A commercial building says a lot about the business inside it. After dark, that message depends entirely on the light around it. Architectural lighting in Chicago brings out the structure and identity of properties once the sun goes down. This can take a facade that disappears at night and turn it into a landmark.
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives designs custom architectural lighting for Chicago commercial properties. Every system is custom-built with great attention to detail given to the materials and shape of the building and the purpose of the business. The way the lights come together is always a little different, but one thing never changes: a commitment to making your business look its best, no matter the hour.
Chicago Architectural Lighting, Custom for the Building
Chicago architectural lighting is all about making the structure itself look its best. This is a little different than landscape lighting, which is about the grounds. Architectural lighting is focused on the exterior facade and the features that make a building feel special like rooflines and entrances. Also considered are the signage and building materials. This is about both form (stylish appearance) and function (clear brand visibility).
When handled well, light can emphasize what makes a property distinct and draw the eye where you want it without glare or hot spots. No two buildings light the same way. Brick, stone, glass, and metal all take light differently. Buildings whose faces have deep reliefs need a different approach than flat modern fronts. We’ve worked with all kinds of buildings and we have developed an instinct for where light works its best. This is why we always study the building and the design around it. Then we make decisions around fixture placement, beam angles, and light levels based on the real on-site conditions.
Custom Architectural Lighting in Chicago for Different Commercial Property Types
Architectural lighting in Chicago can be seen on all kinds of commercial properties once you know where to look. You can see it on office buildings that want a professional evening presence. You can also see it in retail centers and restaurants competing for attention. Hospitality properties are often great examples of how outdoor lighting can be used, as they’re very conscious about setting a tone at the entrance. Dealerships and senior living communities want a polished, welcoming exterior.
If you’d like flexibility with your architectural lighting, you might want to consider a commercial permanent lighting system. You’ll be able to change the colors any time you like for holidays and events. And every day in between, you can have the lights shining everyday architectural soft white or even branded colors.
Why Chicago Businesses Choose Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chicago has provided commercial lighting service for the greater Chicago market for over 25 years. It is family-founded, now second-generation led, and focused entirely on outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is all we do, not landscaping, pest control, general contracting, or general electrical work.
We are an authorized dealer for permanent roofline lighting, and every installation is manufacturer-credentialed and covered under a lifetime product warranty. That’s a high bar to clear, as the manufacturers take great care to pick the right partners. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives also has a 5-star average on Google from nearly 200 reviews.
And if you’d like to spread out the cost for cash flow purposes, that’s doable too. Financing is available.
If you’d like to learn more about what commercial outdoor lighting for your business could look like, you can request a complimentary design consultation or call (630) 345-4249. A professional lighting designer will assess your property and create a custom plan at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is architectural lighting?
Architectural lighting is exterior lighting designed to highlight a building's structure and features, such as facades, rooflines, columns, entrances, and signage, to improve its nighttime presentation and reinforce property identity.
How is architectural lighting different from landscape lighting?
Landscape lighting is focused on the grounds themselves, as well as plantings and pathways. Architectural lighting is focused on the building itself. Both kinds of lighting have a place in commercial lighting design.
Can architectural lighting include changeable colors?
Yes. When paired with a permanent LED system, architectural lighting can deliver everyday white light plus programmable color for branding, holidays, and events, all app-controlled.
Will the lighting work with our building's materials?
Yes, and we custom design because every material (brick, stone, glass, metal) needs a slightly different lighting design.
Do you serve our type of commercial property?
We design architectural lighting for offices, retail centers, restaurants, hospitality properties, dealerships, senior living communities, and other commercial buildings throughout the Chicago area.