Second Generation Owner Michael is the president of Authentic Designs. He wears many hats and works principally as our shop manager and custom lighting designer. Michael apprenticed as a coppersmith with Abraham Flam years ago in NYC and through his own study and application has developed a well rounded knowledge of lighting history.

Co-Owner and vice president Maria is the “go-to” person who oversees and directs all of the administrative functioning at AD. She provides our clients with exceptional customer service and is also the principal voice answering our phones to help clients through any particulars or questions concerning order placement.

In and out of the shop since childhood, the third generation of the Krauss family blends tradition with innovation as our Director of Operations - hands-on in everything from marketing and production to creative media.

With a career in NGOs focused on international development, agriculture, and women’s empowerment, Hallie is dedicated to building relationships and sharing all that Authentic has to offer with our clients. As our business development lead and head of sales and marketing, she maintains strong connections with our clients and ensures they receive exceptional service and attention.

An accomplished blacksmith with years of forge experience, Annie brings craftsmanship, leadership, and a can-do attitude to her role as Production Manager—overseeing quality control, team coordination, and on-time shipping. When she’s not at the shop, you’ll find her atop the highest mountain she can find.

A trained glassblower with a degree from Alfred University, Ron has spent over 18 years at Authentic Designs crafting sheet metal chandeliers and lanterns—while putting his wide-ranging skills to work across the shop.

Trained in-house at Authentic Designs, Glenn’s versatility and good nature have made him an indispensable part of our team. Cross-trained in both the sheet metal and rod arm departments, he brings a discerning attention to detail to every project he touches. Whether shaping metal or assembling components, Glenn’s steady hand and sharp eye ensure each piece meets our highest standards.

A skilled woodworker and craftsman, John manages our woodshop and is our facilities caretaker. His skills are unparalleled and his ability to tackle any challenge he is given, makes him an indispensible team member.

A Navy-trained avionics and aviation electrician with over two decades of service, Troy brings precision, discipline, and a deep mechanical and electrical skill set to Authentic Designs. Trained across every department, he’s our go-to problem solver for custom projects and complex builds. Whether fine-tuning a fixture or tackling an unexpected challenge, Troy approaches it with sharp focus and a good dose of humor.

A military veteran and journeyman electrician, Adam runs our wiring department and oversees our UL inspection process with precision and care. Dependable, kind, and deeply valued, he keeps every fixture safe and up to standard.

With a consistent, friendly demeanor, True brings dedication and quality to every task. He helps run both the finish and shipping departments—keeping our work cleaned, polished and headed out the door.

Continually joking and uplifting everyone around her, Gennie runs our finish and paint department with skill and care. Trained in our detail-demanding automotive spray booth, she’s always learning, refining, and finding ways to keep work running smoothly.

With over a decade in lighting design, Brandon transforms ideas into reality through precise CAD renderings, detailed build plans, and a discerning eye for what makes a fixture truly work.

An expert machinist with 30 years of experience building lab equipment for the University at Albany, Brian brings unmatched precision and detail to our shop. From crafting jigs to machining custom parts, his expertise is integral to our standard and customs process.

For nearly two decades, Elisa ran her own blacksmithing forge and design company, crafting everything from bespoke metalwork to scenic fabrication for Universal Studios and Disney. Now at Authentic Designs, she helps run our bookkeeping, inventory, and purchasing systems, while lending her deep metalworking and customs expertise to our projects.

Since joining Authentic Designs, he’s excelled in the sheet metal department, bringing detail, craftsmanship, and a collaborative spirit to every project. A skilled builder and handyman, Karl is currently restoring his 1800s home by hand—making it fitting that he now crafts many lighting fixtures modeled after that very era.

Josie is tasked with shop responsibilities that include but are not limited to; napping, tail wagging, barking, and treat eating. Her knowlege of Early American Dog house lighting along with her kennel lantern design are revered by many.