Lighting consultant for shops and restaurants

Shop owners, restaurant and cafe owners, salons, gyms and small office landlords, often alongside a renovation or fit-out.

A project fee based on the size of the space, or an hourly rate for assessments and revisions. Repeat work comes from owners with several locations. Part-time, with a few small projects a month, revenue is at the lower end; the higher end needs close to full-time hours and a steady flow of projects.

• Understanding how lighting affects mood and sales
• Reading plans and talking with contractors
• Budgeting and quoting projects

• Commercial plans may need to meet energy codes and accessibility rules, check your city or county building department
• Some jurisdictions require a licensed engineer or architect to stamp plans, check what applies
• General liability and professional liability insurance
• Payment terms: use a written contract with a deposit before starting design work

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your software, insurance and how you present your services to shops, restaurants and offices.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many projects you take on and their size. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week, and revenue is not profit.

Check your city or county building department for energy code and accessibility rules that may apply to commercial plans. Check whether your area requires a licensed engineer or architect to stamp plans, and use a written contract with a deposit.