Overview
Farah Barnes is an accomplished architect and lighting innovator based in Washington, D.C. In 1994, she founded APV Inc., an award-winning consultancy specializing in architectural lighting and exhibition design for museums, cultural institutions, commercial spaces, and hospitality projects across the U.S., Middle East, Europe, and India.
Today, she leads a collaborative team of architects, designers, and engineers at IllumiArts LLC, combining decades of expertise to develop immersive environments that integrate art, dynamic light, sound-reactive technology, and intelligent design.
Selected Museum, Commercial, Hospitality & Private Clients:
- Smithsonian (Renwick Gallery) – Washington DC
- The National Gallery of Art – Washington DC
- The Walters Art Museum – Baltimore
- Basil & Elise Goulandris Museum Foundation – Athens, Greece
- Southern Sun Hotel – Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Lamar Residence – Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Al Manara Culture Center – Saadiyat Island, UAE
- UAE National Academy – Dubai, UAE
- Prime Business Centre – Dubai, UAE
- The Saraya Ameriha Boutique Hotel – Kashan, Iran
- Viva Mall – Thane, India
- Private Luxury Collectors – Princeton, NJ & Washington, DC
- + Numerous additional commercial, hospitality, and cultural projects worldwide
Building on this foundation, IllumiArts LLC developed the patented IA Smart Lighting system—a revolutionary line of LED panels that fuse immersive color, sound-reactivity, swappable art, and dual-mode mirrored surfaces for gaming setups, homes, hotels, and beyond.
APV / Farah Barnes Portfolio (1994–2019):
🔗 View Legacy Award-Winning Projects – www.apvarch.comAPV Inc. • Architectural Lighting & Exhibition Design • 1994–2019 • Washington, D.C.