Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Maximizes Value for Customers
Outdoor lighting serves many purposes – security, safety, comfort and aesthetics. More often than not, an outdoor lighting plan must meet these requirements simultaneously. For hospitality brands, a strong lighting scheme not only checks these boxes but also maximizes the value of a property by creating multiple uses for the same space. This is especially true for coastal properties, where outdoor activities are prioritized but available real estate is at a premium.
The team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) in Naples has been working with customers across Southwest Florida to design, install and maintain exceptional commercial and residential outdoor lighting. For more than 20 years, OLP has provided an outstanding level of service and support for the hospitality industry, helping differentiate a wide variety of properties.
Hospitality Brands Can Leverage Outdoor Lighting Trends
Hotels, clubs and restaurants fortunate enough to sit on or near the water are among the most sought-after leisure destinations. A well-executed lighting plan differentiates one property from the next, creating versatile spaces that elevate the guest stay. Visitors increasingly seek memorable “experiences,” and distinctive lighting helps property owners customize their real estate with the ambiance that keeps guests happy. Satisfied guests are more likely to socialize their satisfaction and become loyal return customers.
Advances in lighting technology over the past decade have dramatically expanded the options available to property owners and managers. Innovation continues to fuel today’s top trends, particularly in coastal environments:
- Outdoor Rooms. From cozy to grand, lighting defines spaces and guides guests from one area to the next. When paired with landscaping, outdoor lighting can create unique “rooms,” each with its own personality.
- Illuminated Structures. Architecturally interesting buildings or standalone structures such as pergolas and fences are increasingly illuminated for both aesthetic appeal and functional value.
- Layering. Gone are the days of corner-mounted floodlights. Uplighting, path lights, LED accents and architectural spotlights work together to create depth and visual interest while enhancing safety and security.
- “Smart” Controls. LED technology and smartphone-based apps allow property managers to quickly and efficiently tailor lighting moods and perform routine maintenance.
- Sustainability. Materials and construction quality are top priorities, especially in coastal areas. Salt, air, wind and water intrusion can shorten maintenance cycles and equipment life spans. Sustainable materials reduce replacement costs and minimize environmental impact.
- Low Natural Impact. In Florida and other coastal states, lighting plans must follow guidelines such as low mounting heights, long wavelengths and shielded light sources to avoid disrupting sea turtles and migratory birds.
Dramatic Results and Improved Infrastructure
In the hospitality industry, lighting plays a central role in the overall guest experience. Kurt Shearer, Owner and Project manager with OLP Naples, shared insight into the franchise’s recent work on two resort projects. While the projects varied widely in budget and scope, both incorporated leading lighting trends to enhance the property and elevate the guest’s stay.
At the Ritz-Carlton, Tiburón, Shearer explained that his team helped create an additional outdoor reception area at the popular, family-friendly resort.
“We worked with the hotel manager to define the area to be transformed,” Shearer said. “The project centered on five 20-foot aluminum towers. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives had the posts powder-coated for durability, and we implemented a minimally disruptive construction plan. The towers are anchored in concrete and can be removed for maintenance or when the space does not require them.”
Strings of bistro lights create a fun, playful and safe outdoor setting that families appreciate. By implementing a relatively simple system of durable structures, OLP helped transform an underutilized lawn into a defined, highly functional outdoor gathering space.
In Bonita Springs, well known for its nature preserve, OLP managed a significantly larger project for The Club at Barefoot Beach, a members-only residential community on the Gulf.
“This was a very different project,” Shearer said. In addition to entrance and clubhouse exterior lighting, OLP installed new “rooms” surrounding each of the community’s 11 pools.
“Each pool serves six to eight residences and faces the Gulf. We used a variety of lighting types to create an ambiance that matched the club’s exclusive aesthetic.”
Special care was taken to minimize light pollution that could affect nearby homes as well as sea turtles and other wildlife.
Lighting Solutions Drive Franchise Success
One key differentiator OLP emphasizes is the team’s ability to solve multiple client challenges at once. For hospitality clients, lighting is a critical component of the guest experience, making vacations, special meals, golf outings and reunions much more memorable. It also plays an essential role in ensuring guests feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
“A good outdoor lighting plan has a lot to accomplish,” Shearer continued. “We combine the latest technologies with a healthy measure of common sense to deliver customized solutions for our clients. It’s remarkable how much lighting can change the perception of an experience, and we love being part of that transformation.”