The global interior design, architecture, and luxury manufacturing communities are mourning the loss of Dave Dawson, the visionary co-founder and CEO of The Urban Electric Co., who passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, designers, artisans, and business leaders who remember him not only for revolutionizing American-made lighting but also for his generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
Dave Dawson co-founded The Urban Electric Co. alongside his wife, Jennifer “Jen” Dawson, in 2002 after the couple relocated from San Francisco to Charleston, South Carolina. While renovating their historic Charleston home, they struggled to find handcrafted lighting that matched their vision, inspiring them to create a company dedicated to producing exceptional custom fixtures rooted in quality, artistry, and American manufacturing.
What began as a modest showroom on Upper King Street quickly evolved into one of the nation’s most respected luxury lighting manufacturers. In 2003, designer Michael Amato joined the company as Creative Director, and with few local manufacturing options available, Dave established a small 500-square-foot workshop on Romney Street where the company’s first handcrafted fixtures were produced.
Over the next two decades, Dave guided The Urban Electric Co. through remarkable growth while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. The business expanded from its original workshop into multiple historic manufacturing facilities in Charleston, eventually operating more than 120,000 square feet of production space before further expanding into dual Cooper River and Ashley River campuses. Under his leadership, the company became internationally recognized for producing handcrafted lighting featured in luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces around the world.
One of the company’s defining milestones came in 2009 when it was commissioned to create custom lighting fixtures for the private residence of the White House during the administration of President Barack Obama. The prestigious project further established The Urban Electric Co. as a leader in bespoke American lighting design and showcased the extraordinary skill of its master craftspeople.
Dave’s influence extended well beyond manufacturing. He believed deeply in investing in people and fostering a workplace built on respect, opportunity, and collaboration. In 2012, he launched UECO University, an apprenticeship program designed to train and mentor future generations of artisans, reflecting his commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating meaningful career opportunities. His leadership also extended into philanthropy, including significant support for community development initiatives such as a major corporate contribution toward the restoration of Charleston’s historic Chicora School.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the design world. Friends, collaborators, architects, and designers remembered Dave as a visionary entrepreneur whose greatest achievement was not simply building a successful company, but creating a culture centered on kindness, integrity, and respect. Many noted that while his lighting illuminated homes and public spaces across the globe, it was his generosity, humility, and ability to inspire others that defined his enduring legacy.
Dave is survived by his wife and business partner, Jennifer “Jen” Dawson, and their son, Jack Dawson. Together, they helped shape one of America’s most admired luxury manufacturing companies while leaving a lasting impact on the design industry and the Charleston community.
At the time of publication, official details regarding Dave Dawson’s obituary, funeral service, celebration of life, and memorial arrangements have not yet been fully announced. The Dawson family and The Urban Electric Co. have indicated that additional information, including memorial service details and charitable giving opportunities, will be shared through official channels in the coming days.
Dave Dawson will be remembered with profound gratitude and admiration by his family, friends, colleagues, employees, and the global design community. His legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, mentorship, and compassion will continue to inspire future generations of artisans, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders. May he rest in eternal peace.