Featured Coverage
Landscape Management Magazine
Lighting up the holidays
These five tips will help make your clients’ holiday lighting installations bright.
Better Homes & Gardens
The 5 Best Mounted Solar Lights, Tested by BHG
Effortless lighting from dusk to dawn.
the new york times
Why Car Repairs Have Become So Expensive
Why Car Repairs Have Become So Expensive
forbes
Outdoor Lighting Trends Part 2: Tips And Tricks
“You may be tempted to treat outdoor lighting as an afterthought, layering in a few spotlights or path lights without a plan,” says Chris Apfelstadt.
livingetc
5 Genius Ideas Using Smart Outdoor Lighting to Make Your Garden Come Alive After Dark
Amp up the style and feel of your outdoor space with these innovative smart tech lighting ideas
Landscape Management Magazine
Ohio’s Moonlit Oasis project wins Best of Show at Illuminate
The project rose above fierce national competition to claim the top prize.
Architectural Digest
58 Small Patio Ideas That Enhance Even the Tiniest of Outdoor Spaces
From space-saving furniture pieces to creative styling tips, these projects prove that bigger isn’t always better
ELLE Decor
The Secret World of Gardens After Dark
Plants grow faster, fragrances intensify, and a community of night owls finds solace in the soil.
Landscape Management Magazine
Ohio’s Moonlit Oasis project wins Best of Show at Illuminate
AOLP awarded its coveted Best of Show honor at Illuminate 2025 to “Moonlit Oasis,” a residential lighting project by lighting designer Chris Apfelstadt and his team at Light Up Columbus.
pro Landscaper usa
Moonlit Oasis Wins Best in Show at Illuminate 25′
“Moonlit Oasis,” a residential lighting project by lighting designer Chris Apfelstadt and his team at Light Up Columbus.
Landscape Management Magazine
The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals reveals 2025 Lighting Awards
Best of Show: “Moonlit Oasis” by Chris Apfelstadt, Light Up Columbus
OPE+
AOLP Announces 2025 Lighting Award Winners
The highest honor, Best of Show, was awarded to Chris Apfelstadt of Light Up Columbus for his stunning XL Residential project, “Moonlit Oasis”
authority magazine
Making Something From Nothing: Chris Apfelstadt Of Light Up Columbus On How To Go From Idea To Launch
Find Mentors. The importance of mentors and coaches can not be understated.
Podcasts
Lighting For Profits
Design vs Sales
One of the challenges of installing Christmas lights every year is trying to keep your guys working throughout the rest of the year. This week, my guest Chris Apfelstadt will discuss with us the process of starting up his landscape lighting business to help keep busy throughout the year.
Lighting For Profits
Entrepreneurship Lessons From a Wrestling Coach
This week I welcome Chris Apflestadt, a remarkable businessman with a multifaceted life.
The Lighting Coach Podcast!
Chris Apfelstadt and Winning Big with Sterling Lighting (AOLP 2025)
Conversation with Chris about creating a lighting business that prioritizes craft over scale — and what that means for hiring, training, and customer relationships.
Lighting For Profits
From Darkness to Design
Chris on the leading podcast for outdoor lighting professionals, discussing design, business, team building, and the industry's evolution over two decades.
TV Hits
Good morning america
Romantic Valentine’s Day lights in Michigan
Dearborn Peace Park West is decorated with Valentine’s Day-themed lights and displays.
Awards
2026
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Merit
Residential XL Lighting Project “Self Reflection”
2026
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Residential Large Project “Nature Revealed”
2026
AOLP International Lighting Design Awards BEST IN SHOW
“Nature Revealed”
2025
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Residential XL Lighting Project “Moonlit Oasis”
2025
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Residential Small Lighting Project “Secret Garden”
2025
AOLP International Lighting Design Awards BEST IN SHOW
Residential XL Lighting Project “Moonlit Oasis”
2024
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Residential XXL Lighting Project “Symphony of Light”
2024
AOLP International Lighting Design Awards BEST IN SHOW
Residential XXL Lighting Project “Symphony of Light”
2023
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Residential XL Lighting Project “Artistic Estate”
2023
AOLP International Lighting Design Award of Excellence
Holiday Lighting Project “Winter Wonderland”