There are moments in a career when everything aligns—the challenge, the talent, and the opportunity to create something truly remarkable. Hosting the Sterling Summit was one of those moments. As the owner of Dayloom and Sterling Lighting, I’ve spent decades designing, installing, and manufacturing lighting solutions, but this event was a unique undertaking. We weren’t just designing a system; we were designing for lighting designers—a discerning audience with trained eyes and high expectations.
The core of the summit was Eleftheria Deko, the world-renowned lighting designer behind the illumination of the Acropolis and the 2004 Greek Olympics. Partnering with her and my talented design team, we set out to create a breathtaking lighting experience for over 70 different lighting scenes. The challenge was immense, but the opportunity to collaborate with one of the best designers in the world made it exhilarating.
Designing for the Best
Designing for lighting designers is an epic challenge. They notice every nuance, every shadow, and every subtle shift in color temperature. The pressure was on, but that’s exactly what made this project so rewarding. Over two days and nights, our team walked the property, analyzed the landscape, and created rendering mockups, meticulously refining our approach.
After hours of discussion, testing, and adjustments, we finalized our design. But conceptualizing it was only half the battle. The next step was bringing it to life.
The Art of the Temporary Installation
With the plan set, we spent the next three days executing a temporary installation. My design team, along with a select group of lighting designers, worked tirelessly to place each luminaire precisely, ensuring every beam of light contributed to the greater composition. Each night, we stayed out until 1-2 AM, making micro-adjustments, refining angles, and tweaking intensities to achieve perfection.
The end result was breathtaking. The interplay of light and shadow, the layering of color temperatures, and the strategic use of focal points created a masterpiece in illumination. The unveiling was a moment of immense pride—one that validated the countless hours of effort.
An Unexpected Honor
The reception exceeded all expectations. The attendees, a mix of some of the best lighting designers in the world, were captivated. The event was meant to be temporary, but the impact was so profound that the City of Danville requested a permanent installation. That’s when we knew we had truly created something special.
Reflections on the Summit
This project reinforced a few key principles:
- Collaboration is King – Working alongside Eleftheria Deko and a team of world-class designers elevated the entire process. The best designs come from shared expertise.
- Perfection is in the Details – The late nights, the micro-adjustments, and the endless refinements were worth it. Great lighting design isn’t just about placing fixtures—it’s about orchestrating an experience.
- Passion Drives Excellence – When you love what you do, it shows. The energy, excitement, and dedication of everyone involved were what made this summit unforgettable.
The Sterling Summit was more than just a lighting event—it was a testament to the artistry of outdoor illumination. And for those of us who live and breathe lighting design, it was a reminder of why we do what we do.
