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Advances in low-voltage lighting are making it easier for anyone to install lighting hardware. But when it comes to projects where careful placement is desired for an overall effect, experience is more important than ever.

An informal survey conducted by LASN found that landscape architects take several routes to complete the lighting portions of their projects. Respondents said they do it themselves (with manufacturer support), they call in skilled lighting designers for consultations or they have a designer-contractor take over the lighting portion of the job.

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A two-hour consultation can run in the $350 to $400 range. A consultation could add up to a quarter to a third of the total project fee. A medium-sided lighting project can have a 45-to-50 percent gross profit margin, Stone said. Bigger projects will see a lower-percentage profit.

When it comes to billing, there are a range of options too. Some add a line item for lighting to an itemized bill. Others calculate the cost of the project?EUR??,,????'?????<

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The LIGHTFAIR trade show (seen here in 2004) takes place from April 10 through 14 in New York City. Complete schedule and registration info is available at https://www.lightfair.com.

The growth of lighting in general is related to the overall health of the economy. In 2003, the most recent year with available data, Harvard University?EUR??,,????'?????<

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But, Swetesich added, that rapid growth has led to a few hiccups.

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The notion that landscape lighting is a piece of cake is ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Fortunately, the landscape lighting industry has multiple organizations that offer information, education and training. They include the LVLIA, the International Association of Lighting Designers, or IALD (a co-sponsor of this month?EUR??,,????'?????<

Lighting expert Moyer, teaches intensive seminars on the subject at regular intervals.

The next takes place from Dec. 11 through 16 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Doing it right

The following organizations and websites offer information, seminars and hands-on training to help those new to the field do landscape lighting right.