Landscape Lighting Design

Our design process incorporates detailed photometric analysis to ensure proper light distribution across every area of the property. We calculate the beam spread, intensity, and overlap of each fixture based on its mounting position, aiming angle, lumen output, and beam angle specification. For path lighting, we space fixtures to maintain a minimum of one foot-candle of illumination along the entire walkway with smooth transitions between fixture coverage zones. For accent lighting on architectural features and trees, we specify fixtures that deliver appropriate intensity at the target distance without over-lighting or creating excessive contrast with surrounding areas. All fixtures operate on 12-volt low-voltage systems at 2700K warm white color temperature for a cohesive, natural appearance.

Electrical system design is a critical technical component that directly affects long-term performance and reliability. We calculate total wattage for each circuit and specify transformer capacity with a minimum twenty percent headroom for future additions. Wire gauge selection is based on circuit length and load to keep voltage drop below one volt at the most distant fixture, ensuring consistent brightness across the entire system. For larger properties common in Lake Wylie, The Palisades, and River Hills, we may specify multiple transformers with dedicated circuits for different property zones. Each transformer is connected to a dedicated 120-volt GFCI-protected outdoor circuit, mounted at least twelve inches above grade with adequate ventilation for reliable operation in the Carolina heat and humidity.

Smart control system design allows homeowners to manage their entire lighting system from a smartphone or tablet. We design zone configurations that group fixtures by area and function, so the front yard curb appeal lighting can operate on a different schedule than the backyard entertaining lighting. Systems like the Unique Lighting Luxor platform enable individual fixture dimming and color temperature adjustment from a central controller, allowing you to customize the atmosphere for different occasions. We program astronomical timers that automatically track sunset and sunrise times throughout the year, eliminating the need for manual seasonal adjustments. Integration with home automation platforms provides voice control and scene programming for ultimate convenience.

Our designs account for the specific environmental conditions of the Carolina Piedmont, including Zone 7b and 8a planting zones, humid subtropical climate with annual rainfall exceeding forty-seven inches, summer temperatures regularly above ninety-five degrees, and the expansive red clay soil that dominates much of York and Mecklenburg County. All specified fixtures carry minimum IP65 weather ratings, with IP68-rated fixtures specified for any ground-level or low-lying locations prone to temporary submersion. Wire connections use gel-filled waterproof splice connectors rated for direct burial. Fixture housing materials are specified as solid brass, copper, or marine-grade composite to ensure decades of corrosion-free performance in this demanding climate.

Every design includes a detailed fixture schedule documenting the manufacturer, model number, finish color, wattage, lumen output, beam angle, color temperature, and IP rating for every fixture in the plan. This schedule serves as a permanent reference for future maintenance, warranty claims, and system expansion. We also provide a wire routing diagram showing the exact path of every buried cable run, which is invaluable for avoiding accidental wire cuts during future landscaping or utility work. The complete technical documentation package ensures that any qualified technician can service, expand, or troubleshoot the system at any point in the future, even decades after the original installation.

How long does the landscape lighting design process take from start to finish?

The complete design process typically spans two to three weeks from initial consultation to approved design package. The daytime property assessment and initial consultation happen during the first visit. We then spend several days developing the design plan and selecting fixtures. The nighttime demonstration is scheduled within a week of the assessment, usually coordinated around weather and your availability. Design revisions following the demo are typically completed within a few days. For straightforward properties, the entire process can move faster, while complex estates with extensive landscaping may require additional time. Installation can begin as soon as the design is approved and materials are ordered.

What does the nighttime demonstration involve and do I need to prepare anything?

The nighttime demonstration is a live preview of your proposed lighting plan using portable, battery-powered or generator-powered demonstration fixtures. Our designer brings a full kit of professional fixtures and positions them around your property in the planned locations. You do not need to prepare anything other than being home after dark, typically starting thirty to sixty minutes after sunset for full darkness. We recommend walking the property from all your usual vantage points, including the street, driveway, front entry, interior rooms with landscape views, and outdoor living areas. Feel free to invite family members whose opinions matter, as this is the best time to gather input and make collaborative decisions.

Is the design consultation and estimate really free with no obligation?

Yes, our initial property assessment, design consultation, and nighttime demonstration are completely complimentary with absolutely no obligation. We invest this time because we believe that once you see what professional landscape lighting can do for your property, the value speaks for itself. There is no high-pressure sales presentation. We walk your property, listen to your goals, develop a plan, and show you what it will look like. If you decide to proceed, wonderful. If you want to think about it or get other estimates, we understand completely. Our design fee is only charged if you request a full technical design package without proceeding to installation, which rarely happens because most clients are eager to move forward after seeing the demo.

How does your design process account for future landscape growth and changes?

We design every system with growth and change in mind. For trees, we consider the projected mature canopy size and position fixtures at distances that will remain appropriate as the tree grows over the next ten to twenty years. For gardens and shrub beds, we place fixtures at the edges of beds rather than within the plantings where they would be buried by growth. We specify transformers with twenty percent or more surplus capacity beyond the initial fixture load so additional lights can be added as your landscape matures or as you decide to expand the system. Wire routing includes spare home runs to likely future expansion areas. This forward-thinking approach means your lighting system grows gracefully with your landscape.

Can you design lighting for just one area of my property rather than the whole thing?

Absolutely. While we always recommend a comprehensive whole-property design for the most cohesive results, we regularly design lighting for specific areas such as the front entry and facade for curb appeal, a backyard patio and pool area for entertaining, or a garden and tree collection for aesthetic enjoyment. When designing a partial system, we still consider the property as a whole to ensure the lit area relates well to the unlit surroundings and that the infrastructure supports future expansion. Many homeowners start with one zone and add others over time, following a phased master plan that we develop during the initial design process.

What brands and fixture types do you typically specify in your designs?

We specify professional-grade fixtures from Unique Lighting Systems, WAC Landscape, and Kichler, selecting the optimal product for each specific application. These manufacturers produce fixtures with solid brass, copper, and marine-grade composite housings built to last decades in the Carolina climate. Our designs typically include a mix of fixture types: adjustable spot and flood fixtures for uplighting trees and accents, wall wash fixtures for architectural facades, bollard-style or hat-style path lights for walkways, well lights for flush-mount applications in hardscape, and specialty fixtures for techniques like moonlighting and underwater lighting. Every fixture is specified at 2700K warm white LED with appropriate IP weather ratings for its installation location.

How much does a professionally designed landscape lighting system cost?

The cost of a professionally designed landscape lighting system varies widely based on property size, the number of features to be illuminated, fixture quality, and the complexity of the electrical infrastructure required. Most residential projects in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte area fall in the range of $3,500 to $15,000 for a typical single-family home, with larger estates and properties with extensive landscaping ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 or more. The design process itself is complimentary when you proceed with installation. We provide a detailed cost breakdown as part of the final design package so you know exactly what every element costs and can make informed decisions about where to invest and where to economize.

Will you work with my landscaper or builder to coordinate the lighting installation?

Yes, we frequently collaborate with landscapers, builders, and general contractors on both new construction and renovation projects. Early coordination is especially valuable because it allows us to run wire before hardscape is installed, position fixture rough-ins before plantings go in, and ensure electrical circuits are available where transformers will be mounted. We can work from landscape architectural plans to develop the lighting design in parallel with the landscaping plan, ensuring both are coordinated for the best possible result. Many of the best landscapers and builders in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte area have worked with us on multiple projects and appreciate our professional, collaborative approach.

What if I do not like the design after the nighttime demonstration?

The nighttime demonstration exists specifically to prevent this scenario. Because you see the actual lighting effects on your property before any permanent installation, there are no surprises. If elements of the demonstration do not meet your expectations, we adjust them on the spot or note changes for a revised design. We have never had a client who disliked the overall concept after a demonstration, though it is very common for clients to request specific adjustments, which is exactly what the demo process is designed for. If for any reason you decide the project is not right for you after the demonstration, you are under no obligation to proceed and there is no charge for the consultation or demo.

How do you handle properties with HOA restrictions on outdoor lighting?

We have extensive experience working within HOA guidelines across communities in Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Charlotte. Many HOAs have specific rules about fixture visibility, light trespass onto neighboring properties, maximum brightness levels, and approved fixture styles. During the design process, we review your community's HOA covenants and design compliance into the plan from the start. Low-voltage landscape lighting is generally welcomed by HOAs because it enhances property values and community appearance. We use fixtures with internal glare shields, carefully aimed beams, and appropriate output levels to ensure light stays on your property and does not create nuisance for neighbors. If needed, we can prepare documentation for HOA architectural review board submissions.

Do your designs include smart home integration and automation?

Yes, smart control and automation are standard elements of our design process. Every design includes a control system recommendation appropriate for the complexity of the installation. Simpler systems may use a high-quality astronomical timer built into the transformer that automatically adjusts on and off times with the seasons. More complex systems incorporate smart controllers like the Unique Lighting Luxor platform that enables smartphone control, zone management, individual fixture dimming, scene programming, and integration with home automation platforms like Control4, Savant, or Lutron. We design zone configurations that match your lifestyle patterns, such as separating front curb appeal lighting from backyard entertaining areas so each can operate on independent schedules.

Can you redesign an existing landscape lighting system rather than starting from scratch?

Absolutely. We frequently redesign existing systems that were installed by other companies, by builders, or by homeowners themselves. We start with an assessment of the existing infrastructure to determine what can be reused and what needs to be replaced. In many cases, the transformer and some wiring can be retained while fixtures are upgraded, repositioned, or supplemented with additional units. Older halogen systems benefit enormously from conversion to modern LED fixtures, which dramatically reduce energy consumption while improving light quality and fixture longevity. We treat the redesign with the same thoroughness as a new design, including a nighttime demonstration of the proposed changes before any permanent modifications are made.