A brewery’s dark corners turned into a bright idea. When we sat down with Adam Agee, owner-operator of AVL Outdoor Lighting and Design, we traced how a career in landscaping and facility maintenance evolved into a specialty: crafting low-voltage lighting that looks beautiful on night one and still performs years later. From diagnosing legacy issues at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company to building a local team in Arden, NC, Adam shares the field-tested methods behind reliable systems and the customer habits that keep trust front and center.
We dig into the real differences between DIY lighting kits and professional outdoor lighting design—fixture quality, beam control, color temperature, transformer sizing, and how to avoid glare while enhancing safety and curb appeal. Adam explains why smart controls, zoning, and dimming matter, and how outdoor audio and holiday lighting fit into a well-planned infrastructure. The theme running through it all is service: accurate estimates, clear designs clients can read, fast communication when scopes change, and “service after the sale” to keep every lens clean, aim true, and cable secure.
If you’re in Western North Carolina—Asheville, Arden, Mills River, and beyond—this conversation doubles as a guide to getting started. We outline how to prioritize entries, paths, and focal trees, choose durable fixtures, and design for seasons, not just a single reveal. You’ll also meet the person behind the brand: a mountain-loving dad who camps, plays disc golf, and believes nighttime should feel calm, intentional, and neighbor-friendly. Want your home to shine without shouting? Hear how AVL balances artistry and engineering so your property feels safe, inviting, and uniquely yours.
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