Lessons from Local Leaders:

Patrick Harders

Lighting the Way: How Patrick Harders Is Redefining Outdoor Spaces with Artistry and Purpose

When you meet Patrick Harders, you quickly realize he’s not just a lighting designer—he’s a visionary shaping how we experience space, emotion, and togetherness after dark. As the founder of Dayloom, a custom landscape lighting design firm, and Sterling Lighting, a manufacturing company based in Danville, Virginia, Patrick has made it his mission to elevate the outdoor lighting industry through intentional design, sustainability, and innovation.

From Franchise to Founder: A Creative Leap

Patrick’s career began in a structured corporate environment, but a love for design and a frustration with cookie-cutter systems led him to launch Dayloom. His transition was rooted in a deep passion for artistry—he believes lighting isn’t just about illumination, it’s about creating an emotional experience. “I’m a lighting designer at heart,” he says, emphasizing how mass-produced solutions didn’t align with the level of care he wanted to bring to his clients.

Why “Dayloom”?

The name Dayloom is inspired by those magical moments at dusk—the lingering glow, the warmth of togetherness. It reflects Patrick’s philosophy of “designing good nights,” where lighting becomes the invisible thread that draws people in and allows families and guests to enjoy meaningful time together.

Lighting That Changes Lives

Patrick’s work doesn’t just brighten spaces—it transforms them. From dark walkways to entire backyards, clients consistently call lighting their favorite home upgrade. “It’s the one thing that changes how people feel about coming home,” Patrick explains. One of his most complex—and rewarding—projects was for Wolf Trap’s Barns, where his team designed and manufactured a custom fixture to meet specific visual requirements, ultimately earning them national recognition.

Leading with Purpose and Sustainability

Patrick doesn’t just create beautiful scenes—he does it with the planet in mind. His team practices dark-sky responsible lighting, manufactures recyclable fixtures, and recently launched an initiative to bring production back to the U.S. using PVD coating technology, the most environmentally friendly coating process in the industry.

The Dayloom Team: Built on Excellence and Integrity

With a team that includes designers, engineers, and installers—some who’ve been with him for over two decades—Patrick has built a workplace that rewards excellence and long-term commitment. Employees receive livable wages, bonuses tied to quality and client reviews, and clear growth opportunities—one of many reasons why his company enjoys unmatched customer loyalty.

Elevating the Industry

Beyond client work, Patrick hosts international lighting summits and collaborates with world-renowned designers like Alpha Deco, with whom he’s launching a new product line. Their next stop? A 100-person design summit in Greece—where legacy meets innovation.

A Philosophy of Humility

At the heart of it all is Patrick’s grounded approach: “Walk with humility, treat people well, and strive for excellence.” His work is more than a profession—it’s a calling to create beauty, comfort, and connection in every beam of light.

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