Q: I've heard of lighting design. What is it?

A. lighting design is the planning of a lighting system to achieve a designed effect in a given space. The system may include lighting for landscape, exterior architectural, one or more rooms, a remodel of an existing structure or an entire new home. Changing the lighting system in your present home is also a distinct possibility.

Q: What can a lighting designer do for me?

A: A competent designer will be able to determine your lighting needs based on your tastes, decor, personal habits, use of space and budget and provide you with a custom, personalized lighting plan. Even if you only want to add a couple lights, you can benefit from the advice of a design consultant.

Q: I'm interested in having a system designed for my new home/remodel. How soon should I contact a design professional?

A: ASAP! If at all possible, select a designer you are comfortable with during the planning stages. A lighting specialist will be able to offer valuable ideas that may be incorporated into the structural design of your home. By having the system included in your plans, you will be able to obtain more accurate bids. Although may homes have been successfully lit while in the framing and even wiring stages, the designer may be limited by time, structure or budget in the later phases of the project.

Q: Where can I find a qualified lighting designer?

A: Some lighting retailers have capable design personnel working directly for the store. Ask your architect to recommend someone. Go to trade shows or ask your friends. Home Advisor, Inc. is an excellent source.

Q: How do I know if the person I contact will do a satisfactory job for me?

A: Professional design of any kind is extremely dependent upon personal taste. A lighting design done for one person may not appeal to another. Ask questions: What types of projects have you done? What do I stand to gain from using your design? Will you work within my budget? Will you be around the job to assist the electrician, if need be? Will you meet with my decorator to coordinate my decor with my lighting? Will you be around to make adjustments if your design leaves dark spots in my home?

It is your money and your home. You have the right to ask questions of anyone you consider hiring. Watch out for the designer who has all the right answers already without taking your needs and desires in mind. Likely as not, your house will turn out just like the last one he/she designed.

Above all, you must be able to communicate with this person. Be sure your consultant can explain his/her ideas in terms you can understand.

Q: What technical things should I be aware of?

A:Thanks to modern technology, we have a vast array of lighting choices open to us which may make the project seem confusing. Don't become overwhelmed. This is why you hired a lighting designer.

• A responsible designer will discuss your options with you, including pros and cons.
• Natural light should be utilized whenever possible. Discuss energy saving designs and ask for examples of the cost payback.
• Ask about controls for the lights. Will the locations be convenient? Do they require unconventional wiring?
• Get a good understanding of the difference between task and accent lighting.
• One aspect of importance is the future flexibility of your design, especially when accenting displays of items subject to rearrangement.

Q: How much does lighting design cost?

A:Costs vary. Some retail designers will include the design at no additional cost if you are buying the lighting fixtures from them. However, this limits your design options to the lines they carry. Professional designers charge differently. Their rates vary, depending on the size, detail, time involved and the services provided. Know the costs before starting the project.

Q: What general advice would you offer?

A: Look around, start noticing the methods used in lighting effects around you -- the mall is a good place for examples of both good and bad lighting. When you sit down with your designer, you will be able to discuss what you like.

Remember that even the best of designs will not turn out as planned if your electrician cannot understand the desired effect of the lights or have the pride to get it right. This is why it is important, especially on larger jobs, to hire a designer who will meet with your electrician to clarify and confirm fixture locations.

It is equally important that your electrician be quality conscious, knowledgeable, flexible and willing to work with your lighting designer.

The plan you end up with should be functional. All the extravagant bells and whistles won't be worth a thing if you can't operate it easily. A sound lighting design is an investment that will pay off in happiness, satisfaction and convenience from the first time you flip on your light switch.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com