software for drawing landscape lighting plans - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

BRPerry · 06-21-2008, 10:33 AM

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 : )

NightScenes · 06-22-2008, 12:51 PM

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,

James Solecki · 09-02-2008, 01:44 PM

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.)

rjaso · 10-13-2008, 01:18 PM

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

LightYourNight · 11-15-2008, 01:17 PM

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.