we touch.


Let’s build something brilliant—together.

Hi, I’m Ann Watson.

As a Lighting Certified (LC) professional through the NCQLP, I bring a rare balance of technical expertise in electrical distribution and a designer’s eye for form and impact. My early foundation in interior design studies gave me a lasting appreciation for how lighting shapes mood, function, and spatial experience—insight that continues to inform my work every day.

My career led me to establish and lead a dedicated specification sales design studio within a major lighting agency, bridging manufacturer capabilities with architectural vision to deliver tailored lighting solutions across commercial, civic, and institutional projects.

I’m known as a collaborative problem-solver who understands the realities of schedules, budgets, and code requirements. Architects, engineers, and project managers across the Carolinas trust me to translate design intent into clear, buildable solutions that perform as beautifully as they look.

I’m a proud member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and CREW Upstate South Carolina, where I stay closely connected to the commercial real estate community and emerging design trends. These organizations fuel my commitment to excellence and continued growth as a designer and project leader.

At home in South Carolina, my husband and I live in a spirited “house divided”—our daughter is a proud USC Gamecock, and our son cheers for the Clemson Tigers. When we’re not caught up in college football, we enjoy the outdoors, especially bird hunting with our loyal black lab,
Boone.

Whether designing for new construction or adaptive reuse, my mission is to deliver lighting that is smart, striking, and strategically aligned with each project's goals.

I’m thrilled to partner with Aerin at Electric Rose as we grow a practice rooted in trust, creativity, and shared purpose.

Visualize it

Dream it

Illuminate it

Visualize it • Dream it • Illuminate it •

Electric Rose Lighting Design LLC is a lighting design studio concentrating on quality over quantity for your space, with each fixture selected from any manufacturer to meet the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) minimum recommendations and/or local code ordinances.

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