September 2025 Contractor of the Month is: Illuminate Low Voltage Nightscape Design LLC

Can you tell us about your business?

Illuminate Low Voltage Nightscape Design LLC is a premier outdoor low-voltage lighting company dedicated to transforming residential and commercial properties with elegant, durable, and energy-efficient lighting solutions. Proudly owned by Christopher Pinto, a native of Barnegat, New Jersey, located in Ocean County, Illuminate proudly serves all surrounding counties, including Monmouth, Atlantic, and Burlington, with one of our premier service locations in Long Beach Island (LBI). We specialize in the installation of high-quality AMP® cast brass fixtures, known for their superior craftsmanship, long-lasting durability, and timeless design. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and creating custom lighting solutions that enhance beauty, safety, and value. At Illuminate, we believe outdoor lighting is more than just illumination—it’s about creating atmosphere, enhancing safety, and showcasing the beauty of a property after the sun goes down. That’s why we combine exceptional design expertise, meticulous installation practices, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction in every project. With quality craftsmanship and lasting performance, we make your property shine—day and night.

How did you get into the landscape lighting business?

My passion for helping people enhance their homes by highlighting their residential and commercial properties with low-voltage lighting began with my own project. The journey started in June 2022 when I wanted to bring my own property to life at night and “Own the Night.” While researching the market, I realized there wasn’t a local company specializing solely in low-voltage lighting—it was often a secondary service for landscapers, hardscapers, pool companies, or electricians. I envisioned becoming a true master of the trade, treating every new project as a work of lighting art. I also realized that a property can be beautiful during the day, but much of that value is lost at night if it isn’t visible. Solar-powered lighting wasn’t the answer—its reliability depends on daily sunlight and batteries. I wanted a hardwired low-voltage system, installed below grade like a web of interconnected fixtures powered by a transformer. At dusk, that system would transform into a work of art—illuminating pathways, landscapes, hardscapes, decks, steps, docks, patios, and even underwater features.

What percentage of your business is landscape lighting/what other services do you provide (ie: landscaping, irrigation, electrical…)?

About 80% of our business focuses on low-voltage lighting, while the remaining portion is dedicated to outdoor permanent trim lighting, which has become increasingly popular for holiday and year-round lighting. These smart systems, controlled by apps like Govee, are installed under soffit lines and custom-fit to any residential or commercial property with a professional mounting system. We also provide basic landscaping services, including creating landscape planters, architectural features, and stone installations to support lighting placement. We always remind our clients: “Landscape before Nightscape.” The right landscaping sets the stage for exceptional accent lighting.

How long have you been installing landscape lighting?

We’ve been installing low-voltage lighting for over three years, and ongoing education is a cornerstone of our business. Our team receives regular training and attends annual seminars to stay current with the latest products, techniques, and safety practices in low-voltage lighting installation.

What AMP products do you prefer to use? Which fixtures are your favorite?

I prefer AMP® specialty products from the RGBW Color Product Line, which feature integrated LEDs that allow for color-changing capabilities and dimming through remote control. My personal favorite is the AMP® RGBW HydraPro™ Single Source LED Well Light (Dimmable). This fixture sits flush at grade level, with the canister recessed below ground. Its true-to-color LEDs produce powerful, vibrant colors and offer four dynamic lighting modes: Flash, Strobe, Fade, and Smooth. Well lights are a signature element we use at Illuminate to accent shrubs and tree canopies in mulch or stone planters. They provide stunning curb appeal without the visible clutter of above-ground spotlights during the day.

What tips or tricks have you learned that have benefited your work from a design/installation perspective?

Design with Layers of Light – Combine uplighting, downlighting, path lights, and accents for depth and balance rather than simply lining a walkway. Focus on Features, Not Fixtures – Ask “What do I want to highlight?” rather than “Where can I put a light?” The light should disappear—the effect is what matters. Use Odd Numbers & Asymmetry – Odd groupings (3, 5, 7) and staggered patterns appear more natural than symmetrical lines. Choose Warm Color Temperatures (2700K–3000K) – Warmer tones create an inviting ambiance and flatter landscapes compared to cooler whites (5000K–6000K). Highlight Textures – Grazing light across stone, bark, or architectural details adds dramatic shadows and dimension. Control Glare – Angle fixtures away from direct view and use glare shields to enhance visual comfort. Plan for Growth – Trees and shrubs grow. Design with flexibility so your lighting remains balanced over time.

Tell me about your sales process. How do you find your customers? What is your sales process? Do you use sales tools such as a free demo…

Our sales process focuses on face-to-face interaction and relationship building. We aim to earn the customer’s trust before we earn the project—assuring them that we’ll treat their property as if it were our own. Understanding the client’s requirements and expectations is essential to delivering quality results. We also emphasize the lifetime manufacturer warranty that comes with using genuine AMP® Lighting fixtures and transformers. Most of our clients find us through word of mouth, five-star Google reviews, and our growing online portfolio. We also connect directly with clients through Facebook and Instagram, where inquiries receive an immediate response to schedule consultations and discuss lighting design options.

Where do you find inspiration for your lighting designs?

Illuminate’s Top Five Sources for Design Inspiration: The Landscape Itself – Nature is our biggest guide. Every property has unique focal points—trees, textures, water features, architecture—waiting to be revealed at night. Daytime & Nighttime Walkthroughs – Observing the property in both sunlight and darkness helps identify where lighting can add beauty, safety, and drama. Architectural Details – Columns, stonework, rooflines, and facades spark ideas for uplighting, grazing, and shadow play. Art & Photography Principles – We apply design rules like the “rule of thirds,” layering, and contrast to create balanced, artistic illumination. Client Lifestyle & Personality – Our designs often reflect how clients live. For entertainers, we focus on patios and gathering spaces; for garden enthusiasts, we emphasize plant highlights.

What do you feel is the most personally rewarding part of installing a lighting system for a client?

The most rewarding part is seeing the client’s reaction when their lighting system turns on for the first time. That moment of awe—the “Wow Factor”—drives our entire team. Every project we complete reinforces why we do what we do: helping homeowners and businesses see their properties in a whole new light.

Tell us a little bit about you personally: What do you like to do outside of work? What are your hobbies?

I’m married to my wife, Deanna, and we have three wonderful children—Caysen (7) and twins Haven and Cruz (4)—who are my greatest motivation. They inspire me to give my best every day and continue bringing light to our clients’ lives, one property at a time. Outside of work, I coach football and baseball for Caysen. I’m also an avid sports fan, and my hobbies include fishing and spending time at the beach to relax and recharge.