Pillar lights...??? [Archive] - LawnSite.com™ - Lawn Care & Landscaping Business Forum

andyslawncare

10-29-2010, 02:07 AM

Hey everyone,

I've been hired for a design and potential build of a water feature, patio, and a sitting wall with posts and post lights...

First draft of design is attached. 1 box = 2'X2'. The stream is currently not drawn to scale.

The pillars are indicated by the dots within the squares. The double line circle is a 2.5-3' sitting wall, the inside of the circle is the patio, circle within the circle is a 2.5' fire pit, the other circle at the top of the patio is the basin for a 40' pondless stream. I have marked proposed power lines be laid and outlet to be installed.

Any suggestions for a type of fixture that would look nice, but not be too overpowering in this setting? Also, how do you guys charge (by the fixture, fixture price + %, or whatever you do). The job is currently $15,645 before lighting, and I am getting a retainer fee for the design and planning.

Also, any recomendations for other light fixtures in this feature? The stream will have ~Six 1' falls. There will be no steps needed to enter the patio in this design.

I have installed and played around with LV lighting just a little at school, at my own house, and my parents' house (I want to do more!). I know how to properly install them, I'm just looking on suggestions for type of lights to use and labor cost per fixture.

Thanks for reading!

INTEGRA Bespoke Lighting

10-29-2010, 06:05 AM

Hi Andy. One hallmark of a true professional is understanding when you are in over your head. I think in terms of your lighting plan for this project, that you might want to take a back seat and learn from someone with a lot more experience and understanding.

I would look around your market and call in an outdoor lighting system contractor. Explain the project to them and sub-contract our the lighting to them. Be upfront about it. Let the lighting guy know that you would like to closely watch and learn. Doing so will be doing a favour to your client. At the very least, you could hire the Lighting Pro to do a design and specification for you.

You might get a couple of guys giving you a few tips here and there, but a cohesive, attractive, efficient and effective lighting design can only really be done by being there and seeing it. Plan for infrastructure? Sure. Plan for fixture style and concept? Perhaps. But planning exact layout, placement, and effect, with the information you have provided? I wouldn't bother... not until the project is largely under way or complete. Remember... " Light Last "

The Lighting Geek

10-29-2010, 12:29 PM

good sound advice. I have found that working with specialists also can offer you more opportunities for work as well. It can be a win win.

1idejim

10-29-2010, 03:33 PM

tommy, i saw you on a news clip, nice clean appearance......:clapping:

andyslawncare

10-29-2010, 10:36 PM

I'll try calling around the locals. Thanks for the advise.

niteliters

10-31-2010, 09:59 AM

I'll try calling around the locals. Thanks for the advise.

I encourage you to take James' advice. there's probably more around this structure/water feature that could be considered in a lighting design that will in turn have an effect on the lighting of this scene. I know you have a certain amount of experience that is encouraging you to try this. you have an opportunity to turn down a road to success or you can take the "I'll make a few calls and 'get er done' myself road. My advice would be to look up the AOLP website www.aolp.org
call the #, get some names and #'s of members in your area and give them a call, push for a face to face meeting. I know they will help. Of course, if he/she sees that you are serious about your craft, you will get an ear full of the benifits of joining the AOLP. Listen to them for they speak the truth :)

niteliters

10-31-2010, 10:04 AM

sorry, the website is www.aolponline.org. I know of a few aolp members that are near you as well as a member manufacturer that's within an hour. If I can be of help, I will be in the West point area in a few weeks. send me a PM if needed