Lighting

Custom Deer Crest home
Custom Deer Crest home 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Custom Deer Crest home

Custom Deer Crest Home

Frosted tips! This stunning Deer Crest residence is folded into Mother Nature with precision and grace, captured here beneath a veil of fresh snow and towering frosted trees. The landscape feels untouched—but every detail in this home was planned with intention, especially the lighting.

Architectural Lighting Design plays a crucial role in a home like this. Nestled in nature, the lighting must enhance both interior comfort and the exterior view. It’s not about overpowering the environment—it’s about working with it. Our lighting systems create warmth and clarity while maintaining the quiet magic of the surroundings. Whether it’s gently highlighting natural wood beams or adding ambient glow to exterior overhangs, the result is harmony between light and landscape.

Behind every glow is a team effort. We conduct walkthroughs during critical stages—like pre-drywall—to review lighting plans, dimming controls, and electrical engineering. These meetings ensure precision, prevent surprises, and align every trade on the details that matter most. Collaboration on this project with Upwall Design, McNulty Construction, and Ridgeline Electric has been exceptional.

Nature is the backdrop. Lighting is the story. And this Custom Deer Crest home is a masterclass in both.

Ready to bring your next custom home to life? Let’s talk.

@deercrestclub @upwalldesign @parkcity_utah #mountainliving @adaptivedg @glenn.johnson.14606

Merlin Light magically shapes
Merlin Light magically shapes Tuscan countryside oil painting 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Merlin Light magically shapes Tuscan countryside oil painting

Light That Paints

How Precision Lighting Elevates Fine Art and Interior Ambience

There’s beauty in a painting—and then there’s the beauty of how it’s lit. This Tuscan countryside oil painting already evokes warmth, movement, and serenity on its own. But with Merlin Light technology casting perfect color-rendered light across every brushstroke, the entire experience is transformed. The result? A living moment suspended on the wall—vivid, dimensional, and emotionally resonant.

Merlin Light magically shapes: Tuscan countryside oil painting

This is more than a spotlight. This is intentional illumination, tailored to complement the tones, textures, and materials of the artwork. The soft golden hills and cool blue shadows of the Tuscan scene are rendered with accuracy and reverence, as if the sun itself was curated to match the canvas.

Proper lighting bridges the gap between appreciation and awe. It draws you closer. It allows the art to breathe and perform. And for collectors, homeowners, or designers who deeply care about how a space feels—lighting becomes just as essential as the art itself.

At Adaptive Design Group, we design and install lighting that respects the subject and enhances the space it lives in. Whether it’s one cherished piece or an entire curated collection, we use the latest lighting technology—including Merlin Light—to showcase your art at its best.

Your art deserves to be seen in its full brilliance. Let Adaptive Design Group light it to perfection.

@adaptivedg #theartofillumination @glenn.johnson.14606 @merlin_light @fineartconnoisseurmagazine

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adaptive-design-group-blog-Modern-Design-Team
Modern Design Team 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Modern Design Team

Modern Design Team

Collaborative Lighting + Dimming Design

The “Modern Design Team” isn’t complete without a professional Lighting Design and Dimming Controls expert at the table. At Adaptive Design Group, we’ve spent over 35 years proving why. Under the leadership of Glenn Merlin Johnson, we have pioneered the fusion of technical precision and artistic vision—bringing together the worlds of architecture, interiors, and advanced lighting control into one seamless experience.

Today’s high-end residential projects demand more than beautiful fixtures—they require intention, integration, and impeccable execution. That’s where we come in. Our firm is known nationwide for pushing the boundaries of what architectural lighting can do, not just visually, but emotionally. Every project begins with careful collaboration alongside architects, interior designers, and AV professionals. Together, we build lighting systems that elevate a home’s design and improve the way it lives, moves, and feels.

We leverage a curated arsenal of tools and technologies that help us bring these ideas to life. From our own high-output recessed Merlin Light—designed specifically to support detailed architectural lighting—to best-in-class systems and controls including Lutron, Ketra, Crestron, Control4, Vantage Controls, and Hevi Lite, we ensure that every fixture and dimming system works in harmony with the surrounding space. Our lighting plans integrate seamlessly with smart home controls, daylighting strategies, and material finishes to produce an experience that feels effortless.

Brands like LF Illumination and Specialty Lighting Industries support our vision with specialty luminaires that help us shape light to architecture, furniture, and artwork alike. The result is never cookie-cutter—it’s always customized, elevated, and enduring.

When lighting is done right, you feel it before you see it. That’s the Adaptive difference—and why the industry continues to look to us for leadership, creativity, and reliable execution.

We are here to support your vision. Let us help you make it a reality!

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adaptive-design-group-blog-Lighting-design-on-Dustin-Yellin's-Laminated-Glass-Sculpture
Laminated Glass Sculpture Lighting 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Laminated Glass Sculpture Lighting

Laminated Glass Sculpture Lighting

Precision Lighting for Complex Art Installations

Lighting glass is always a challenge, and when the artwork in question is a massive laminated glass sculpture by Dustin Yellin, the stakes rise exponentially. This piece resembles a fish tank yet defies both logic and perspective, demanding a lighting approach that balances technical precision with artistry. Adaptive Design Group was tasked with framing this intricate work to highlight every layer, every curve, and every subtle detail without distracting from the natural beauty and complexity of the sculpture.

Merlin Lights, with their high-performance framing projectors, were the ideal solution. Each projector was carefully selected, positioned, and tested to ensure perfect coverage and even illumination. The transparency and reflective qualities of laminated glass can make or break a presentation, and our team leveraged decades of experience in architectural and fine art lighting design to bring out vibrancy, texture, and depth. This wasn’t just about visibility—it was about creating an emotional impact and allowing viewers to experience the sculpture exactly as the artist intended.

The process involved careful mock-ups, iterative adjustments, and precise calibration, ensuring that every projector worked in harmony to sculpt the light around the piece. It’s a testament to the power of combining cutting-edge lighting technology with seasoned design expertise.

From the planning phase to final execution, this project highlights Adaptive Design Group’s mastery of complex lighting challenges. For collectors, galleries, and homeowners alike, our ability to control light with subtlety and precision transforms extraordinary artwork into a fully immersive experience.

Illuminate your collection with Adaptive Design Group—contact us to bring professional art lighting to your space.

@dustinyellin @dustinyellinstudio @merlin_light @adaptivedg

Merlin Light frames Jackson Pollock
Merlin Light frames Jackson Pollock in light 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Merlin Light frames Jackson Pollock in light

Merlin Light Frames Jackson Pollock in Light

There are few greater challenges—and greater honors—than lighting fine art at the highest level. When the work in question is by Jackson Pollock, every choice of placement, angle, and fixture becomes critical. Pollock’s paintings are not just images; they are energy frozen on canvas. Layers of drips, splatters, and controlled chaos demand light that reveals depth, texture, and the motion hidden within.

For this project, Merlin Light precision art lighting projectors were the tool of choice. Known for their ability to deliver exacting beams of light without distraction, Merlin fixtures bring a rare blend of power and subtlety. Every brushstroke, every glint of paint, and every variation in surface texture becomes visible, allowing viewers to engage with the work as the artist intended.

The challenge with a Pollock is balance. Too much light, and the painting flattens; too little, and its vibrant energy disappears. Our approach was to frame the canvas in a way that created dimension, revealing both the intricacy of Pollock’s technique and the broader movement of the composition. The projector’s framing technology allowed for seamless edges of light, so the artwork appears illuminated as if by magic, with no spill onto surrounding walls.

The result is not just lighting—it’s transformation. Thats why our clients chose Merlin Light frames Jackson Pollock in light. Viewers are invited into the rhythm of the piece, with the paint seeming to pulse and shift under the illumination. It’s a reminder that great art deserves great light, and that the right fixture doesn’t just illuminate—it elevates.

With Merlin Light and Pollock together, the outcome is nothing short of a magical match.

Need our incredible framing for your art? Contact us!

@jacksonpollock_official @fineartconnoisseurmagazine @adaptivedg @glenn.johnson.14606 Visit Merlin Light

Beautiful color corrected light
Beautiful color corrected light 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Beautiful color corrected light

Beautiful color corrected light

Holy Cow! This striking piece of art is framed in beautiful, color-corrected light thanks to our Merlin Light precision optical framing projector. With accurate beam control and expert placement, we’re able to highlight the finest details of any artwork—down to the textures, brushstrokes, and vibrant color palette the artist intended. In this case, that includes the bold expression of a contemporary cow portrait, and yes, we’re still moo-ved by the results.

Lighting fine art isn’t just about visibility—it’s about reverence. Our approach ensures that the environment around each piece supports the emotional intent of the work itself. That means high CRI (Color Rendering Index) sources, precision optics, and intelligent dimming all working together to preserve color fidelity and draw the eye where it matters most.

The Merlin Light Projector is one of our favorite tools for this kind of detail-forward work. Adjustable, architectural, and remarkably discreet, it allows our design team to sculpt light the same way an artist shapes a canvas.

Whether you’re showcasing personal collections or museum-quality installations, fine lighting is the secret ingredient that transforms a display into a moment.

Contact Us to bring your art to life with expert lighting design.

#fineartlighting #fineart @adaptivedg @merlin_light Visit Merlin Light

adaptive-design-group-blog-light-and-mood-setting-dimming
Light and mood setting dimming 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Light and mood setting dimming

Warming up this Sun Valley, Idaho with our artistry in light and mood setting dimming. Doesn’t hurt to have an amazing palette and setting to work with. @mclaughlinarchitects #sunvalleyidaho #mountainluxury #timberframing #lightingdesign Learn More

The Adaptive Method in Lighting Design
The Adaptive Method in Lighting Design 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

The Adaptive Method in Lighting Design

The Adaptive Method in Lighting Design

Artistry and Technology in Perfect Balance

At Adaptive Design Group, our signature approach—the Adaptive Method™ —is the foundation of over 35 years of exceptional architectural lighting design. This method isn’t just a process; it’s a philosophy. It combines artistry, precision, and technology to create lighting that enhances the architecture, interiors, artwork, and the overall experience of a space.

The Adaptive Method™  begins with a careful study of the home, its structure, and its purpose. Every element is considered: the ceilings, walls, furnishings, artwork, and landscape. Using this information, we design each layer of light—architectural, decorative, art, path, task, interior design, view, and exterior—to work together harmoniously. The Adaptive Method in Lighting Design ensures that every glow, highlight, and shadow is intentional, serving both aesthetic and functional goals.

Hidden technology is another key aspect of the Adaptive Method. Recessed projectors, dimming controls, motorized shades, and fully integrated smart systems work behind the scenes so the inhabitants experience comfort and beauty without distraction. Lighting should illuminate and inspire, not compete for attention.

Collaboration is also central to the Adaptive Method. Architects, interior designers, builders, and clients work together with our team to refine every detail, ensuring that the final result is a seamless integration of light, space, and lifestyle.

By applying the Adaptive Method, we transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, where every room, artwork, and exterior feature is revealed at its absolute best.

Discover the Adaptive Method™ for your home. Contact Adaptive Design Group to elevate your space with expert lighting design and integrated technology.

adaptive-design-group-blog-Floating-wood-ceiling-backlit
Floating wood ceiling backlit 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Floating wood ceiling backlit

Floating Wood Ceiling Backlit

Year-Round Comfort Through Thoughtful Design

A bedroom should be a sanctuary, and this mountain retreat demonstrates how lighting transforms a simple space into a layered, luxurious experience. The floating wood ceiling is backlit to provide soft, ambient illumination that can be enjoyed year-round, creating a warm glow that complements both natural daylight and evening moods. Hidden within this design are motorized roller shades, seamlessly integrated to give the owner control over privacy, light levels, and ambiance at any time of day.

This level of sophistication doesn’t happen by accident. Adaptive Design Group collaborates closely with architects, interior designers, and the client to ensure every detail is precisely executed. Each layer of light—ambient, task, accent, and decorative—is carefully coordinated to highlight architectural features, furniture, and decor while maintaining overall harmony within the space.

From soft ceiling washes to carefully placed reading lights, every element serves both function and aesthetics. The result is a bedroom that adapts effortlessly to changing conditions and seasons, blending technology with artistry to create a sanctuary of comfort, beauty, and utility.

Elevate your personal spaces with the expertise of Adaptive Design Group. Contact us to explore how precision lighting can transform your home.

adaptive-design-group-blog-Subtle portal grand salon
Subtle Portal Grand Salon 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Subtle Portal Grand Salon

Subtle Portal, Grand Salon

Architecture and light melded with perfection for this Atherton, CA masterpiece. Give your guests an entrance that will blow them away.

This grand salon exemplifies how Adaptive Design Group transforms architectural spaces into experiences through professional lighting design. A domed ceiling crowns the room, masterfully illuminated to emphasize its curves, scale, and grandeur. Every fixture, angle, and layer is carefully orchestrated to highlight the architectural features while maintaining warmth and intimacy within the vast space.

The lighting design incorporates multiple layers to achieve depth and dimension. Art lighting ensures every painting, sculpture, and collectible commands attention without overpowering the space. Decorative lighting, including chandeliers and accent fixtures, introduces elegance while complementing the room’s classic design. Meanwhile, interior lighting illuminates furniture, tables, and curated vignettes, allowing the décor itself to shine and creating a cohesive, inviting environment.

While a Subtle Portal, this Grand Salon, demonstrates the delicate balance of luxury and function, showing how thoughtful lighting design can guide guests’ experiences from the moment they enter. Every detail is meticulously considered—fixtures are placed to highlight texture, shadow, and form while avoiding glare or visual clutter. The result is a subtle portal into a home where architecture and interior design are enhanced, not overshadowed, by light.

Adaptive Design Group specializes in bringing this level of precision, artistry, and technical expertise to every project. Whether your vision is classical elegance or modern sophistication, professional lighting design elevates your interiors to unforgettable experiences.

Contact us to bring architectural mastery and luxurious lighting design to your home.

@mclaughlinarchitects @adaptivedg #luxuryhomessiliconvalley