design Illuminations is a lighting design firm. We are committed to providing lighting design services that go beyond our customer’s expectations.  We are always looking for new and interesting ways to improve our creativity, practical understanding, and technical expertise.  

Production Quality

All lighting layouts are drawn in AutoCAD to ensure a clear and accurate construction document.  Drawings include the fixture locations, aiming direction, control logic and construction details for custom installations. Our ability to effectively communicate ideas to other members of the project design team is unmatched.

Specification Package

Each design is custom and includes a detailed list of products needed for construction.  A standard specification package includes a complete list of fixtures, the manufacturer's specification sheets, lamps, lenses, dimming hardware and the quantity of all parts needed to build the project.

Accessibility

Project documents are easily accessible on-line by the client.  This innovative process of document access streamlines the bidding process.

Management

We work with the various trade professionals on the project to make sure any conflicts are resolved appropriately.   This is especially helpful for projects that utilize specialized fixtures or whole-space control systems.

Focusing Service

Our final focusing service completes the lighting design process.  We arrive at the job site with the necessary tools and we focus, adjust and lock fixtures in optimal aiming position.  After the aiming is complete, Design Illuminations provides the customer with a detailed document describing which products to use when replacing lamps.

Controls

We offer programming services that range from basic room-control logic to whole space-control systems with advanced time clock and conditional programming methods.  Lighting control systems can be integrated with any other system in the space, e.g. a motion sensor, a home theater or security system.

Fees

Fees range depending on the job therefore we offer various rates specific to the project's scope.  We offer a very basic design service for our technically-savvy customers, which provides a full fixture specification package designed for their lighting plan. For smaller projects the fee can be as low as $0.25 per square foot. 

We also offer a complete design package that is our most comprehensive lighting design service.  On a large project this can reach $5.00 per square foot plus additional focusing and programming fees.  Our most common design package is for residential new construction on a medium sized project at $1.90 per square foot.   We can also be hired by the hour for our services at the rate of $150.00 per hour. 

Whether you are interested in simply having a lighting plan that functions well or you want a superior design please do not hesitate to call us.  We offer a free initial consultation in our office to review your project and quote you the correct fee for the services you will need.

What a lighting designer brings to your project

A lighting designer

integrates the arts, sciences and business of illumination design and implementation far beyond the basic concern of visibility.  Lighting designers work as part of a design team alongside the architect, builder, engineer, and audio visual consultant. Professional lighting designers bring proven technical abilities and creative design techniques to their projects. The value-added services they provide can make or break the success of a project.

Technology

esigners work as part of a design team along side the architect, builder, engineer, and audio visual consultant. Professional lighting designers bring proven technical abilities and creative design techniques to their projects. The value-added services they provide can make or break the success of a project.

Technology

Hundreds of new lighting products and innovations are introduced annually.  Lighting designers must continually update product information, application guidelines, and examine samples from hundreds of manufacturers across the world to keep up with the technological advances

Technique

Illumination is the implied partner of architecture. Light is invisible until it strikes an object or surface.  In the absence of light an object or surface cannot be fully defined.  Controlling this medium is what gives the lighting designer the ability to create hierarchies, dynamics and mood.  Lighting design has become a creative extension of architectural design, complementing form and color.

Qualifications

Knowledge of physics, optics, electricity, ergonomics, physiology, business, building codes, environmental issues, construction methods and the art of design are all essential when creating great lighting solutions. Lighting professionals must continually educate themselves to provide the best possible service.

Value

Why should an architect or end user pay for lighting design services when it can be done in house or by a salesperson at no additional “cost”? The fees a lighting designer charge are difficult to justify when the extent and value of the services are not understood. People who have benefited from good lighting design realize there are both short and long-term paybacks that far outweigh the fee. Here are a few examples:

Equipment

Lighting designers can provide a design to meet an established budget, but are most helpful when involved in establishing the budget. They will select equipment from various manufacturers to help keep bids competitive and recommend lighting equipment or techniques to reduce installation costs. The designer will also work with the client to achieve budget objectives without sacrificing design intent.

People

Quality of light affects people on many levels; it can affect their general feeling of well being, vitality, mood and even health.   Lighting quality has been proven to directly affect retail sales, the productivity of office workers, education, safety and security.  Lighting designers are focused on these goals and the techniques needed to accomplish them. 

Aesthetic

Technical skill can be learned or engineered, but natural talent cannot.  It is difficult to calculate the monetary value for unique and creative design.  However, the difference between a mathematical lighting design and one that brings architecture to life is more often felt than seen.