AOLP Names Nick Schriver as Board President
The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) named Nick Schriver, CLVLT, as its new Board President. Schriver - founder of Decorating Elves based in Clearwater, Florida - is an expert in outdoor lighting known for his innovative, sustainable designs for residential and commercial projects. As AOLP President, Schriver will lead the organization's strategic direction, support professional development, and uphold high industry standards.


AOLP Releases 2024 Landscape Lighting State of the Industry
AOLP's 2024 Landscape Lighting State of the Industry highlighted key trends and innovations that are shaping the outdoor lighting industry despite economic challenges and increased competition. Moderated by AOLP President Nick Schriver of Decorating Elves, the panel featured experts from various sectors, including Colin Dilley, Shine on Lighting, distributor; Tony Gonzalez, Lumien Lighting, manufacturer; Tim Ryan, CLVLT, Lighthouse Design Group, designer; and Jesse Wisley, COLD, Mid-South Night Lights LLC, contractor.

Key takeaways from the report include a general slowdown in the industry, except in manufacturing, which has seen growth. Competition is increasing, with many new players driving down prices, particularly in the middle-class market, while the high-end market remains strong. Experts shared strategies for overcoming obstacles such as finding quality leads, leveraging existing customer bases, and adopting new technologies.

 
The rising competition is a concern for contractors like Wisley, who expressed optimism about the industry's resilience: "I see the lighting industry as a whole, not contracting, but growing. It's more of a hold-the-line kind of year. Hopefully, once interest rates start being cut and the election's over, we'll see growth in the next 24 months."

Emerging trends include tunable whites, RGBW strip lighting, and a growing focus on dark sky principles and human-centric lighting. Modular products, Bluetooth capabilities, and better controls are also gaining popularity, along with the resurgence of black finishes. Professionals are relying on new software and apps to improve efficiency, allowing them to deliver high-quality designs faster than ever before.

Dilley acknowledged growing demand for new technology, particularly dynamic fixtures. "Dynamic fixtures with adjustable CCT and outputs are becoming more popular. We're also seeing demand for RGBW strip lights and dark sky products increase." He also emphasized how technology will shape the future, saying "The expansion of Bluetooth is just a matter of time. It will be here in the next 12 to 24 months and will significantly improve reliability over Wi-Fi."


AOLP Honors Paul Gosselin Sr. with Industry Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to
Outdoor Lighting Design
Paul Gosselin, Sr., CLVLT, COLD, owner of Nightscenes Landscape Lighting Professionals, was awarded the prestigious AOLP Industry Achievement Award this year for his significant contributions to outdoor lighting design. Gosselin began his journey in the early 2000s as a struggling electrician. After a client's request for extra backyard lighting, he discovered his passion for landscape lighting - a relatively new industry at the time. He founded his company with a commitment to learning the craft. Gosselin became actively involved AOLP, eventually serving as its president and earning certifications in outdoor lighting design and as a low voltage technician.

Throughout his career, Gosselin won multiple awards and published The Landscape Lighting Guide, a valuable resource for industry professionals. His commitment to education and sharing knowledge has made him a respected mentor, as he promotes high standards in the trade and leaves a lasting impact on the profession.

2024 Outdoor Lighting Awards Best of Show Winner Announced
AOLP announced the 2024 Lighting Award winners at Illuminate '24. The annual awards program honors remarkable projects that showcase innovative, creative and excellent lighting design and installation in various applications like residential landscapes, commercial installations, public spaces, and stunning architectural facades. Eleven projects received the 2024 Award of Excellence in their respective categories. From left to right, Nels Peterson, COLD and Chris Apfelstadt, CLVLT of Light Up Columbus received the prestigious Best of Show award for their Residential project, Symphony of Light in Colombus, Ohio from Award Committee Chair Kyle Adamson, CLVLT.





For more on AOLP, visit www.aolponline.org.