The Landscape Lighting Design Process — What Happens at a JHL Consultation

The landscape lighting design consultation is the most important step in any outdoor lighting project. It is the only point in the process where the designer and the property owner are together in the actual lighting conditions that the system will work in. Everything downstream — fixture selection, positioning, scene design, and pricing — follows from what is observed and discussed during this walk.

*The dusk timing requirement:* JHL consultations are scheduled at dusk — not mid-morning, not from photos, not from a property survey. Dusk is the only time you can accurately assess: which existing areas are already well-lit by adjacent light sources, which areas are completely dark and what is in them, how much ambient sky glow affects the property, and what the actual focal points of the property look like in diminishing light. A designer who proposes a lighting plan without a dusk site visit is guessing.

What the designer is assessing:

Focal points: Which trees, architectural features, and garden elements draw the eye in diminishing light? These become the primary uplighting and accent subjects.

Dark zones: Where are the complete dark zones after sunset? Dark zones at the property edge, along fence lines, or at secondary entry points have security implications. Dark zones in the garden have both aesthetic and safety implications.

Existing light: What ambient light already exists from street lights, neighboring properties, or outdoor fixtures? Existing ambient light affects the required fixture output and placement.

Architecture: How does the facade respond to directional light? Where are the shadow-creating features (stone texture, columns, overhangs) that respond best to grazing or uplighting? Where is the architectural lighting fixture placement limited by the building's geometry?

*The zone mapping conversation:* After the physical walk, the designer maps the zones and discusses priorities with the property owner. Not all zones need to be installed in Phase 1. The most common first phase is entry and approach (Zone 1) and facade lighting (Zone 2) — the highest visibility, highest curb appeal zones. Subsequent phases add specimen trees, garden, and rear living areas as the system is expanded over time.

*The design plan:* Following the consultation, JHL prepares a written design plan showing fixture positions, zone assignments, transformer spec, and expected output for each position. The plan is reviewed together before a fixed price proposal is presented. The proposal comes after the plan is confirmed — not before.

*The fixed price:* JHL provides a single fixed project price after the design and site review. This is the complete price — not a materials estimate plus hourly labor. The price is valid for 30 days from proposal date.

---