Imashi Custom Landscape Lighting Project

Unlike many of our estate projects, this property did not include any mature trees. Instead, it was a new build, featuring hand-selected rockwork, new plantings, and a Japanese-inspired design theme. With the landscape plan evolving daily, our team had to be flexible-adapting fixture placement and beam spread on the fly to achieve the desired effect. Because of the property's sloping grade and the use of low-profile but powerful fixtures, glare was a potential issue. We addressed this with a combination of: Integrated dimmers to allow for fine-tuned brightness control. Lens diffusers to soften light where needed. 3D-printed glare shields custom-fitted to conceal brightness on specific fixtures. The fixtures were finished in black, blending naturally into the gray rockwork during the day while allowing the lighting effect-not the hardware-to shine at night. Each fixture also carried a 20-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring durability and long-term value.

The landscape theme was inspired by Japanese architecture and design, featuring custom cedar fencing and a cedar hot tub. We installed a pool and spa-rated transformer with specialty lighting to safely and beautifully illuminate the space. Because of budget limitations, we had to achieve maximum impact with fewer fixtures than initially envisioned. We accomplished this through strategic placement and precise beam spreads, ensuring that every fixture contributed meaningfully to the overall design. For the rock gardens and greenery, we used a 3000K color temperature, which made the light-colored stones and vibrant green trees pop. Around the hot tub, we selected 2700K fixtures, creating a warmer, more intimate glow that paired beautifully with the rich cedar tones and provided a private, cozy ambiance. A custom downlight was added to the garden behind the hot tub, paired with a specialized dimmer that gave the homeowner complete control of brightness and lumen output.

The end result was a sophisticated, subtle, and highly customized lighting system that perfectly complemented the homeowner's vision and the landscape designer's artistry. Despite the challenges of working on an active construction site with evolving plans, the project came together flawlessly. The Imashi landscape lighting project showcases the power of combining custom fixtures, precise glare control, and tailored lighting temperatures to highlight architectural themes while enhancing safety, usability, and atmosphere. For our team, it was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Imashi and his team-and the results speak for themselves.