Meet the Sound Light Designs Smart Home Team in Santa Fe

CEO

Mike founded Sound Light Designs in 2007 as a one-man show and quickly worked on growing the company. Having worked for other integration companies since moving to Santa Fe from the Pacific Northwest in 1998, Mike was looking to execute a bigger vision for the home entertainment and electronic integration market. Working directly with clients is central to Sound Light Designs and the company’s mission to be the most trusted, go-to partner for established builders, which has naturally enhanced service levels and customer reach. He understands the value of respect, collaboration, and cooperation with those he works with, and his focus on building durable, positive relationships with clients and builders in the region has differentiated the company from the outset. Mike’s thrilled to see the company expanding with such an innovative and effective team.

Mike is also known as a co-founder of the High Mayhem Emerging Arts collective (founded in 2001) and has been active for decades in the music scene both as a musician and a recording and live sound engineer. 

Install Manager

As Lead Installer for Sound Light Designs, Mark works to combine efficiency and innovation in engineering and system design work with critical human relations skills. Mark develops relationships across the community of electricians and related trades, making sure systems are always improving and remain cutting-edge. A native of Yorkshire, England, Mark graduated from the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, Mark spent 13 years as an avionics and electronics technician for the British Army and spent time in Afghanistan working in a civilian capacity in electronic engineering. Mark brings years of both technical and “soft” skills to help enhance the quality of actual smart home systems as well as of relations with clients and supporting trades. A dedicated dad and technology aficionado, Mark most enjoys his time off when he is making things with his daughter, Eve, namely elaborate costumes with mechanical elements, including a fully functional Tron costume and a fawn (or satyr) costume with working leg extensions and horns.

Assistant Manager

Rawson serves as the Assistant Manager at Sound Light Designs, where he specializes in coordinating client relationships and ensuring seamless operations. A graduate of the College of Santa Fe with a degree in Documentary Studies, Rawson brings a unique blend of narrative precision and technical expertise to his role. His deep-rooted passion for visual media and presentation was further honed during his time at the Center for Contemporary Arts, where he worked as a Projectionist, perfecting the sophisticated operation of dual 35mm reel-to-reel projectors.

Following his work in the arts, Rawson spent over a decade in sales within the bicycle industry, mastering the skills of understanding client needs, building lasting trust, and delivering high-performance and beautiful finished products. This background in a fast-paced retail environment drives his structured yet highly personal approach to client coordination at Sound Light Designs, where he is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of service. Outside of the office, Rawson is still an avid cyclist who loves riding his gravel bike.

Lead Designer

Alec brought his love for organization and big-picture project vision to Sound Light Designs in late 2021. A friend suggested he contact Sound Light Designs when he was looking for new project management positions, and it turned out to be perfect timing and a perfect match for both parties. Though his project management background was in software development, as a lifelong “A/V nerd”, the chance to deploy those professional skills in the arena of high-end smart home systems was an exciting opportunity that he has highly enjoyed ever since. Alec helps to guide the many complex moving parts of installation, making certain that all requirements and exigencies are thoroughly fulfilled. Born in New Orleans, Alec moved to Santa Fe with his family when he was seven years old and has called it home since. He has also volunteered as a ski instructor since 2012, working with people with disabilities through the Adaptive Sports Program (www.adaptivesportsprogram.org).

Office Administrator

CEO Mike Rowland sought out Red in 2023, believing his background in behind-the-scenes management at various companies (including Meow Wolf and the music store The Candyman) and non-profit organizations could add a key element to the Sound Light Designs team. Being a conduit between staff and clients in his administrative role is a comfortable professional place for Red. For more than two decades, he has been known in Santa Fe for his work starting and working behind the scenes in various arts and music non-profits, including as a co-founder of the AHA Festival and founder of arts org The Process.

Installation Expert

A lifelong audiophile, Xavier brings his passion for the nuances of perfect sound and high-end gear to his work wiring and installing the finest high fidelity, integrated home entertainment and other systems. With a background in concert-level audio engineering as well as home-theater audio and construction, Xavier joined Sound Light Designs in 2020. Xavier finds beauty in achieving a result of a perfect, customized audiovisual experience. Xavier sees the Sound Light Designs team as an organized and amicable group with exceptional leadership and vision. He has enjoyed seeing the company grow organically over the last several years. 

Installation Expert

Originally from Pojoaque, just north of Santa Fe, Antonio joined Sound Light Designs in 2022. As an IT foreman for 16 years, installing data cables and data and fiber drops, Antonio now loves seeing finished Sound Light Designs projects. How everything comes together in the end is immensely gratifying and adds enjoyment to the work. Antonio loves the size and pace of Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. He’d rather be hunting, fishing, or gardening in his spare time - anything bringing him outside.

Installation Expert

A Santa Fe native, Demos is the latest Sound Light Designs team member. Demos joined the team in the summer of 2023 after graduating high school and his work with the team complements his pursuit of a degree in Computer Science at the Santa Fe Community College. He loves working in the field, learning the systems and installation processes for creating a smart home, and advanced networking from the ground up. Demos loves Santa Fe’s culture, inherent beauty, and just being out in the town when he’s not studying or working. He values his teammates for their friendliness, professionalism, and teamwork dynamic, and has quickly become an invaluable member of Sound Light Designs.