Light Your Way
Renovations and building new houses can be a daunting and involved (and sometimes overwhelming) experience, requiring many snap decisions. The more a client knows going into any project, the better for them.
Sometimes a client, especially a first-timer, may not know where to begin and could use some advice and guidance, and that’s where a consultant is helpful to them. I can offer one hour consultation service to get a feel for the scope of the project and help guide you along.
In other cases, the client has a plan or certain type of lighting in mind, but would like confirmation of whether it will work, or how many lights are required (ie. recessed lights). A consultant can come in and listen to the ideas and confirm the idea or suggest something better.
For example, a former client was doing a kitchen reno; Macular degeneration was an issue and LOTS of light was required. The client thought they would like recessed lights and wanted to know how many would be required. After seeing the kitchen and talking with the client, I advised against recessed lights, as they would NOT give the amount of light that they were hoping for. The end result of using 2 ceiling mounted fixtures with multiple lights, along with under cupboard lights, gave the kitchen the right look and the client plenty of the light they required.
No two consultations will ever be the same. Each client has different tastes, needs and budgets, and all of those need to be addressed for the right balance, also keeping in mind the architecture.
About Theresa James
Theresa James, formerly of Kesco Lighting, has over 10 years experience in the field of lighting consulting and first hand knowledge of electrical products (such as residential lighting controls and ventilation products). Combined with her technical education from Fleming College, she can offer you and your clients exceptional service in lighting consultation.
Services include:
- Assisting clients on site for renovation or new construction, working from existing floor plans or those of an architect, designing the complete lighting layout.
- Assist clients to decide the best type of lighting for their specific needs - i.e. home office, night-time reading/activities, specialized lighting for special jobs
- Assist clients in making decisions that will combine their preferences with their requirements - i.e. light output, value for dollar and effect (such as cove or display lighting)
- Shopping with the clients as needed, both locally and regionally, combining technical expertise with her knowledge of decorative product variety.
- Consult and work with decorators/designers, contractors and their subs, as well as architects.
- The only fully independent consultant and layout designer in the province.
She works closely with her clients to determine their needs and has developed a LIGHT YOUR WAY check list from her experiences with whole house renovation projects. This is critical in assisting the client to make appropriate and suitable purchases. A nice balance between need and want.
Theresa services all of Durham, Kawartha Lakes and Quinte regions for consulting, and all of Eastern, Central and South-western Ontario for layout design.