D
David Kandell
Local Guide
Recently
The installers were total professionals and the buried wires are absolutely invisible. Designer Jay nailed it — we're eager to do the backyard next.
Our Story
The Midwest's dedicated outdoor lighting team.
We're not a landscaper that installs lights on the side. Outdoor and seasonal lighting is our only business — and it's been that way since the year 2000.
Founder-led
Darrin Selking still designs, plans, and oversees the installation of every system.
In-house team
Designers Jay and Alex; install crews led by Walt. The people clients name in their reviews.
Industry-certified
AOLP Technician (CLVLT 1844) and Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD #2356).
Meet the Founder
Darrin Selking — Founder & President
Darrin founded Landscape Illumination in 2000 and still designs, plans, and is involved in the installation of every lighting system. He holds a double degree from Purdue University in landscape management/design and turf grass management.
He's AOLP-certified (Technician CLVLT 1844 and Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer COLD #2356), was named Kichler's North American Contractor of the Year three times (2008, 2012, 2019), and was inducted into the Kichler Landscape Lighting Hall of Fame in 2025.
- Custom-designed for every property — no templates.
- Darrin walks every job and reviews every install.
- Personally responds to every Google review.
"Every light is placed with purpose. Beauty, safety, and security — when those three come together, the property comes to life after dark."
— Darrin Selking
The Founder's Story
A craftsman with a double degree from Purdue.
Darrin Selking founded Landscape Illumination in 2000. He brought to the work a double degree from Purdue University in landscape management/design and turf grass management — and a conviction that outdoor lighting deserved to be its own craft, not a side service tacked onto a landscaping job.
By 2002, Landscape Illumination had become the largest installer of outdoor lighting systems in Indiana, lower Michigan, and the south Chicagoland area. By 2003, it was one of the largest lighting companies in the entire Midwest. The recognition followed: Kichler North American Contractor of the Year in 2008, 2012, and 2019 — the only contractor in North America to win three times. In 2025, Darrin received the Kichler Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Landscape Lighting Hall of Fame.
Through all of that, the company's character has not changed. Darrin still designs, plans, and is involved in the installation of every system. He personally responds to every Google review. The team — designers Jay and Alex, install crews led by Walt — is the same team clients single out by name when they leave reviews.
Awards & Certifications
Recognized by the industry. Trusted by clients.
Kichler Hall of Fame
Inducted 2025.
3× Contractor of the Year
Kichler North America — 2008, 2012, 2019.
Lifetime Achievement
Kichler Lifetime Achievement Award, 2025.
AOLP Certified
Technician CLVLT 1844 + COLD #2356.
Our Approach
Custom-designed lighting, expertly installed, built to last.
We exist to give Midwest homeowners and businesses an after-dark experience that genuinely transforms their property — without compromise on design, products, or service.
Custom Design
Every system is tailored to your home, architecture, and how you live in the space — no templates.
Founder-Led
Darrin designs, plans, and is involved in the installation of every system we build.
Premium Products
Vista and Kichler fixtures, UL 1838 stainless transformers, and 15-year LED warranties.
Industry Recognition
Three-time Kichler North American Contractor of the Year. Hall of Fame inductee.
2000
Founded
27+ yrs
Experience
345+
Google reviews
4.8★
Google rating
Corporate · N. Indiana, Illinois & Michigan
Valparaiso, IN
304 E. 316 North, Suite B, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Local: (219) 465-7200
Central & Southern Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
8070 Castleton Road, #912, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Local: (317) 851-9172
Why Landscape Illumination
Outdoor lighting is all we do
We're not a landscaper that installs lights on the side. We're the Midwest's dedicated outdoor lighting specialist — and it shows in every fixture, beam, and finished project.
27+ Years of Specialization
Outdoor lighting is the company's only business — not a sideline of a larger landscaping operation. Founded in 2000 by Darrin Selking.
Award-winning craftsmanship
Three-time Kichler North American Contractor of the Year (2008, 2012, 2019) and inducted into the Kichler Landscape Lighting Hall of Fame in 2025.
Custom design, every time
Every system is tailored to your home, architecture, and how you live in the space. No templates, no copy-paste designs.
Premium products
Vista and Kichler fixtures, UL 1838-approved stainless steel transformers, 3M direct-bury splice kits, and LED lamps with a 15-year warranty.
Industry-leading warranties
Lifetime warranty on stainless steel transformers, 15-year minimum on LED light sources, plus manufacturer warranties on every fixture.
Founder-led service
Darrin designs, plans, and is involved in the installation of every system — and personally responds to every Google review.
Beauty · Safety · Security
Why outdoor lighting is worth the investment
Professional landscape lighting transforms how a property looks, feels, and functions after dark — every single night of the year.
Beauty
Thoughtfully placed fixtures accentuate your home's architecture and landscape, transforming curb appeal after dark.
Safety
Properly illuminated paths, stairs, and grade changes reduce accidents — especially after dusk or in poor weather.
Security
Well-lit exteriors deter intruders. Strategic placement and motion options provide real peace of mind.
Architectural impact
Layered uplighting and downlighting reveal texture, depth, and detail invisible during the day.
Property value
A professionally designed lighting system is a long-term investment that appeals to buyers and elevates resale value.
Mood & atmosphere
Tailorable lighting supports lively gatherings or quiet retreats — exactly the experience you want.
Extended living spaces
Patios, decks, and gardens become usable well into the evening for entertaining and relaxation.
Energy efficiency
LED light sources with a 15-year warranty, paired with photocells and timers, keep operating costs low.
Google Reviews
What our clients say
4.8· Based on 345+ Google reviews
J
Josh Bachman
Verified customer
Recently
Hired Landscape Illumination for the front yard, then again for the backyard after we built a new deck. The team is very responsive and fast. Highly recommend.
N
Nick Hrisomalos
Local Guide
Recently
Impressed by every facet. Alex responded fast with online design and color options. Installer Walt and his crew were courteous and detail-focused — one of the best-managed companies I've dealt with.
S
Shorewood Forest Homeowner
Lakefront project
Recently
Lighting across the covered porch, pergola, pool area, stone walls, and tree-line. Every light placed with purpose. The property is unrecognizable after dark.
C
Crown Point Client
Whole-property design
Recently
From the first consultation through nighttime adjustment, the process was organized and well-managed. Darrin is hands-on and the crew was meticulous.
I
Indianapolis Client
Holiday + landscape lighting
Recently
They handle both our landscape lighting and holiday display. One trusted team for the whole property, all year. Communication is excellent.
Our Process
A meticulous 5-step process
From the first walk-through to the moment your lights come on for the first time.
- 01
Free Consultation
We meet on-site, walk the property, and learn what you want illuminated.
- 02
Custom Design
A tailored lighting design and itemized proposal for your home and budget.
- 03
Installation
Fixtures, transformers, and wiring installed by our crews — cable hidden, no trenching.
- 04
After-Dark Adjustment
We return at night to fine-tune aim, intensity, and shadows on every fixture.
- 05
Warranty & Care
Industry-leading warranties plus optional yearly maintenance and phased additions.