Brian Casella, award-winning lighting engineer and founder of Fox Haus Event Production, is raising awareness in the events and production industry about the importance of intentional design—advocating for event creators to move beyond trend-chasing and toward purpose-driven, story-focused environments that truly connect with people.
Casella, whose work has transformed countless weddings, corporate events, and large-scale productions across the Northeast, says the industry is at a crossroads.
“Too often, lighting and design are used just because they can be,” Casella said. “But without purpose, it’s just noise. Every visual element at an event should serve a story, an emotion, or a message. Otherwise, we’re just throwing tech at people without meaning.”
The Industry Is Growing—But Is It Connecting?
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global event services market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.2%. But with that growth comes a flood of cookie-cutter designs and overused aesthetics.
Casella believes this boom has created a temptation to prioritize scale over substance.
“With more events happening than ever, it’s easy to forget that each one is unique,” he said. “Clients don’t want generic. They want their values, history, or brand to come through. That takes thought, not just budget.”
A Call for More Creative Intentionality
As someone who leads projects from concept to rigging to final execution, Casella sees firsthand how the right lighting can elevate an experience—or distract from it.
“Lighting is more than a backdrop,” Casella explained. “It’s a character in the story. It can guide movement, highlight emotion, and create memories. But only if we design with intention.”
He’s encouraging other professionals—from designers to planners to clients—to take a step back and ask: Why this light? Why this color? Why now?
It Starts With Education, Not Equipment
Casella is also advocating for more education and mentorship in the production space. Many new designers focus heavily on gear, he notes, without understanding the “why” behind their choices.
“You don’t need a million-dollar rig to create a powerful experience,” he said. “You need to listen. To understand the event’s goal. Then build from there.”
What You Can Do: Build Events That Matter
Casella’s message isn’t just for industry insiders. It’s for anyone planning an event—whether a wedding, fundraiser, or corporate activation.
He encourages people to start with three simple questions:
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What emotion do I want people to feel in this space?
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What story am I telling with light, layout, and sound?
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How do all design elements work together to support that story?
“It’s not about perfection—it’s about purpose,” Casella said. “If you start with that, the rest will follow.”
About Brian Casella
Brian Casella is the founder and CEO of Fox Haus Event Production, a full-service lighting and production studio based in Brookfield, CT. He holds degrees in lighting design and electrical engineering and has been honored with multiple awards, including Excellence in Event Lighting Design and Top Event Production Professional of the Year. With over a decade of experience, Casella is recognized for transforming spaces into immersive environments through creative vision and technical mastery.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Brian Casella
Email: Send Email
City: Brookfield
State: Connecticut
Country: United States
Website: www.briancasella.com
