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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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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

California Stairway to Heaven
California stairway to heaven 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

California stairway to heaven

California Stairway to Heaven

Landscape, Art, and Exterior Lighting in Harmony

Walking up a beautifully lit outdoor staircase can feel like entering another world, and this California residence exemplifies that experience. The stairway itself becomes both a functional path and an artistic element in the landscape, designed to complement the surrounding environment rather than dominate it. Take the California Stairway to Heaven. Hidden linear LED lighting under each tread provides just the right glow for safety, while simultaneously creating a subtle visual drama that enhances the natural textures of stone and foliage.

Beyond the stairs, the lighting design extends to pathways, plants, and carefully placed accent lights that highlight garden features and outdoor art installations. Each fixture is thoughtfully positioned so that every element—from a sculptural planter to the sweep of greenery—has its own space to shine. Layers of light, including decorative, task, and architectural exterior elements, work in harmony to create a cohesive outdoor environment that is both luxurious and inviting.

This project reflects Adaptive Design Group’s philosophy of balancing artistry with technology. Every specification, angle, and control system is meticulously planned and coordinated to achieve the perfect combination of beauty, safety, and functionality. The result is a landscape that feels alive at night, welcoming homeowners and guests alike into a space that celebrates nature, design, and innovation.

Enhance your outdoor living experience—contact us to explore how Architectural Lighting Design can transform your property.

@bighorngolf @therealbighornproperties #palmdesertlife

Dark Sky path lighting
Dark Sky path lighting 589 589 Adaptive Design Group, Inc.

Dark Sky path lighting

Dark Sky Path Lighting

Precision and Care in Every Detail

Creating exterior lighting that complements the natural landscape while meeting technical requirements is both an art and a science. Dark Sky-compliant path lighting is a perfect example—every fixture, placement, and angle is carefully considered to provide safety and guidance without contributing to light pollution.

At Adaptive Design Group, our approach starts with thorough planning: code compliance, product selection, detailed plans, and precise specifications are all essential. From there, execution relies on a coordinated team of seasoned professionals. Builders, electricians, steel fabricators, and stone masons all work under our oversight to ensure every detail is perfectly implemented.

The challenge lies not just in lighting the path, but in doing so in a way that respects the surrounding environment. Fixtures are downturned and thoughtfully positioned to highlight textures, surfaces, and contours without overwhelming the natural backdrop. The subtle glow guides movement, creates ambiance, and frames the beauty of the landscape.

This level of craftsmanship requires vision, experience, and meticulous attention to detail—qualities that define Adaptive Design Group’s work. Even the smallest aspects are planned and executed with precision to ensure a seamless final result.

Bring balance, safety, and beauty to your outdoor spaces with professional lighting design. Contact us to explore how our team can elevate your landscape with Dark Sky-compliant solutions.