DMD specialize in lighting and as such undertake a wide range of lighting project which generally include:
- Street, highway, sidewalk, intersection, roundabout and crosswalk illumination including architecturally-sensitive decorative street lighting for neighborhoods and themed commercial districts
- Sports facilities such as fields, tracks, courts, rinks, etc.
- Walkways and plazas
- Architectural elements such as building facades, monuments, fountains, statues, sculptures, etc.
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Airports
- Transit facilities
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Signs
- Buildings and warehouses
In terms of knowledge DMD are an industry leader developing national publications and design guides. Refer to Standard Projects section for additional information.
DMD staff members are active in international organizations such as: the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), the Commission Internationale De l’Eclairage (CIE), the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Being involved with these organizations allows DMD to stay on top of new design methods and practices.
Our staff use computer lighting design software to undertake efficient lighting designs. This software allows our firm to compare luminaries for maximum efficiency as well as to optimize our design by providing the right amount of lighting. DMD understand the key elements required to produce an optimized lighting design which maximizes night-time visibility while at the same time conserves power. DMD staff have a thorough understanding of best practices, principals, concepts, standards, photometry and design software, electrical code(s) and standards, lighting controls, products and construction related to outdoor lighting, and as such provide highly detailed and effective designs.
DMD are an industry leader with respect to practicing energy efficient “Green Lighting Design”. DMD staff have been active in developing the concept of adaptive lighting controls and assessing new technologies such as LEDs. Literally thousands of lighting products exist, so one must understand the components and features to properly select the right product for the application. DMD are often involved in the review of product verification and testing. Such tests typically include: photometric tests in a laboratory, thermal tests, vibration tests, ingress protection testing, etc. We understand the requirements of national testing standards such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). As a result, DMD understand new products and can wade through false claims, saving a client an often painful trial and error process. DMD staff is committed to the development and research of new technologies and design practices aimed at giving our clients the best value.
Not all lighting products are equal. Typically cheaper products perform less efficiently so cost should not be the sole factor for selection. DMD staff is experienced in comparing various luminaires and lamps, using efficiency and life cycle cost (capital and operating costs) for evaluation. Our understanding of product performance allows DMD to differentiate products and define the best value for the dollar Outdoor lighting can impact local residents casting unwanted light in windows and onto property, which is often a cause for public complaint. We understand issues and how to mitigate them. Over the years DMD staff has attended and presented at over one hundred public open house presentations for outdoor lighting projects presenting lighting options and responding to lighting concerns and issues from local residents which is often followed up by mitigating concerns following construction.
DMD design lighting for safety and security standards, however, we also design lighting to enhance features from an architectural and aesthetic standpoint. We have designed colour changing LED lighting tied to DMX controls. In addition we have designed lighting to highlight and enhance sculptures, water features, bridge structures, building facades, signage, plazas, buildings, etc.
Where required, DMD produce lighting renderings for streetscape and architectural lighting projects. These renderings show the effects of lighting on in application to which they will be installed.
In terms of product performance, DMD staff have undertaken numerous projects involving field verification measurements of lighting levels. DMD staff can measure and record lighting levels of existing systems and documents, and summarize results as they relate to current standards and industry practices.
