Avalon Lighting Design - Creating Mood & Beauty with Lighting

Summary:

Avalon Lighting Design is a Landscape Lighting Design and Consulting firm.
Mark A. Carlson is the Owner-Principle.
30+ years of direct experience; Nationally recognized and Multi-award-winning.

The following videos highlight a larger project I worked on in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica from 2014-2016 (two phases of construction). There are personalized testimonials by some of the staff and owners of the property, as well as the importance of using excellent products. I offer insights as to what project owners should strive for when considering how to approach landscape lighting projects.

Overview:

Avalon Lighting Design is an internationally recognized, multi-award-winning Landscape Lighting Design company. It was established in January 1999, making it the oldest company providing solely, landscape lighting as a trade practice in the Sacramento, CA region. It has operated as sole proprietorship to a corporation and back; it is currently a sole proprietorship.

Avalon Lighting Design has the competitive advantage in “Design.” Others say a lot about design, but don’t provide many of the detailed offerings found in architectural firms. The truth is that most in this profession place a high priority on sales, business, and technologies, and a low priority on design. At the end of the day, it all comes down to performance; will they be effective in solving problems, proactively thinking and planning so that the project runs smoothly? My experience speaks for itself.

Avalon Lighting Design provides Landscape Lighting Design services, as a standard offering. But I also provide a specialty service in ‘Affective Lighting Design.’ This is a new practice and consideration for the landscape lighting profession; I developed it. In short, it has to do with the “experience” of each space by emotionally stimulating people to have positive effects from the lighting design. This is not taught, nor has anyone outside of myself studied it. These experiences equate to Well-Being and Human Health.

Avalon Lighting Design will approach Design in two primary ways, by its “Intent” and “Purpose”. The Intent is structured around a Human-Centric focus that is based on the Owners’ needs. The Purpose is related to each space (each ‘Use-Area’) and asks, “What is the space to be used for?” It also asks, “Who is using it?” These simple questions are the first step to understanding these Use-Areas. Until this is known, you cannot properly illuminate a space to be effective, as a lighting design solution.

As I serve my clients, I am building a platform for the future generations in landscape lighting design. I intend to pass along my experience in the form of a complete training program that will allow dedicated practitioners to study Design as a discipline, so that they can advance this art form. You can see this effort on my educational website, ELLI: https://www.landscapelightinginitiative.org/

About Mark Carlson:

I am the owner and principal of Avalon Lighting Design. My involvement in this trade, art form, and discipline has been over the past 30 years. I have had the unique pleasure to design and install projects at the international level. These were amazing experiences that taught me how to more effectively design and manage a project.

My background and experiences are quite diverse, as I have performed in many roles to including: management (window fashions and food service industries), leadership (U.S. Army), sales & customer service (landscape lighting manufacturer), design & drafting (landscape architecture firms), installation/construction (building contractor), and writing as an author (self-publishing). In addition, I am a professional drummer, as a side hobby in my local communities. I have been married for over 30+ years and have two grown boys.

The following are some of my accomplishments:

B.S. degree in Botany; CSULB (1987)
Licensed CA Contractor; C-27 #648814 (1992-present)
Certified CLVLT; AOLP (2006-2012)
Certified COLD; AOLP (2011)
Designed & Installed: 1,000+ projects
Performed Work: CA, OR, AZ, Canada (Edmonton), & Costa Rica (Playa Flamingo)
Worked at 4 Landscape Architectural firms in CA
Authored 2 books: ‘The Original Garden Lighting Book’ (2013)
‘Lighting Design Awareness’ (2022)
Author & Editor for AOLP’s Installation Guidelines (2011)
Created & Administrated Blog Series (2013-2015)
Developer & Manager of AOLP’s COLD program (2009-2011)
Speaker at several Green Industry trade shows
Historian & Collector of Frank B. Nightingale history (2013-present)
Multi-award-winner in various trade organization Awards Programs (2009-2019)
Creator & Administrator of ELLI’s educational programs (2019-present)
Writer of several Landscape Lighting Trade Practices & Guidelines (2012-present)
Creator & Developer of ELLI’s ‘Affective Lighting Design’ program (2025-present)

Testimonials

“ I never imagined how powerful just the right illumination could be and I always thought that all landscape architects included the "right" amount of illumination in their plans. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way. So, when my beautifully designed side yard patio was completed, I looked forward to being able to entertain on it both day and night. You can imagine my dismay when I walked around the yard, the first night, only to encounter ground illumination blinding my next step. ...” Read More »

– Monica Crooks, DDS, Granite Bay, CA

“ Barbara & I are so happy with the lighting job you did in our back yard. It's like our yard has come to life! We are spending a lot more time outside, due to the incredible lighting you put in. Our yard has become a sort of 'sanctuary' for us. As you know, I am on the road a lot touring with various bands and when I get home I find myself spending much of my night hours outside. The lights you installed make the yard feel like another 'room' to our house—it's such a great experience. ...” Read More »

– Tony & Barbara Pia Granada Hills, CA

“ Wow... what a difference! We are so thrilled at what you have done for us and our entire family uses the yard all the time. The lighting system you gave us is outstanding and your customer service has been great—we love it! I love to sit out back and relax with a nice cigar and just stare at the various parts of our yard. It really is amazing on how much things have come to life now. ...” Read More »

– Tim Gagnier, Granite Bay, CA

“ We have worked with Avalon Lighting over the past 8 years and they have performed their beautiful services on two different homes. Our latest home is spectacular and we were so excited to hear that it won an two different awards! We are so lucky to have met Mark and his team, as we thoroughly enjoy the use of our yard. In fact, we have had several friends over to enjoy are yard and they loved it so much, that a couple of them had their yards done by Avalon too. ...” Read More »

– Jan & Jim Leonard, Meadow Vista, CA

Review us on Google

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 13 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jeff Plank 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I called a lot of companies for my exterior landscape lights and luckily I found Mark and Avalon Lighting Design. When most companies didn't call back or failed to follow through, Mark was a good communicator, was on time, on budget, and provided high quality work. In addition to what I asked, Mark also provided his own ideas and suggestions that made the project even better. I have continued to use Mark and I would highly recommend him to anyone. Great service and great person. Thank you Mark.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Denese Holden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark Carlson did an outstanding job on my backyard lighting project! He installed 30+ lights that provide an amazing ambience as well as function for my yard. The result is stunning and I now enjoy my backyard in a way I always new could happen, but Mark made it perfect.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tad Thompon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to enhance your landscape lighting look no further. Avalon Lighting Design (Mark Carlson) does an amazing job! Mark approaches the design and installation more from an artistic angle. The end result is so different than what most would see in a landscape environment.  Mark's recommendations were spot on. The best thing you can do is hire Mark and let him have at it. We were impressed from the moment we met him to the final day of installation. Can't say enough great things about Mark. I never thought the house and front yard would ever look so good!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lynne Klein 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark was great to work with and we are extremely happy with the finished product.  Our house and yard at night are amazingly beautiful now.
Avalon was highly recommended by a neighbor and we are super glad we chose them for our landscape lighting.  Mark was prompt, on schedule, and
made the changes we wanted as the project progressed.
Couldn't Be More Pleased
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kane Wilkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark and his crew are the most trustworthy and knowledgeable guys when it comes to outdoor landscape lighting services.  Everything from professional design to quality lighting fixtures to reliable installation is first class.  When I need Mark's services, I never need to ask for a bid first because I always know I'll get a competitive and honest deal.  I just tell him what I need and he delivers! Plus, he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Bartos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark changed my yard from a place that required my constant attention  to a place where I can enjoy and decompress from a hard day at work.  I can think of no better place to enjoy a glass of wine and marvel at the beauty he created.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gregg Ponath 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark is the best!  He not only has pride in his work, he genuinely LOVES what he does and because of that he knows the topic of outdoor lighting inside out!  Fairly priced, always friendly and honest.  What you look for in a great company!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Bone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It just does not get any better than Avalon. Mark is relentless, seeking out the best in everything he does and going above and beyond. Try them, you will not be sorry. Thanks Mark!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tony Hazarian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark and his team worked on time and on budget, delivering exactly what we were looking for in our outdoor lighting project. His annual maintenance visit keeps everything in top shape. We're looking to add lighting in the coming year, and Avalon will do the work for us!