The Front Walk Looks Like A Runaway Lights

What were you thinking Mr. LA?

Trace Adkins said it best in his his 1996 hit single "Every Light in the House" and I had to repeat it a couple months back to a builder and landscape architect. I was given the plan to bid from a highly regarded landscape architect in Dallas, TX for a contractor I have worked for in the past. I've never been a fan of the "bidding" process since I'd like to believe I do landscape lighting design first and foremost....build is as important but not without great design. So they needed several quotes for the homeowner and right away I noticed the runway for the front walkway. After reviewing the plan in more detail, I realized this landscape architect had no business designing the landscape lighting. To be gentle...it was not representative of the quality and value of the home...which is what I told the contractor. In reality...the plan sucked and that is what I really wanted to say. 

Over the years, I've found it hard to convince contractors that I know more about lighting than the landscape architect, but thankfully this contractor agreed and arranged for a conference call. I really thought the call would be more of a "p***ing" match than anything else, but after a few minutes of discussing the plan, the landscape architect actually agreed with everything and asked that I create and send them over a new plan! I hate giving my plans out without a contract or deposit and against my better judgement did exactly that...sent a copy to the landscape architect and builder. 

Then I got the news...I lost the job to a competitor! Couldn't believe it...jump through hoops to save the day and get kicked to the curb. I understand the homeowner makes the decision at the end of the day, but I would have thought someone would've stood up and said "E2 Illumination Designs saved our project from looking like a "runway" at night" and the homeowner from wasting thousands more to install a terrible plan they already spent thousands on. So now my plan will be used and the homeowner will get the product he deserves...and I will still get the shaft! (Update: They lighting installers didn't read the plan right and job looks no bueno.)

Well on to the next project. I really don't mind giving advice so if you should have any questions regarding a plan or your outdoor lighting project don't hesitate to call. 

Living Wall...I'm a Big Fan

Planted Design is a full service firm that is focused on creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable designs.

I've been told from my lovely bride, I "have to" not "would like" one of these living walls for the house. Looks like I will be making an effort at creating one for myself before I turn it over to the experts at Planted Design.

Not much in the outdoor lighting department to consider but already have ideas on what can be done to make them pop. Will be a good winter project! Already know I don't have the time or patience to create what's in my head, but I have to give it a shot. For those of you wise enough to understand your "green thumb" puts a black cloud over most of your plants, I highly recommend calling the folks at Planted Design.

If you're considering enhancing the nighttime ambiance for your home and gardens, please give us a call to discuss your thoughts on outdoor lighting.

Rainwater Harvesting System a future want for next home!

25,000 gallon rainwater harvesting tank

OK, so my future "want" won't resemble anything like this one, but I will be contacting Enviro Logix Industries when I decide to move into my final resting place! 

One thing my job in landscape lighting design provides is being introduced to all the new "toys" one can have in their homes and landscape. My present project is installing two of these harvesting tanks that will provide the homeowner with 50,000 gallons of purified water to use for anything from irrigation, to showering, and even drinking. Not too sure the city will be to happy losing all the $$$$, but what a benefit to the homeowner!

From their website, 

We offer a complete rainwater harvesting system that can catch water for use in your garden and yard as well as providing water to your home. Rainwater can be used for washing laundry, flushing toilets, showering, and even drinking! We are one of the few Texas companies authorized to install rainwater systems for potable water use.

We have many certifications that allow us to provide you with a trustworthy and sanitary rainwater harvesting system. These certifications and our vast experience ensure your system will work efficiently to save you money and provide you with peace of mind knowing that the water you are using is safe.

This is something homeowners with the means should be considering for their homes under construction and I hope to see it on more of my future projects.

Quick drop in on our projects under construction

Permits have been filed, electrical is in the ground, green tags have been issued! Just waiting on the landscape and timing to be right with a wonderful collection of contractors. 

Nice little start to 2016...hopefully the end of the year will be even better.

Back Garden Remodel- Landscape Lighting Enhancement

Landscape Lighting Master Plan - New Construction

Landscape Lighting Back Garden Master Plan

Landscape Lighting Master Plan - New Construction

Landscape Lighting Back Garden Master Plan

Landscape Lighting Master Plan

Landscape Lighting Master Plan

Let us know if we can assist you with the nighttime ambiance for your home and gardens by creating a professional landscape lighting system for your needs.

E2 Illumination Designs is a national design-build landscape lighting company for fine estates, ranches, and commercial properties where the highest quality design and construction is demanded.