--- title: "David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-k-warfel-at-lightcanhelpyou-com-pfvwus-pf~1889908107 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1889908107.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e4d32f64088f7408_6449-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Bloomington, Illinois 61701, United States" latitude: 40.4783 longitude: -88.9893 phone: "(217) 202-8280" website: http://www.lightcanhelpyou.com rating: 4.6 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 142 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com Original Houzz profile: [David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-k-warfel-at-lightcanhelpyou-com-pfvwus-pf~1889908107) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Bloomington, IL - **Serves:** Nationwide - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves My mission is to help people enjoy the powerful benefits of the amazing gift of light, and I am building the most accessible and affordable platform for custom residential lighting design ever imagined at lightcanhelpyou.com. Getting good lighting can be intimidating, expensive, and time consuming- but it doesn't have to be. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to lower costs and increase speed, I deliver accelerated custom lighting design for new homes and significant remodels across the United States. Using 3D models, webinars, sketches , and decades of lighting design experience, I provide true custom lighting design for a fraction of the typical cost. Lighting is a product; it costs you money. But light is a gift; it can help you live a better life. Light can help you do better, know more, feel better, focus clearly, and change more easily. I help clients make the most of the gift of light. Visit lightcanhelpyou.com to find out how I can help you on your next project. For weekly insight into lighting design you can use for your own home, follow my blog at languageoflight.blog, and check out my regular stories on Houzz under Ideabooks. ### Services Provided - Accelerated Affordable Custom Lighting Design - Lighting Design ### Areas Served - Nationwide ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - 10 million We're disrupting the lighting design process and making true personal custom lighting design available to everyone. Visit lightcanhelpyou.com to learn more. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com | | Address | Bloomington, Illinois 61701, United States | | Phone | (217) 202-8280 | | Website | http://www.lightcanhelpyou.com | | Followers on Houzz | 142 | ## Offers Houzz Only: Save 5% on Design Package _5% off Accelerated Lighting Design pack_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-k-warfel-at-lightcanhelpyou-com-pfvwus-pf~1889908107) - **Website:** http://www.lightcanhelpyou.com - **Phone:** (217) 202-8280 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 9 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 10.0 - Communication: 10.0 - Value: 10.0 ### All 9 reviews **★ — sliplever, Dec. 2024** > We received a lighting plan for a kitchen remodel, however the plan was not usable. The lights were positioned too close to the cabinets in certain areas with an over abundance of fixtures in some areas with not enough lighting in others. For example, the plan had three lights on a seven-foot wall with a refrigerator in the middle of the wall, whereas an eight-foot wall only had a single light, resulting in an uneven distribution of illumination and a totally dark corner. There was also no consideration for lighting in an area leading into the next room. The plan includes pendants, despite our explicit instruction that there would be no pendants. We were assured that the light from the pendants were not part of the lighting requirements, but now there is not enough light over the island. Other areas remain dark based on the current design, which is far from ideal. I am quite puzzled by these discrepancies and question the expertise of the professionals responsible for this plan. **Comment from David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com:** > Thank you for providing this feedback. This is not consistent with other feedback we have received; is there anything we can do to make it right? **★★★★★ — Custom Decks Inc., Dec. 2018** > David, I love all the work you do. You have some great ideas! I hope to use them in the future. **★★★★★ — John Shafer, July 2018** > I've had the opportunity to work with David on several projects where we have been the architect. David's knowledge and enthusiasm is outstanding. His creativity in lighting design has put our clients projects in a better light (no pun intended)! > Grab David early in the design process, you'll be glad you did. **★★★★★ — Liaison Technology Group, July 2018** > Liaison specializes in Lighting control and automation. We have been working with David and have found his insight into lighting design to be extraordinary. He gives a fresh perspective every time. I highly recommend David for your next project. **★★★★★ — Sven VanBaars, Aug. 2017** > David was a great help to me when I was building our home. The house designer did a good job of capturing what we wanted - except for the lighting. I shared our plans with David. He first asked questions about how we were going to be using each space. He then gave me a general understanding about general, task and accent lighting. This was all awesome and came in handy later when the contractor wanted to cut some corners. > When David gave me his recommendations for our lighting, it was much more detailed than the house designer had given. Everyone who bid on our house commented on the lighting. I was doing a custom job and they wanted to do general grade. > Now that we are in the house, we love how we can control the mood and use of each room because of the lighting options David developed for us. > My only regret was that David was not able to be on site to work with the contractors (I live too far from his home base, but knew about his design work because he did some work for my in-laws home.) **Comment from David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com:** > Thank you, Sven! Your home turned out beautifully, in no small part due to the huge effort you invested in every step of the way. I am grateful to have played a small role in the project! **★★★★★ — Kathryn Wilson, July 2017** > We have enjoyed our lighting for several years. Our set up is very flexible with the ability to set several different combinations of light to achieve different mood in our eat in kitchen. The task lighting works well especially with the under cabinet lights in the correct position. David was easy to work with for us and our contractor. He is reliable, helpful, and stayed on budget. He was also there with solutions at no charge when one of our switches failed because of a factory defect. With his background in theater lighting he made what could have been a dark room bright and pleasing. We definitely recommend him. **★★★★★ — Cory Culbertson, July 2017** > We are extremely happy with the design work that David has done on two different projects for our home - a kitchen/living room relighting project and a bathroom remodel for which he did the lighting. For both projects, he took the time to make sure the end result fit our needs and the ways we used the rooms, not just what might look right on a set of plans. His technical knowledge is also amazing - I've discovered that there is a lot more to lighting than just making sure there is "enough" light. David knows how to put the different pieces together in a way that's almost magical. **★★★★★ — Jane Roeschley, July 2017** > David Warfel more than met my expectations in designing the lighting for our kitchen, laundry and living room rehab. He listened well to my dreams, developed great plans (with both splurge ideas and on-a-budget ideas), met deadlines, communicated with retailers/contractors on our behalf, researched options for me, and came to our home during the project to make sure contractors were installing things correctly. I didn't know much about working with a lighting designer, but the results make a definite difference in the project results. I get regular compliments about our lighting! **★★★★★ — john linck, July 2017** > David helped me design two homes over the past 5 years. Every time I faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge he came up with one or more original and terrific solutions. While walking around each uncompleted structure his quick sketches clearly showed the before and after aspects of his ideas. It was a pleasure to adopt nearly all his suggestions. While discussing lighting he clearly describes the control (brightness and color of light) needed and why each works best for that space. My home is far more livable and interesting for his efforts. Add to all this is that he is genuine, fun, energetic and most of all expert in architecture, building science and of course lighting design. ## Selected projects - [Prairie Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-views-pj-vj~3169121) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: When this busy outdoor-loving family with four active boys decided to build their homestead from the ground up, they knew lighting would be as important as unobstructed views through large windows. Architect John Shafer reached out to me and we began a two-year collaboration that resulted in a beautiful, open light-filled home that prioritizes the quality of light over distracting fixtures. - [Don't Quit Whining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/don-t-quit-whining-pj-vj~2830491) - Location: Peoria, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: Turning a builder-basic basement rec room into a place for grown-up social engagements took a great team of builder, woodworker, and electrician...and a little help from a lighting designer. Calling attention to the warm woods and fine details of the completely remodeled space, light comes from surprising places and helps keep the party going long into the night. - [Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~2285912) - Location: Bloomington, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: How do you fill a family kitchen with light with only one small window? This client called me, and we worked together to craft a multi-layered lighting design for the century farm that would work equally well day or night. The result is a bright, cheerful kitchen she loves! - [Dancing Pendants](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dancing-pendants-pj-vj~2285917) - Location: Champaign, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: Glowing pendants can be a great accent in a kitchen, but not when they block great views. In this transitional kitchen remodel, the client knew light would play a critical role in the finished product. An asymmetric arc of pendants dances above the island, higher above the sink to afford long views through the home and lower over the dishwasher for an intimate glow. - [Tiny Traditional Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-traditional-bath-pj-vj~2558824) - Location: Bloomington, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: In desperate need of an overhaul, this 1931-built bathroom had stained vinyl flooring, aged yellow walls, and poor lighting. A low-cost remodel with a small splurge on lighting and trim gave the homeowners a new bath with a classic feel. - [Traditional Kitchen and Dining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-kitchen-and-dining-pj-vj~2285932) - Location: Champaign, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: This family farm is over 130 years old, the house over 70 years old, but the kitchen was completely remodeled when the last child went off to college. Featuring new heart pine floors, repainted and new cabinets, and plenty of light, the new kitchen flipped places with the dining room and banished the 1970's remodel. - [Revitalized Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/revitalized-ranch-pj-vj~2558893) - Location: Champaign, IL - Photos: 8 - [Residential Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residential-exteriors-pj-vj~2558916) - Location: Monticello, IL - Photos: 2 - [Normal, IL Bathroom Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/normal-il-bathroom-project-pj-vj~2830514) - Location: Normal, IL - Photos: 3 - [Blue Line Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-line-apartment-pj-vj~2558905) - Location: Champaign, IL - Photos: 3 - [Design Sketches](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-sketches-pj-vj~2915499) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 45 - [Comfortable Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comfortable-colonial-pj-vj~2877587) - Location: Bloomington, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Lighting in this home is designed for comfort and affordability. - [YoYo's Frozen Yogurt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yoyo-s-frozen-yogurt-pj-vj~7666114) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/red-rock-canyon-visitors-center-pj-vj~7666186) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 1 - [Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Escape Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/royal-caribbean-cruise-lines-escape-room-pj-vj~7666183) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [ProSource Lighting Technology & Learning Center](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prosource-lighting-technology-and-learning-center-pj-vj~7664500) - Location: Dallas, TX - Photos: 11 - [Papa Dels Pizza Factory](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/papa-dels-pizza-factory-pj-vj~7666111) - Location: Champaign, IL - Photos: 5 - [The Cathouse UltraLounge at Luxor Casino](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-cathouse-ultralounge-at-luxor-casino-pj-vj~7666110) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Charles City Middle School](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charles-city-middle-school-pj-vj~7666108) - Location: Charles City, IA - Photos: 4 - [Bicentennial Plaza](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bicentennial-plaza-pj-vj~7666107) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 1 [See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/david-k-warfel-at-lightcanhelpyou-com-pfvwus-pf~1889908107) ## Ideabooks - [BR](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133015509/list/br) — 1 idea - [3 Reasons to Hire a Lighting Designer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125970555/list/3-reasons-to-hire-a-lighting-designer) — 4 ideas - [8 Great Ways to Light Up Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127736361/list/8-great-ways-to-light-up-stairs) — 11 ideas - [3 Ways LED Lights Are Better Than Ever](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126843690/list/3-ways-led-lights-are-better-than-ever) — 4 ideas - [How to Light Your Bedroom Right](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119621909/list/how-to-light-your-bedroom-right) — 6 ideas - [5 Common Lighting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122760661/list/5-common-lighting-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them) — 7 ideas - [4 Steps to Getting Your Home Office Lighting Right](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122768826/list/4-steps-to-getting-your-home-office-lighting-right) — 8 ideas - [How to Do an Electrical Walk-Through of Your Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121866802/list/how-to-do-an-electrical-walk-through-of-your-home) — 8 ideas - [Is Smart Lighting a Smart Choice for You?](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120398671/list/is-smart-lighting-a-smart-choice-for-you) — 9 ideas - [A Lighting Pro’s 5 Tips for Buying LED Bulbs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117904952/list/a-lighting-pro-s-5-tips-for-buying-led-bulbs) — 12 ideas - [Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116974301/list/your-guide-to-perfect-bathroom-vanity-lighting) — 10 ideas - [How to Properly Light Your Kitchen Counters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117403233/list/how-to-properly-light-your-kitchen-counters) — 10 ideas - [How to Light the Front of Your House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112423824/list/how-to-light-the-front-of-your-house) — 9 ideas - [6 Ideas for Lighting Your Patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110477077/list/6-ideas-for-lighting-your-patio) — 7 ideas - [How to Light Your Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104556291/list/how-to-light-your-living-room) — 7 ideas - [The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105029095/list/the-5-layers-of-a-well-lit-dining-room) — 8 ideas - [How to Choose Color Temperature When Buying LED Lightbulbs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103766062/list/how-to-choose-color-temperature-when-buying-led-lightbulbs) — 9 ideas - [The Pros and Cons of Recessed Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103766147/list/the-pros-and-cons-of-recessed-lighting) — 8 ideas - [The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102255777/list/the-5-layers-of-a-well-lit-kitchen) — 7 ideas - [David's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80212801/list/david-s-ideas) — 9 ideas [See all 34 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lightcanhelpyou) ## Community Q&A **Q: no natural light in living room/kitchen space** *(in Photo Questions)* I own a first floor condo that has windows but natural light is blocked by a close (5 or 6 feet away) tall building on the east side and by a large deck over the window south side.. I'm stumped about how to get enoughight in here and also make it a more pleasant space. One wall is natural Chicago brick. Any ideas? A: Sounds like a tough spot! I love bouncing light off brick walls; a line of track about 2' off the wall with spots every 2' is a general rule of thumb. You can also use Hunter Douglass AURA shades - they are somewhat limited in availability as they are new, but they have built in lighting. Indirect light mounted to the walls is another favorite (shining up at the ceiling). **Q: Does LED track lighting work over a 6 foot kitchen table?** *(in Photo Questions)* I have a wall of art over a bench for the table that l would like to highlight, but also need lighting for the table A: Melanie, that sounds like a pretty good solution to me. Plan on a couple of fixtures pointed at the artwork and perhaps 3 more pointed down at the table. Many track manufacturers also make a pendant adapter kit, so some simple pendants can be suspended from (and powered by) the track for a more traditional look. **Q: mounting height question** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, we are doing a renovation from afar due to covid and need advice on mounting height of exterior lanterns flanking our front door. Architect wants to mount them 6' from decking, we are thinking they are too low. Door is 7', lanterns are 18 3/4" tall. Any advice or guidance? Thanks so much! A: Good question! There are a couple of considerations to consider: 1) Local building codes may push fixtures higher to protect you from bumping into fixtures. 2) Light output/distribution of the fixtures and your eye height (will it cause more or less glare depending on how high you hang it?) and 3) architectural aesthetics- IE, do they align with patterns in the doors or windows? Typically we recommend somewhere around 6' to the center of the fixture, which would mean yours begin at approximately 5'3" and rise to 6'9". Depending on the style, it might look better to hang the top at 7', this the bottom would be 5'6" above the floor. If you have a transom, like the sketch above, you may be able to cheat higher. And, at the literal end of the day, it is important for it to feel good to you. :) **Q: why can't I copy this page and print it to take to my builder?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Good question! I am not sure how the Houzz photo system works, but it appears to make it hard. I recommend doing a screen capture and then printing the result. **Q: fantastically helpful!!** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you! A: Thank you, Joanne! **Q: What did you use to hide the uplights?** *(in Photo Questions)* What sort of trim/moulding was used below the crown moulding, and what lighting system was used? Love how its on a dimmer! A: We developed a custom crown assembly that hid low-voltage LED "tape" lighting with remote drivers, as shown on the left. On the right is a more common installation that is easier but highlights the ceiling instead of the craftsmanship. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*