Designing From The Inside
It is imperative when designing a landscape lighting project to design from the 'inside looking out '. Too often we spend more time indoors than outdoors, and need to be visually drawn into the landscape. Designing landscape lighting allows for the outdoors to become not only user friendly but it increases the living environment for the individuals who live in the house or visit the house. On my designs, I like to spend some time familiarizing myself with the indoor environment.
It is most important to learn as much about the individuals who reside in the house as possible. To get to know their likes and dislikes about each and every part of the garden, and how they spend their time within the house. The windows from each room will create the frame for you to paint a picture of the landscape. Once I involve the home owners in a conversation, followed by a short presentation of photos of recently completed projects so that they can understand what can be achieved, I tell them about my design philosophy.
I look out the kitchen window, see the sights from the sofa and dining room chairs, walk around the remainder of the house for unsuspecting views, then ask to see the bedrooms and master suite.
I look to see what part of the landscaping is visible from the window above the kitchen sink.
I ask if I can walk around the remainder of the house. I like to see the view from the bedrooms and the master suite.
It is amazing how a designer can miss highlighting the top half of a deciduous tree or the peak of an Evergreen because when you are standing outside the house it may not be a focal point, yet if you are looking out your second floor window it is the only landscaping you can see.
There are two things that you have to trust me on when it comes to design. First, design from inside looking out. Second, if your clients let you walk all around the house and invite you to see the view from their master bedroom ... It would be hard to lose the job.
Raymond Josephian
Nightscaping Sales
Oakville, ONT Canada
416.520.1500 cell
Contractor of the Week Jose Carlos DaSilva
Jose Carlos DaSilva came to Canada about 6 years ago from Portugal to teach martial arts. Shortly after, he got involved in landscape lighting and quickly earned respect in the field due to the quality of his workmanship.
Jose is the sole proprietor of JC Group, formerly JC Lighting. A passionate lighting professional and dedicated family man, Carlos brings a familiar quality to his business dealing with peers and colleagues. After a short while, you feel you're dealing with a long time friend. He loves what he does, and prides himself on his knowledge and workmanship.
The first time I met Carlos was six years ago when I hosted a design/install seminar. When it came time to install the system, I divided the 17 attendees into
five groups, each responsible for a zone. There were four groups of four and one group of one, Carlos. To this date his workmanship on that particular project as is the case in all his installations, stands true and strong.
If three words were used to describe Carlos, they would be ... energetic, passionate & dependable.
Jose Carlos DaSilva
JC Group
Woodbridge, ONT L4L 5N5
416-651-8555 Busn
www.jc-group.ca
jcgroup@bellnet.ca
RC-4000
REMOTE CONTROLLER
No special wiring needed, plug into any standard 120 volt outlet in the system.
Capable of switching eight separate plug-in modules or duplex receptacle module circuits.
"All-On" and "Dim-Bright" switches will not operate with transformer.
The T-SS-XO, PM-1200, or RM-1500 must be used with this unit.
T-SS-XO
X-10 MODULE
The X-10 module enables the use of the X-10 line carrying signal system through NightscapingŪ Powercenters(TM).
With the addition of a plug-in remote controller, the Powercenters can be controlled both as a group and individually. The RC-4000 will control up to eight different T-SS-XO modules.
Each module can be identified by setting the "house" and "unit" dials on the face of the module.
PM-1200
APPLIANCE MODULE
Works with your home's existing wiring, no new wiring required.
Plug into wall outlet, plug appliance you want to control into bottom of module, use settings to control desired run times.
Turn electronic devices on and off with a universal remote, either hand-held or on a key chain.
RM-1500
RECEPTACLE MODULE
Duplex replaces existing 120 volt receptacle.
Top outlet is controlled, bottom is hot at all times.
Should have controlled receptacle installed in lower position.
Needs RC-4000 to operate. Will support up to 1500 watts (12.5 amps).
Responds to On, Off, and All Units On. Does not respond to All Lights On, Bright or Dim commands.
Do you see the gray mass hovering above the lamp? Do you have any guesses as to what it is? Click on the images to enlarge and take a close look.
Photo courtesy of Joe with Holiday Lighting Inc,
click on image to enlarge
Do you have a guess now? Email us and let us hear your ideas at info@nightscaping.com.
(Tip: Photoshop was not used in the above images)
Connie's Corner
In this day of fast cars, fast food, fast communication, it is easy to forget what we should all be about and that is SERVICE. I shop at the stores that give me the best service, regardless of the price. I eat at the restaurants that give me the best service and remember me when I show up. In this day of heavy competition in the lighting industry, it is easy to try to compete by under pricing others. I suggest a new approach....OUT SERVICE THEM. You will win almost every time!
