Stack Builders - Spireworks Case Study | Interactive Lighting Platform at Scale

Client Overview

Spireworks is an interactive lighting company transforming NYC’s skyline into a canvas for digital art. In a decade-long partnership, Stack Builders has helped scale their platform to deliver user-controlled experiences across iconic skyscrapers.

Architectural Interactive Lighting Industry Impact

New York Location

Under 10 Employees Team Size

10+ Years Partnership

The Challenge

What was the problem? Spireworks set out to reimagine urban architecture by letting users control the lights on NYC’s iconic buildings. To scale this vision, they needed a long-term partner to build a real-time, mobile platform with third-party and building system integration.

How we approached it! Stack Builders brought together engineers, PMs, and QA specialists to support Spireworks across core technical areas—building a real-time backend, mobile app, third-party integrations, and building system connections—all built for scalability and reliability.

The Solution

As a strategic partner, Stack Builders helped Spireworks bring their interactive lighting vision to life through a scalable, full-cycle software approach.

Backend Architecture

Developed Ruby app with Clojure/Elixir services, using Terraform/NixOS, deployed on AWS ECS for elastic scaling.

Third-Party Integrations

Integrated with GlobalGiving, Stripe, and GetChange.io to enable payments and support mission-driven, social impact features.

Mobile Application Development

Engineered and launched a mobile app that expanded reach and delivered a more intuitive, interactive experience for users.

Building Management Integration

Connected with VTS Rise and Durst apps, enabling tenants to participate in interactive lighting experiences in real time.

Our Approach

Multidisciplinary, Full-Cycle Support We assembled a cross-functional team of engineers, project managers, and QA specialists. Acting as an embedded partner, we used agile and DevOps practices to deliver full-cycle, iterative support.

Strategic Technical Focus Our work focused on backend architecture, mobile app development, third-party integrations, and building system connectivity—ensuring user experience and infrastructure scaled together.

Results & Impact

Including expanded reach to tenants via direct integration with real-world building systems, our long-term partnership with Spireworks has yielded significant improvements to the platform:

36M+ real-time interactions powered by the reengineered backend

113K+ unique users engaged through donation and social cause integrations

750K+ immersive sessions via the new mobile app

Real Impact, Real Growth

Stack Builders has been a superb partner on Spireworks as we’ve developed a number of solutions that complete our unique technical requirements.

Mark Domino Founder

Looking Forward

As Spireworks continues to push the boundaries of interactive architectural design, we’re proud to be their trusted engineering partner. Together, we’re scaling and evolving the platform’s capabilities, exploring new features that merge technology, art, and social impact, and ensuring the system remains performant and reliable as the user base grows.

Spireworks illuminated Hallett’s Point for the first time on August 5, 2025 — a new highlight in their mission to reimagine New York City’s skyline. Though not yet open to members, the lights have made their debut.

Ready to illuminate your vision? Contact Stack Builders today to discuss how we can bring your innovative ideas to life.

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