luxuryarchitecture

Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Art of Lighting Design

As AI and automation increasingly enter the world of architecture and design, it is easy to assume that lighting design can be generated solely by software. But in the luxury residential arena, nuance, emotion, and architectural intent demand far more than data—they require artistry, intuition, and lived expertise.

That’s where Adaptive Design Group stands apart: as highly experienced designers in business for over 30 years, their approach is rooted in decades of hands-on experience, deep architectural understanding, and a refined eye that technology alone cannot replicate.

Adaptive’s team has been recognized by Residential Systems, CE Pro, and other top-tier industry platforms for their expertise in both lighting and controls. These features highlight a rare combination: precise technical mastery paired with refined creative intuition. AI can interpret data and specs, but it cannot navigate the subtle interplay between an architect’s intent, interior design harmony, and a homeowner’s emotional vision.

Lighting is not just calculated, it’s curated.

What further sets Adaptive Design Group apart is their uniquely holistic and collaborative approach. Working closely with architects, interior designers, landscape professionals, and homeowners, Adaptive weaves lighting into the very fabric of a residence—from concept to completion. Their full-spectrum services include not just architectural lighting design, but also intelligent lighting controls, motorized shading, and electrical engineering.

This integration ensures that lighting becomes an effortless extension of the home’s architecture and lifestyle, rather than a technical afterthought. The result is a seamless, human-centered experience—where every beam, glow, and shadow serves a purpose greater than illumination.

In short, AI may assist, but only Adaptive Design Group’s seasoned professionals truly see the light. We are masters of The Human art of lighting design. We interpret it, infuse it with meaning, and transform structures into emotive, luxurious environments—with craftsmanship that goes far beyond code.

Interesting in learning more? Contact us and schedule a demo today!

Let’s illuminate your vision

“We are Artists with Light and Experts with Technologies…” – Glenn Merlin Johnson, Founder of Adaptive Design Group

At Adaptive, lighting is not an afterthought—it’s a defining element of architecture. We bring both artistry and engineering to every project, designing luminous environments where innovation supports elegance.
Technologies are critical—not only to the design and performance of the home—but to its emotional impact and timeless beauty. That’s the balance we strike: intuitive, human-centered lighting that elevates both form and function. Let’s illuminate your vision.

Contact us for your residential Architectural Lighting project.

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The Art of Illumination at Basalte

We’re proud to share that our Founder & Principal, Glenn Merlin Johnson, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural design series event hosted at @basalte’s USA showroom in Salt Lake City.

Glenn presented The Art of Illumination—a topic rooted in decades of experience designing lighting that enhances architecture, honors intention, and creates emotional resonance in luxury residential spaces.

What an incredible opportunity to speak on The Art of Illumination at Basalte.

Thank you to @basalte for curating such a thoughtful event, and to @mccadegordon for capturing the essence of the evening with precision and beauty.

Contact us for Glenn to speak at your Architectural Lighting Design event.

#theartofillumination #parkcity #parkcityutah #AdaptiveDesignGroup #parkcityutah #parkcity #GlennMerlinJohnson #ArchitecturalLighting #LuxuryResidentialDesign #BasalteUSA #LightingDesignLeadership

Lighting Design That Speaks the Language of Architecture
At Adaptive Design Group, we speak the language of architects. Our detailed lighting and engineering process integrates seamlessly from concept to completion—elevating both form and function.

This isn’t just lighting—it’s emotional architecture. Every beam, every shadow, every dimmed moment is intentionally composed to support the spatial narrative. At Adaptive Design Group, we design with feeling, crafting illumination that resonates as deeply as the architecture itself.

Contact us for your residential lighting design project

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Crafting Emotion Through Light
Great architecture is felt, not just seen. Our lighting designs are rooted in emotional experience—enhancing how people feel, move, and live within their space.

We don’t just light spaces — we define luxury through illumination.

Contact us for your residential art lighting project

#theartofillumination #parkcity #parkcityutah #AdaptiveDesignGroup #LuxuryResidential #LightingWithEmotion #LuxuryResidentialLighting #architecturallighting #themerlinlight #parkcityutah #parkcity 
#LightingDesignForBuilders #BuildableDesign #LuxuryLighting

Lighting You Can Build From

Builders love us because we deliver buildable designs. Our precision documentation helps align trades, set budgets, and avoid rework—especially with the rapidly evolving tech in lighting and control systems.

Designed with intention. Delivered with precision.

Contact us for your custom residential lighting project

#theartofillumination #parkcity #parkcityutah #AdaptiveDesignGroup #LuxuryResidential 
#LightingDesignForBuilders #BuildableDesign #LuxuryLighting

Why Architects Trust Adaptive Design
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Collaborating with Adaptive means your architectural vision remains pure—artfully illuminated with precision and purpose. We take ownership of the technical complexities, allowing you to focus fully on spatial form, materiality, and narrative.

Because when we handle the complexity, you get to focus on the artistry.

Contact us for your residential project

#theartofillumination #parkcity #parkcityutah #AdaptiveDesignGroup #LuxuryResidential #LightingForArchitects #DesignIntegrity #ArchitecturalIllumination

The Future Is Bright: Lighting Automation for the Modern Home

Bringing Light, Life, and Luxury Into Harmony

As technology reshapes how we live, lighting has evolved far beyond a simple switch. Lighting automation—once a luxury reserved for futuristic visions—is now an essential feature in today’s finest homes. At Adaptive Design Group, we’ve spent decades designing and engineering smart home lighting systems that not only illuminate spaces, but elevate how those spaces are experienced.

What Is Lighting Automation?

Lighting automation refers to lighting systems that are programmed or controlled to operate automatically—whether based on time, occupancy, daylight, or user preference. It can include automatic lights for home, remote dimming, smart switches, and even wireless lighting control systems for homes that are integrated with mobile apps or voice assistants. Whether it’s smart outdoor lighting that responds to the setting sun or indoor fixtures that shift throughout the day, automated lighting offers convenience, efficiency, and ambiance in perfect balance.

The Power of Thoughtful Planning

Unlike off-the-shelf “smart bulb” setups, true lighting automation begins with comprehensive planning. As architectural lighting designers, Adaptive Design Group collaborates closely with architects, interior designers, builders, and homeowners to develop fully custom lighting control plans that account for every layer of light:

• Path lighting for subtle nighttime navigation

• Task lighting for kitchens, workspaces, and vanities

• Decorative lighting that highlights architectural features or fine art

• Interior lighting to balance natural light, color temperature, and mood

We don’t just design systems—we craft experiences. Our schematics include remote light control, motorized shading integration, smart lighting control systems, and automatic dimming—all designed to work seamlessly from one intuitive platform.

Lighting Automation: Not Just Smart—Beautifully Intelligent

While we utilize some of the best smart lights and best smart lighting systems on the market, our expertise lies in how they’re integrated. With several patents in lighting design and decades of innovation, Adaptive Design Group ensures every detail supports the architectural vision and enhances how a home feels from the inside out.

Unlike vendors who push hardware, our focus remains on design and collaboration. We don’t sell fixtures—we create harmony. This independence allows us to recommend the best technologies available, tailored to each home’s unique needs and lifestyle.

Designed for the Way You Live

From coastal retreats to mountain estates, we’ve seen how automatic lighting not only improves day-to-day living, but also extends the home’s character into every moment. Imagine automatic house lights welcoming you home at dusk, or soft dimmed illumination setting the tone for a relaxing evening—all without lifting a finger.

Ready to Light Smarter?

Whether you’re building from the ground up or upgrading an existing residence, our team is here to help you design the ideal lighting environment. Reach out to Adaptive Design Group to explore how lighting automation can transform your home—beautifully, intuitively, and seamlessly.

Contact us to see what we Lighting Automation can do for you!

Lighting the perfect summer residence

Perched in the mountains of Utah, this private luxury residence includes three distinct structures—each thoughtfully designed.

Artfully illuminated by Adaptive Design Group, the lighting enhances the natural textures and architectural beauty, making this the perfect summer residence.⁠
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Here, the days are long and free. Children run barefoot until the sun sets, curfews marked only by golden hour. The soundtrack? Rustling leaves, flowing water, and birdsong. It’s where memories are made, and where light shapes the moments that last.⁠

Contact us for your custom Mountain Retreat Lighting project.

#AdaptiveDesignGroup

Great lighting elevates

For over 40 years, The MerlinLight® line of recessed framing projectors has been enhancing private, residential art collections around the world.

This Fourth of July, we’re proud to showcase an American flag art installation, perfectly lit with The MerlinLight®, honoring both the artistry of the work and the meaning behind it.

Because great lighting doesn’t just reveal—it elevates.
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Contact us for your custom art lighting project.

#TheMerlinLight #ArtLighting #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay #ArchitecturalLighting #customhomebuilders #theartofillumination #parkcity #parkcityutah