Photometric lighting design that meets code and holds up in the space.
Calculated layouts and fixture schedules that hit the required light levels, satisfy the energy code, and still read the way the architect intended.
Lighting is the system building occupants judge every day and the one most often value-engineered without anyone checking what it does to the calculation. A layout that looked fine as a fixture count can end up short on foot-candles in the spaces that matter, or over-lit and out of compliance with the energy code.
We build photometric models of the space and calculate the actual delivered light levels rather than estimating from fixture spacing. That produces a layout you can defend: the illuminance in each area, the uniformity across it, and the connected lighting power against whatever energy code the jurisdiction has adopted.
Egress and emergency lighting is designed as part of the same set, not bolted on afterward, so the path of egress is covered at the required levels and the emergency circuits are shown clearly enough to install and inspect without interpretation.
What it covers
- Photometric calculations and layouts
- Fixture selection and schedules
- Egress and emergency lighting
- Energy-code compliance
- Exterior and site lighting
- Lighting control integration
Photometric calculations
Point-by-point calculations showing delivered illuminance and uniformity for each space type.
Fixture schedule
Every fixture identified with type, mounting, lamping, and control requirements.
Lighting plans
Sealed plans covering interior, egress, emergency, and exterior lighting.
Energy-code compliance
Connected lighting power documented against the adopted energy code for the jurisdiction.
Sectors served
Lighting Design sealed by a professional engineer, in 22 states.
See where we are licensedLighting Design: common questions.
What is a photometric layout?
A photometric layout is a calculated model of how light actually falls in a space. Rather than estimating from fixture spacing, it computes illuminance at points across the area so you can verify the design meets the required light levels and uniformity before anything is purchased or installed.
Does lighting design include emergency and egress lighting?
Yes. Vertical Design Services designs egress and emergency lighting as part of the same set, showing the path of egress covered at the required illuminance and the emergency circuiting laid out clearly enough to install and inspect without interpretation.
How do you handle energy-code compliance for lighting?
Connected lighting power is calculated against the energy code the jurisdiction has actually adopted, and the compliance documentation is delivered with the drawing set. Controls requirements in the energy code are designed in rather than added later.
Can you design lighting to match an architect's intent?
Yes. Fixture selection balances the photometric requirement against the architectural intent, so the layout hits the required light levels without abandoning the look the design team is after.
Need lighting design on a project?
Share the project type, location, and timeline. A licensed engineer reviews every inquiry and responds directly.