15 May Artistry Passion and Dedication
by Mike Gambino
I am sometimes asked what I believe to be the cornerstones of the long term success that I have had with designing and building landscape lighting systems.
Artistry Passion and Dedication stand out as words I would use to describe this success.
Artistry– Knowing what fixtures to choose and quantity needed to achieve each effect. How and where to position the fixtures during the day for the optimum effect that is desired. Taking consideration of all viewing angles and qualifying them with degrees of importance such as primary views, secondary views and seldom viewed. This type of consideration is also necessary for the mitigation and management of potential glare.
Choosing the correct lamp or light bulb with the proper kelvin rating (color) for the situation. Understanding how that lamp will perform and look inside that particular fixture before ever actually seeing it after dark. Determining the beam spread or angle of light and the amount of light intensity desired.
All of these values only come to a designer after a great deal of hours invested in viewing projects after dark , adjusting and making mental and physical notes and applying them to current and future projects.
This is what sets individual designers apart.
Passion– One has to love what they do and totally immerse oneself in it each and every day. Even when you are not actually physically designing and installing a system on site. Thinking about it, researching it, studying it and learning from others who style you appreciate and wish to emulate. Exchange of ideas with such associates is very helpful in bringing freshness to your designs.
Taking chances by trying something new or polishing off and revisiting old ideas that you haven’t implemented in awhile that were successful.
Writing about it, which is what I am doing right now, helps to organize and crystalise thoughts about your craft.
Dedication- Coming to work everyday with excitement and fervor. Providing meticulous attention to detail in each and every project while understanding that every project is an investment in the future of the company and should act as a calling card and help sell future work. If it is not and it does not then you are doing something wrong and must correct it.
Understanding the lifetime value of a client and treating them as such.
Doing everything in your power to make sure the client is satisfied, will retain you for maintenance and service work and will refer.
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