Architectural outdoor lighting is a form of site
lighting with a touch of elegance, class, aesthetics, or complimentary design
that uses fixtures and strategic angles of incidence to compliment building
architecture and landscaping.In
spite of its aesthetic nature, however, its foremost priority remains the same
as that of general site lighting: to exceed client expectations with
efficiency foremost in mind.Your clients already know this, and
bringing it up in the initial consultation will only serve to build rapport and
common ground from the beginning.Architectural outdoor lights must feature the highest level of
specification grade manufacture, conserve power as much as current technology
allows, and deliver a quality of illumination that rivals that of purely
function luminaires.Because the
entire nation is beginning to witness tighter regulatory codes on factors such
as LPW minimums, dark sky laws limiting light pollution, and toxic substances
such as mercury that have already been banned in some states, it serves both you
and your client to always keep practicality and delivery power foremost in mind
when selecting outdoor architectural lighting fixtures—even when proposing
systems in the most exclusive, high-end, or decorative
environments.
This
equates to using limitation as a springboard to greater opportunity, and is what
many refer to as “Spartanizing.” In a time of recession, proposing an outdoor
architectural lighting system that has been developed with maximum economy, lamp
life, and light quality levels foremost in mind eliminates dollars that are
often wasted on fixtures that offer attractive designs but limited
performance.Keep in mind too that
beauty itself often resides in simplicity and “less is more” subtlety, so while
your competitors are proposing architectural outdoor lights that dominate
landscapes and offices with excessive ornamentation and colors that are almost
as bright as the light itself, you can slip in under the radar with a more
impeccable plan of action that focuses on results first and complimentary
appearance second.
This
is not to say that you should ever neglect the demands of appearance intrinsic
to the purpose of outdoor architectural lighting.Rather, it works better to place fixture
aesthetics in the proper role it plays in overall lighting and design.Fixtures should never overpower the
light itself or overwhelm the natural scenery or sense of building
geometry.Pointing this out to your
clients will show them that you are already one step ahead of your competitors
because you have taken the time to think below the surface of design to tap into
its core essence without losing site of its intent.
In spite
of the fear and complaining that characterizes modern society over economic
instability and global unrest, this is actually the best time in history to be
proposing a new lighting system to anyone.New strides in engineering have made HID lighting fixtures more compact,
more energy efficient, and more reliably long-lasting than ever before.What was previously a bulky eyesore that
your client needed for a floodlight can now be fitted into a smaller, more sheik
package that makes an unobtrusive, yet powerful statement, when the motion
detector senses a possible intruder.LED’s and Induction fixtures have now entered the arena as well, teaming
up with improved fluorescents powered by electronic ballasts to save power and
deliver luminance at levels previously unimagined.
Having
this entire arsenal of knowledge and technology readily at your disposal is the
equivalent of walking softly and carrying a big stick.The big stick speaks silently on your
behalf, and requires nothing more than its calm and steady presence to convince
the multitudes that you are the only true majority present in the room.Consider taking this approach to
architectural outdoor lighting design the next time you are bidding for a school
district, a township, or a church who is already collecting bids from friends
and networking partners, and who your own lack of confidence may be tempted to
think you may not stand a chance against.
There is
a secret weapon you can use in such a setting, much like an ancient Spartan
phalanx, and it follows the same principles of partnership and supportive
teamwork that once enabled 300 to stand against a million.This secret weapon is specialized
architectural outdoor lighting design software that only a few companies have
the budget to actually afford, but which you now have access to if you find the
right Design Services and Lighting Equipment Dealer that is willing to help you
build your proposal point by point and handle all the math, photometric
requirements, legal compliance, and client “wish list” in one fell swoop.RLLD Commercial Lighting is just such
vendor who offers this service at no additional charge to paying hardware
clients.Taking advantage of this
not saves you money that you do not have to spend, but it also enables you as an
independent agent or small company to compete with major rivals in building and
site development.
Now, if
you happen to be one of those major rivals, we certainly won’t turn your
business away.We will help you by
saving you time and payroll costs associated with operating software that you
may actually be able to afford to buy, but which will complicate your reality if
you have to rely upon staff to operate it efficiently.
Let our
experts help you, large or small, lead the charge in the next general of
architectural outdoor lighting systems and emerging technologies like LED that
can make you not only a contender in your industry, but also a participant in
positive global change.
RLLD Commercial Lighting carries a wide variety of
industrial & commercial lighting fixtures. If you can not find what you are
looking for call us toll free at 1-866-654-3961 and we will find it for you. Our
home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located
throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states
including Columbus, OH, Oklahoma City, OK, Salem, OR, Harrisburg, PA,
Providence, RI, Pierre, SD, Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Corpus Christi, TX,
Plano, Texas, Garland, TX, Laredo, Texas, Lubbock, Texas, Irving, TX, Amarillo,
Texas. San Juan, PR (SJU), Isla De Vieques, PR (VQS), Fajardo, PR (X95),
Erie, PA (ERI), Killeen, TX (ILE), Sheridan, WY (SHR), Casper, WY (CPR),
Parkersburg, WV (PKB), and Escanaba, MI (ESC). We also service clients internationally, with
lighting manufacturer representatives working out of Canada, Mexico, Central
America, and South America.ALBQ, NYC, LA, MPLS.
Regional Commercial Lighting Locations
This article was published on Monday 27 October, 2008.