Ian Russell Designs

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Introduction

Question: How can a client achieve the vision that is in his/her mind? Answer: The client must ask themselves the following: 1. Can my vision be achieved simply by hiring an electrician who can change out some old wiring or fixtures or does my project require a licensed lighting designer with more than 25+ years of experience in Interior and exterior lighting, and whose portfolio is filled with beautiful and award-winning concepts. Ian Russell Designs has advanced expertise you seek both in attention to detail and complex electrical systems. We organize your thoughts into a cohesive lighting plan with the correct fixtures and bulbs to create that special atmosphere. We produce a successful lighting design by using the following : 1. Create a "Welcome Mat". 2. Stimulate calmness and relaxation. 3. Increase visual space: interior or exterior. There are three levels of lighting: 1. Task 2. Accent 3. Ambient -Task lighting is used for countertops and tables. -Accent lighting is used to illustrate areas that are important architectural elements, artwork, and stairways. -Ambient light refers to lamps, cove lighting, desk lamps, wall sconces, and torchieres.

Overview

Hired 27 times

Background checked

7 employees

31 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, and PayPal.

Projects and media

37 photos

Projects and media

37 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and punctuality.

Very good 4.6

25 reviews

5

84%

4

4%

3

4%

2

0%

1

8%

Eshita G.

Aug 9, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: New lighting installation • 5-10 lights • Indoors • Existing property • House

Ian Russell Designs's reply

Notice To All Future Clients: I’d like to call your attention to Ms. Gupta’s comments and why she gave me a one star review: My Reply: Good evening Eshita, Thank you for contacting me. To make an appointment, you may reach me on my cell or text me at (415) 299-4991. Thank you! Kind regards, Ian. My Reply: Are you still interested having recessed ceiling lights in your ceiling. Please advise. Thank you. Kind regards, Ian. Ms Gupta’s reply: Yes I am. However, I am waiting to have all my lightings delivered so we can schedule an in home visit for u to provide estimate My reply: Sorry, my liability insurance policy does not allow me to install lights supplied by an owner. Thank you for the opportunity but I must decline installing your project. Ms. Gupta’s reply: Sure Mention that in your description on thumbstack Why the hell would I want to buy chandeliers from you when there are a zillion stores My Reply: Sorry. Thank you. Ms. Gupta’s reply: You should have read my project description. Such a loser company

Lighting Installation

Catherine And Greg M.

Jul 16, 2017

A wonderful lighting designer introduced us to Ian Russell. After seeing Ian's installations, we thought our smaller backyard project might not be of interest to him. But Ian agreed to take on our project and never showed less than an impeccable work ethic and great care about the end result and our satisfaction. His experience, thorough knowledge of all available products, and keen listening skills have translated into the exact effect we wanted. Thanks to him, our backyard looks much bigger at night than it does during the day and our appreciation for our own space has been multiplied manifold. He was able to sense the light levels we were comfortable with and adjusted accordingly, and with great resourcefulness. Additionally he works with a crew of perfectionist workers, has a wonderful sense of humor, and loads of extraordinary stories from his far from ordinary life. We are looking forward to working with him again soon, on the front yard!

Joan M.

Mar 7, 2018

I wholeheartedly recommend Ian Russell Designs for their timely work, accessibility, courtesy and expert craftsmanship. We are so excited about the work Ian and his crew did on our home! It was a work of real technical expertise combined with the sensitivity we had hope to find in a contractor. I recently became the owner of the big, old home where I grew up. We were basically trying to restore the whole place to its “former glory”. And details mattered. Ian immediately assessed that the wiring for interior lighting was going to have to be completely replaced as the home was built in 1896. Some upgrades had been done, but Ian felt that even those were now a safety hazard. I had told him this was going to be a stretch for us financially, but that we were going to try to make it happen. He gave us an estimate for the rewiring of 11 rooms and the option to add 5 fixtures of exterior uplighting. We were able to get together the finances and the work began. One of the things I liked about Ian and his crew was that they seemed to actually appreciate different features of the house and recognize the original artistry of the early builders. When they completed the interior work, they left the house completely clean and free of debris. (You might expect that, but it doesn’t always happen nowadays.) The garden had never had lighting and now has 5 uplights for the oaks and the flowering trees. In addition, he added little submersible lights among the rocks along the stream that runs down the hillside between the upper and lower patios. And he didn’t charge for that feature. My dad would have been delighted. The final product is a safely lit interior with warm light illuminating the old beams, the inglenook, paneled dining room, and bedrooms, with bright light for the bathrooms and kitchen. And a spectacular garden area. We’re still solvent, and very proud of the home. The Ian Russell Design craftsmen did a beautiful job and the key to their success is that they listen to you. Joan M.

Susi B.

Mar 8, 2018

Deborah C.

Nov 9, 2016

Ian is very talented with a fabulous sense of style and design.

Credentials

Background Check

Ian Russell

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My rates are competitive for a multiple award-winning lighting specialist. 1. $85/hr. per man hour for installation and onsite supervision. 2. $175-$250 /hr. for developing a design and menu of lighting fixtures that are based on quality and performance.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A professional lighting designer will take notes outlining the clients goals and expectations. A lighting designer should go over these six steps to achieve 100% Customer Satisfaction. 1: Consultation to determine the scope of your lighting project. 2: Provide 2 estimates: Good-Better. 3: Guide you through fixture selections. 4: Map out a plan showing exactly where the fixture(s) are to be used. 5: Purchase and install the fixtures. 6: Make final adjustments using filters and specific types of lamps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 25+ years of field experience and completed well over 800 projects in lighting design, consultation, and installations. Prior to starting my lighting career, I went through the rigors of Cal Poly School of Architecture. I worked at my father's architectural office, George Vernon Russell FAIA, Los Angeles, CA.