Decorative lighting knows no borders. A single idea can transform a street in Europe, a plaza in the Americas, or a commercial space on the other side of the world. However, developing international lighting projects requires much more than creative ability: it demands experience, adaptability, technical knowledge, and an organizational structure capable of coordinating projects across different markets.
ILMEX, a brand of the Ximenez Group, has built an international presence over the past few decades that has taken its lighting projects to more than 50 countries across five continents. Among the cities and destinations associated with its projects are New York, Moscow, Madrid, Vigo, Barcelona, Qatar, Dubai, Brussels, London, Mexico City, Denver, Milan, Oslo, and New Zealand.
This international experience allows us to understand decorative lighting from a global perspective, without losing sight of a fundamental principle: every space requires its own unique solution.
From a Local Project to an International Vision
ILMEX’s international growth stems from its ability to develop lighting projects of varying scales and characteristics. It’s not simply a matter of replicating the same model from one country to another. Each project must be tailored to a specific context. Architecture, culture, climate, the type of space, the client’s objectives, the culture of the country or city, and the profile of visitors are all factors that shape the final result.
Adaptation as the Key to an International Project
An installation that works on a major European avenue may require a completely different approach in a shopping mall, a tourist attraction, or a plaza on another continent. That is why international experience offers more than just a list of countries: it provides accumulated knowledge about different types of projects and environments.
New York, Moscow, London, or Milan: Lighting as a Universal Language
Among the projects considered iconic in the international track record of ILMEX and Ximenez Group are installations in cities such as New York, Moscow, London, Milan, Oslo, and Brussels.
These are destinations with a strong identity and an enormous capacity to create experiences. In this context, decorative lighting takes on a role that goes far beyond mere decoration.
It can become:
• An element of identity.
• A tourist attraction.
• A meeting place.
• A communication tool.
• A resource for generating content.
• A way to transform the perception of a space.
Large-Scale Installations That Become Icons
The scale of certain international projects allows lighting to be taken to a monumental level. Large-scale trees, three-dimensional installations, walk-through structures, or large-scale light compositions can completely transform a plaza or commercial space.One example of this capability is the development of large decorative lighting structures. ILMEX by Ximenez Group has worked on record-breaking structures, such as the tallest digital Christmas trees in Europe, the United States, and South America.The goal is not merely to achieve a certain size. What matters is ensuring that the installation interacts with the space and becomes part of the visitor’s experience.
Internationalization Also Means Technical Capability
Behind every international lighting project lies a significant infrastructure. Designing an installation is just the beginning. From there, various processes come into play: technical development, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, installation, and maintenance. When these processes take place in different countries, coordination becomes even more critical.
A 360° View of Lighting
The ability to offer a comprehensive project allows us to support the client from the earliest stages of conceptualization through to the installation’s commissioning. This approach is particularly important in large-scale projects, where different teams are involved and where any decision can have a significant impact on manufacturing, transportation, or installation.
ILMEX combines precisely this capability with a variety of project approaches: from off-the-shelf solutions to fully customized installations.
Five Continents, One Philosophy
Our international presence demonstrates that lighting can adapt to very different contexts while maintaining a single philosophy: creating experiences that connect with people.
Currently, ILMEX and the Ximenez Group have experience in international projects spanning markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Their projects have reached more than 50 countries across all five continents.
This international scope also allows us to anticipate trends, identify new needs, and apply lessons learned from one market to another.
Lighting Up the World from a Local Perspective
Internationalization does not mean losing one’s identity. On the contrary, one of the greatest challenges of an international project lies precisely in understanding the identity of each place and translating it through light.
An installation can be spectacular without feeling out of place in its surroundings. It can be innovative while still respecting the architecture, culture, and character of the space. That balance between international expertise and adaptability is one of ILMEX’s greatest strengths.
Because every city has a story to tell. And lighting can be one of the most powerful ways to tell it.
