Architectural lighting design for luxury residences in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Malibu. Lighting is specified at the schematic phase, not selected from a catalog after construction. Layered lighting systems with Lutron integration.
Lighting design fees are included in the overall interior design or design-build engagement fee. Fixture costs vary significantly based on specification: a full estate lighting package in Beverly Hills or Bel Air typically ranges from $100,000 to $400,000+ in fixtures, not including the smart home control system. Lutron HomeWorks or Ketra systems add $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on home size and zone complexity.
Lighting design is an engineering discipline. It involves specifying fixture types, locations, circuit assignments, dimming zones, color temperatures, and control systems. It is done from the architectural plans before construction begins. Picking fixtures is selecting decorative lights from a showroom. One is infrastructure. The other is decoration.
Yes. Lutron HomeWorks and Ketra systems are commonly specified for whole-home lighting control. Scene programming, circadian rhythm settings, automated shade integration, and keypad design are part of the lighting specification. The practice coordinates directly with certified Lutron integrators during installation.
Lighting design should begin during the design development phase, before electrical rough-in. Fixture locations, circuit layouts, and dimming zones must be specified before walls are closed. Retrofitting lighting into a finished home is possible but significantly more constrained and expensive.
Yes. Lighting retrofit projects are considered, particularly for clients who want to upgrade to smart home control, improve art lighting, or redesign the fixture package in specific rooms. Retrofit projects are more constrained than new construction but can significantly transform how a home feels.
At this level, lighting design is part of interior design — not a separate discipline. Separating them creates the same problem as separating designer and contractor: the lighting spec doesn't reflect what the room needs because the lighting designer never saw the full design intent.
The practice specifies Lutron Homeworks QSX for all luxury residential projects. Every circuit is addressable, scenes are programmed before handover, and the system integrates with the home automation platform. Smart integration is planned from the schematic phase, not added at the end.
For whole-home and design-build projects, yes — exterior lighting, landscape lighting, and pool lighting are included in the lighting plan. The goal is a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor after dark.