Architectural Lighting & Shade Control
Lighting and shade control begins with loads, daylight, wiring, and room use—not an app. GGIS develops Lutron control intent around the actual luminaires, drivers, circuits, windows, and occupant routines so dimming is predictable, keypad language is clear, and shades move quietly at useful times. Local Lutron control does not depend on the home's WiFi, which keeps normal keypad and scene operation separate from general wireless availability.
RadioRA 3 uses Lutron Clear Connect RF rather than WiFi, is PC-programmable, and is well suited to retrofit work. HomeWorks QSX supports larger wired and wireless architectures, including panelized lighting and deeper programming for complex or larger homes. We select among these and focused Caseta systems from verified loads, topology, integration requirements, and current manufacturer limits.
What we deliver
- A load schedule records circuit, fixture and driver type, wattage, control method, dimming range, neutral availability, and known compatibility requirements
- RadioRA 3 Clear Connect RF supports PC-programmable retrofit designs without placing lighting control on home WiFi
- LED forward-phase, reverse-phase, 0-10V, switched, and other supported control methods are matched to compatible Lutron interfaces before procurement
- Keypad layouts prioritize a small, consistent scene vocabulary with engraving that describes outcomes instead of unexplained fixture groups
- Shade design accounts for opening dimensions, fabric openness, privacy, blackout goals, hembar clearance, pocket details, power, and service access
- Astronomic schedules follow sunrise and sunset with practical offsets, while occupancy logic is limited to rooms where automatic behavior is welcome
- HomeWorks QSX supports larger wired and wireless systems, panelized lighting, and deeper programming for complex homes
- Control4 or Savant integration keeps Lutron authoritative for loads and shades while the broader platform invokes documented scenes
How we approach it
We review reflected ceiling plans, fixture schedules, electrical drawings, window elevations, interior-design intent, and the expected use of each room. Every controlled load is classified by electrical behavior, not merely by fixture label, and representative LED combinations may require compatibility review or sample testing. Shade openings are measured with attention to mounting surface, stack, side gaps, fabric orientation, and access to power and rollers. The output is a coordinated load and keypad schedule, shade matrix, processor and repeater plan, preliminary scenes, and a list of decisions assigned to the electrician, shade fabricator, designer, and owner.
The PC-programmed RadioRA 3 or HomeWorks QSX project uses stable names, room organization, keypad assignments, LED logic, fade rates, occupancy behavior, and astronomic events. Scenes describe intended room conditions rather than unrelated button presses. Shade groups remain separate where exposure or privacy differs. Clear Connect RF settings and device placement are planned independently of home WiFi, while integration identifiers and scene ownership are coordinated with Control4 or Savant. We compare the file with approved schedules and retain a versioned backup before commissioning.
Processors, repeaters, low-voltage interfaces, keypads, sensors, and shade controls are placed to meet the designed RF and service-access requirements. Device identities are associated with the correct loads and openings, engraving is checked against the final programming, and shade limits are set without forcing fabric or hardware. Eligible minor interface work stays within California B&P §7048 limits. New branch circuits, panelized lighting, line-voltage device work, and larger regulated scopes are coordinated with an appropriately licensed C-10 contractor; larger low-voltage scopes are coordinated with an appropriately licensed C-7 contractor as applicable.
Each load is exercised from low end to full output to identify flicker, dropout, pop-on, shimmer, or incompatible dimming behavior. Every keypad button is compared with its engraving, including press, release, hold, and double-tap behavior where used. Shades are run through full travel and grouped commands while checking limits, alignment, noise, fabric tracking, and obstruction clearance. Schedules are simulated at relevant times, sensor timeouts are observed, and integration scenes are tested from both Lutron and the supervisory platform. The owner receives practical training plus the final schedules and programming handoff.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose among Caseta, RadioRA 3, and HomeWorks QSX?
We compare project scale, available wiring, RF layout, keypad expectations, panel architecture, integration, and expansion. Caseta fits focused work. RadioRA 3 uses Clear Connect RF, is PC-programmable, and suits many retrofits. HomeWorks QSX supports larger wired and wireless systems, panelized lighting, and deeper programming. Selection follows the current design requirements, not a generic device-count shortcut.
Why can a new LED fixture still dim poorly?
LED performance depends on the driver, dimming method, minimum load, control model, trim setting, and sometimes the combination of lamps on a circuit. A fixture described as dimmable is not necessarily compatible with every dimmer. We identify the electrical characteristics and review supported combinations before finalizing controls.
Can shades respond automatically without moving at inconvenient times?
Yes, but the logic should be restrained. We can group shades by facade, exposure, privacy, and room use, then apply astronomic schedules or scenes with offsets and manual overrides. Bedrooms, media rooms, and doors often need different rules from common spaces.
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