The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) proudly awarded its coveted Best of Show honor at Illuminate 2025, the association’s annual conference and expo, to “Moonlit Oasis,” a residential lighting project by lighting designer Chris Apfelstadt and his team at Light Up Columbus. The project rose above fierce national competition to claim the top prize.
Located in Upper Arlington, Ohio, Moonlit Oasis transformed a private residence into a multi-faceted landscape that blends serenity, celebration and technical sophistication. From towering oak trees to a lively entertainment zone, the project exemplifies how thoughtful lighting design can elevate both the beauty and functionality of a space, according to the association.
“This project took a long and winding road full of ups and downs,” Apfelstadt said. “To finally see the design implemented and witness the joy on our client’s face was even more special than usual.”
The front of the property is designed to invite and guide guests along a tree-lined driveway while subtly framing the home’s architecture. The backyard tells a different story — one designed for entertaining, with careful attention to safety, mood and flow.
“During the day we see, but at night we feel,” Apfelstadt said. “My goal was to understand how the client used the space after dark and design a lighting experience that created emotion, safety and celebration.”
One of the project’s standout features is the intricate lighting of massive, mature oak trees. “It’s possible to light a tree with one powerful fixture, but you’d lose all the texture and magic,” said Apfelstadt. “We used uplighting, downlighting, silhouetting and grazing to marry light, shadow and nature in a way that reveals the trees’ true majesty.”
The challenges were many — ripping out a poorly executed lighting install, climbing 60 feet into tree canopies without lift access and navigating project communication during the complex undertaking, but the company stated that the reward was undeniable.
“Our team was resilient and created one of our favorite projects yet,” Apfelstadt said.
In a field historically dominated by projects from coastal regions like Beverly Hills and the Hamptons, Apfelstadt is especially proud to represent the Midwest.
“It’s an honor to win any category, but to have back-to-back Best of Show wins from the Midwest is unprecedented,” said Apfelstadt. “It means the world to our team to be recognized by peers and fellow lighting designers we deeply admire.”
