Cerno LLC
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Lighting design and manufacturing |
| Founded | March 2009 in Laguna Beach, California, United States |
| Founder | Bret Englander, Nick Sheridan, Daniel Wacholder |
| Headquarters | Aliso Viejo , United States |
Area served | United States, international |
| Products | Contemporary LED lighting fixtures, premium art lighting (REVELITE) |
Number of employees | 50+ |
Cerno is a firm located in Aliso Viejo, California that specializes in contemporary LED lighting fixtures, all designed and produced within the United States.
History
Established in March 2009 in Laguna Beach, California by childhood companions Bret Englander, Nick Sheridan, and Daniel Wacholder, Cerno initially proposed a large-scale LED project for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Although this initiative was ultimately canceled due to financial constraints, the founders persisted in advancing their startup.
From its original trio of founders, Cerno has grown to a workforce exceeding 50 employees, partnering with prominent design and architectural firms both within the U.S. and internationally. In 2011, the company introduced REVELITE, a branch dedicated to premium art lighting solutions.
Functioning as a vertically integrated manufacturer, Cerno manages design, engineering, and production processes internally at its Southern California base. This comprehensive approach fosters unified product development and is embodied in the company’s name, which stems from the Latin term meaning "to resolve."
The company’s work has been featured in various national and regional publications such as Dwell, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Michael Hsu of The Wall Street Journal highlighted Cerno's focus on practical design coupled with unique visual appeal.
Collaborations
Cerno has grown through partnerships with creatives across different disciplines. In 2011, it collaborated with fashion designer Jesse Kamm to create shades for the Silva collection. Additionally, the company worked alongside designer Frank Carfaro to develop the Forma LED lamp.
Events
The company has presented its collections at leading design exhibitions including ICFF, Dwell on Design, NYIGF, and Source LA. Cerno received the LED Award at the LED Show in Las Vegas. In 2014, it secured best lighting honors at three major design events: WestEdge in Los Angeles, BDNY in New York City, and Dwell on Design also in Los Angeles.