Technology can shape an experience, but it should never become the reason the experience exists.
That principle guides Josh Holowicki, founder and CEO of E2i Design. In this episode of Beyond the Limelight, Josh explains how a career that began as a church volunteer grew into a company helping houses of worship and other experience-focused spaces make thoughtful decisions about audio, video, lighting, and scenic systems.
Josh did not follow a traditional technical-design path. He studied business while volunteering in lighting at his home church. The organization recognized his interest and invested in his development, giving him opportunities to learn from working designers and to gain experience in a fast-growing ministry.
That environment taught him two lessons that still shape E2i: never stop learning, and understand the organization before specifying the equipment.
E2i’s name reflects its mission—educate, empower, inspire. Education comes first because the design team has to learn the client’s culture, goals, current capabilities, and vision. The client also needs to understand the systems being considered and how those tools will support the work after installation.
This prevents a common mistake: choosing technology because another venue uses it. A fixture, console, loudspeaker, or video system may be excellent and still be wrong for a particular team. The right solution aligns vision, budget, expectations, staffing, and the experience the organization wants to create.
Josh describes technology as a support tool, not a silver bullet. In a worship environment, lighting can guide attention, video can help tell a story, audio can create clarity and connection, and atmosphere can influence mood. Used intentionally, those elements help move an audience from observation toward participation.
Used without restraint, technology can move to the foreground and distract from the mission. The problem is not the tool itself. It is the absence of a clear purpose and the training required to use it well.
Partnership is therefore essential. E2i does not view the manufacturer, integrator, church, and end user as separate interests. Together, they are responsible for the outcome. If something fails, communication should continue beyond the handoff. A successful project leaves the client better informed and better equipped to adapt.
That approach also respects volunteers. Many houses of worship depend on people who give their time and may arrive with different skill levels. Systems should be usable, supportable, and paired with education that builds confidence.
Josh Holowicki’s message applies far beyond ministry. Start with people. Learn the culture. Define the purpose. Then choose the technology that serves the story—not the other way around.
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