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The two kinds of LIGHT
The two kinds of LIGHT 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

The two kinds of LIGHT

The Two Kinds of LIGHT

There are two kinds of LIGHT: The GLOW that illuminates and the GLARE that obscures. What do you choose? We are ARTISTS with LIGHT and experts in TECHNOLOGY. 38 years illuminating the finest homes in America.

At Adaptive Design Group, we understand that lighting is far more than visibility—it’s emotion, ambiance, and experience. Every home, from grand estates to intimate residences, presents unique opportunities to shape how light interacts with architecture, interior design, and the natural environment. Choosing glow over glare allows the true beauty of your space to emerge, revealing textures, colors, and forms that would otherwise be lost.

Our approach blends artistry and technology seamlessly. From recessed lighting to decorative fixtures, from art lighting to task and interior design illumination, we carefully balance each layer of lighting. Every choice—intensity, placement, color temperature—is deliberate, ensuring your home is as inviting and functional as it is stunning. Over 38 years, we have honed this craft across the finest homes in America, mastering how light enhances every surface, artwork, and architectural element.

The difference between glow and glare is subtle yet profound. Properly executed glow highlights and flatters, while glare distracts and diminishes the beauty of your home. Our team works with architects, interior designers, and homeowners to achieve lighting that is invisible in technique but unforgettable in experience.

Contact Adaptive Design Group today to discover how the right light can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. Choose glow—experience the artistry of light.

Architectural layer of light
Architectural layer of light 640 637 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Architectural layer of light

Architectural Layer of Light

Highlight the structure, celebrate the space.

In every home, the architecture itself is a work of art. The architectural layer of light is our tool for enhancing those structural elements, subtly guiding the eye while accentuating the design intent. From vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters to textured walls, cornices, and intricate moldings, each detail has the potential to tell a story—if illuminated with purpose. Adaptive Design Group specializes in coordinating these elements with precision, ensuring the light enhances, rather than competes with, the architecture.

Our approach begins with visualization—mapping the space, understanding its volumes, lines, and textures. Every ceiling recess, wall plane, and corner receives careful attention. Through detailed planning and specification, we select the ideal fixture type, placement, and intensity to complement the design. The result is lighting that feels natural yet intentional, bringing depth, warmth, and clarity to every surface.

Integration is key. The architectural layer is seamlessly coordinated with decorative, task, interior design, and art lighting, creating a multi-dimensional environment. Dimming and smart controls allow homeowners to fine-tune the atmosphere with ease, reinforcing comfort and usability without compromising elegance.

This layer doesn’t just illuminate—it sculpts the space, emphasizing the architecture’s inherent beauty and supporting the other layers to produce a cohesive, luxurious experience. Every corner, every line, every surface becomes part of the visual narrative, enhancing both the function and feel of the home.

Discover the power of architectural lighting. Contact Adaptive Design Group to elevate your home through purposeful, artful illumination.

#luxurylifestyle #luxuryliving #finebuilding #customhome #lightingdesign @adaptivedg #luxuryinteriors

Liquid Art Display 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Liquid Art Display

Liquid Art display. How do you pick if you can’t read the labels. Lighting design is more than circles and loops on electrical plans and switch symbols. Adaptive’s layers of light and integrated dimming design complete the entire story. #luxurylifestyle #luxuryinteriors #wineconnoisseur #winedisplay #lightingdesign #ledlights #luxuryliving @adaptivedg

On Site Coordination 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

On Site Coordination

On site coordination of our artistic and technical lighting and controls are critical, especially with today’s complex architecture. Hips, valleys, arches, curves and massing galore. The mastery of Michael Upwall Design. Adaptive Design Group is not a Plug and Run lighting design firm. We are artists, technologist, engineers and former contractors. Don’t fake it. Go with the Pros! @upwalldesign @adaptivedg #luxurylifestyle #mountainluxury #parkcitystyle #luxuryarchitect #luxuryinteriors #luxurycustomhomes #luxurylightingdesign #lightingcontrol #ledlightings

Cozy Lighting Design 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Cozy Lighting Design

Cozy lighting design touches are never accidental even in the most intimate of spaces. Thoughtful, artistic, and technically integrated lighting makes a space, never distracts from it. Add ADAPTIVE DESIGN GROUP’S Lighting Design team to your custom home projects in 2021!
Principal, Glenn Merlin Johnson literally wrote the book and is continuing to artistically apply his craft on select homes nationwide.
www.adaptivedg.com @adaptivedg @glenn.johnson.14606 @merlin_light #luxuryliving #luxuryhomestyle #lightingdesign #themoderndesignteam #professionalcollaboration #internationalluxuryalliance #luxurycoastalliving #luxurymountainhomes #luxuryestates #professionallighting #customhomedesign #customhomearchitect #theartofillumination

Hidden Designed Lighting
Hidden Designed Lighting 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Hidden Designed Lighting

Hidden Designed Lighting

Seamless Illumination That Elevates Every Space

Layered, hidden lighting is the hallmark of thoughtful design—it should feel natural, purposeful, and never draw attention to itself. This bridge-like pathway in a mountain residence demonstrates exactly how carefully placed, concealed fixtures can guide movement, highlight textures, and create a welcoming ambiance without ever feeling forced.

At Adaptive Design Group, we specialize in creating these subtle layers of light that blend perfectly with architecture and landscape. From soft path illumination to accent lighting that showcases materials, plants, or architectural details, every element is planned, coordinated, and executed with precision. When done correctly, lighting becomes invisible, yet its impact is undeniable—inviting, dramatic, or calming depending on the space and purpose.

The magic is in the details: integrated fixtures, careful beam placement, and intelligent dimming allow each layer of light to complement others, enhancing the overall environment while maintaining focus on what truly matters—the space itself.

For 38 years, Adaptive Design Group has set the standard in custom homes nationwide, ensuring that every project reflects a balance of artistry, technology, and functionality. Collaborating with architects, interior designers, and homeowners, we create environments that feel effortless, yet are the result of meticulous planning and expertise.

Contact us today to see how our lighting design can transform your project into something extraordinary.

www.adaptivedg.com #luxurylifestyle #luxuryhomes #lightingdesign #customhomes @upwalldesign @adaptivedg @glenn.johnson.14606

shape light to furniture
Shape light to furniture 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Shape light to furniture

Shape Light to Furniture

Custom Illumination for Dramatic Presentation

At Adaptive Design Group, we understand that lighting isn’t just about brightening a space—it’s about sculpting and defining every element within it. We specialize in shaping light to perfectly complement your furniture and décor, transforming each piece into a captivating focal point.

Our renowned high-output recessed Merlin Light is a prime example. This versatile fixture can be custom modified to meet your specific design and dramatic presentation needs, delivering precise, powerful illumination exactly where it’s needed. Whether it’s highlighting the textures of a luxurious sofa or accentuating the fine details of an exquisite table, our lighting solutions elevate your interiors with intention and artistry.

With tailored lighting designed to enhance your furnishings, we help create spaces that are as functional as they are breathtaking.

Reach out today to explore how custom lighting can transform your home’s interiors into a masterpiece of light and shadow.

#fineart #luxurylifestyle #customfurniture @adaptivedg #modernarchitecture

Integrated ring light design 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Integrated ring light design

Home gym became the perfect staging area with our integrated ring light design. Cool infinity effect in the wall of mirrors. Add us to your projects team for amazing end results with our artistic lighting designs. www.adaptivedg.com . #lightingdesign #customlightingdesign #luxurylifestyle #interiordesign #luxuryarchitecture

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Merlin Light installation progress in Singapore 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Merlin Light installation progress in Singapore

Merlin Light installation progress in Singapore. One piece framed in perfect light several more to go. Our magical recessed hidden light shapes to the canvas in perfect color rendering, low heat and no UV damaging rays. Merlin Lights are safe for all mediums including Museum quality collections. Contact glenn@merlinlights.com for a consultation. @merlin_light @adaptivedg @glenn.johnson.14606 #fineart #luxurycollections #lightingdesigners #modernhomedesign #internationalluxuryliving

Visit Merlin Light

Artistic and Technical Lighting 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Artistic and Technical Lighting

We work from the Mountains to the Seas providing our Artistic and Technical Lighting and Controls design. Same room, breathtaking in the morning and warm and inviting at night. Swipe left and take a deep breath. #lagunabeach #newportbeach #orangecounty #parkcity @adaptivedg @merlin_light @glenn.johnson.14606