Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 06-21-2008, 11:33 AM   #1
Registered User
 
BRPerry's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscape Lighting
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1

Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans


Hi All,
My name is Bobbi Perry. I am starting a landscape lighting design and consulting business in south Florida. I have been out of the loop for the last 12 years or so - raising children. I know a lot was happening in the field of landscape lighting when I bowed out. I would like some advice on a software program that is easy to use and has all the components needed to draw a decent landscape(existing) to use as a basis for my designs. What do other businesses use? Also, what kind of fees do other company's charge for their plans?? Are there any other designers out there that are willing to share some knowledge and wisdom. By state law I can not become licensed at this time because all of my experience is over 8 years old - so I will have to contract out the installation part of the job. Any and all information and advice will be greatly appreciated.
Have A Great Day!!
Bobbi : )

BRPerry is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 06-22-2008, 01:51 PM   #2
Lighting Designer
 
NightScenes's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscape Lighting Designer/Installer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kingsland, Texas
Posts: 691

Re: Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans


Hello Bobbi, the first thing that I would suggest that you do is join the AOLP (Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals). This way you could discuss, in depth all of the items that you bring up in greater detail on the private AOLP forum.

As for software, there is none as of yet for landscape lighting but you could look to Landscape Pro to show a full landscape and you can use the lighting feature in that program but I think it's pretty much a waste of money since the lighting looks pretty bad in those programs.

All designers work differently when it comes to putting together designs and proposals so once again I would look to the members of the AOLP to help you out there. Visit www.aolponline.org for information.

Good luck,
__________________
Paul R Gosselin, CLVLT 0632
NightScenes Corporation www.night-scenes.com
President, AOLP
www.facebook.com/NightScenes
NightScenes is offline  
Old 09-02-2008, 02:44 PM   #3
INTEGRA Works Inc.
 
James Solecki's Avatar
 
Trade: Lighting Systems, Design / Build
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 339

Re: Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans


I would recommend you check out Dynascape. They are a CAD based design software company specializing in landscapes.... and they have a very robust Outdoor Lighting Design module for about $400 or so.

Have a great day.

(Just checked back on their site and didnt see any reference to a lighting design module! Not sure what happened there.... You might want to contact Nightscaping directly and see if they still have some of the original lighting design packages from Dynascape.)
__________________
James Solecki
INTEGRA Works, JSLDesign, LED Lights Direct
www.integralighting.com www.JSLDesign.ca
Member: IESNA, AOLP, LO, MBA

Last edited by James Solecki; 09-02-2008 at 02:53 PM.
James Solecki is offline  
Old 10-13-2008, 02:18 PM   #4
Registered User
 
rjaso's Avatar
 
Trade: Low Voltage Lighting
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2

Re: Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans


hi bobbi,

i was wondering the same too. have you come up with anything yet? also, you mentioned you couldn't become licensed in south florida, so you couldn't do the installation yourself. well i'm in manatee county and every time i call the county i get a different answer on whether or not i actually need a license to do this type of work. it's been equated to plugging in xmas lights, which obviously you don't need a permit (and therefore license) for, but i was wondering what your thoughts/experiences were. thank you,

ryan j
rjaso is offline  
Old 11-15-2008, 01:17 PM   #5
Member
 
LightYourNight's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscape Lighting Professional
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posts: 38

Re: Software For Drawing Landscape Lighting Plans


I use Pro Landscape by Drafix Software. I dont use the lighting functions. Just the drawer. Lines, Trees, Text and Utility Art are pretty much all I use to create drawings. Good Luck.
__________________
John Paul Cambruzzi
Landscape Lighting Specialist, LLC
www.LightYourNight.com
LightYourNight is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How many out there perform only landscape lighting? avalon Outdoor Lighting 44 02-27-2008 07:53 PM
Landscape Lighting Association LandscapePro Landscaping 20 01-16-2006 11:23 PM
Landscape Lighting NightScenes Landscaping 0 01-11-2006 06:58 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?