Built on Precision. Driven by Relationships.
The story behind Plumb Line Design — and why the name means more than you might think.
Why "Plumb Line"?
In construction, a plumb line is used to test the straightness of a wall. If the wall is warped or off angle, the wall is not secure and will be easily toppled.
Isaiah 28:17 says that “righteousness will be the plumb line”, meaning that God will test His people to make sure their conduct is upright.
At Plumb Line Design, we believe both images should embody what we do. Our work should result in quality lighting installations that stand the test of time and be performed with integrity and honesty.
Meet David Repair, PE, LC, Design IALD
I started Plumb Line Design because I believe architectural lighting deserves the same level of intentionality, technical rigor, and creative thought as every other discipline on a project team.
My background spans both engineering and design — a combination that allows me to have meaningful conversations with architects about design intent and with engineers about load calculations. I've worked on projects ranging from 3,000 SF office spaces to 1,000,000 SF industrial facilities and everything in between, and I bring the same attention to detail to every one of them.
I'm a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, and Iowa. I hold the LC (Lighting Certified) credential from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions, and I'm a Design Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).
But credentials only tell part of the story. What I care most about is the relationship — understanding your project, your constraints, your aspirations, and then doing everything I can to help you achieve them.
Credentials
PE - Professional Engineer
Licensed in FL, GA, NE, and IA
LC - Lighting Certified
National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions
Design IALD
Design Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers
What Guides Our Work
Unwavering Attention to Detail
Every dimension, every specification, every control sequence is reviewed, verified, and cross-checked. Lighting is precision work, and we treat it that way. The details matter — because the details are what separate a well-lit space from a great one.
Exceptionally Proactive
We don't wait for problems to find us. We anticipate coordination conflicts, flag potential issues early, and keep your project moving forward. You'll never have to chase us for an update or wonder where things stand.
Micro to Macro
We think at every scale — from the beam angle of a single accent light to the overall lighting hierarchy of a 1,000,000 SF building. Great lighting design connects the small decisions to the big picture, and we make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
The On Time, Every Time Guarantee
We understand that your deadlines aren't suggestions. When Plumb Line Design commits to a milestone date, we deliver on that date. Period.
If we ever miss a committed deadline — for any reason within our control — your fee is automatically reduced by 10%. No paperwork, no negotiation, no fine print.
We put this guarantee in writing because we want you to know: when we make a commitment, we mean it. Your schedule is as important to us as it is to you.
What Our Collaborators Say
"Professionalism, creativity, and technical expertise"
“I had the pleasure of working with David on 2C-2D Skywalk Lighting Design and I was thoroughly impressed by his professionalism, creativity, and technical expertise.
David was able to take a simple skywalk exterior and with his lighting design, make it unique and beautiful. His lighting design on this skywalk enhanced both functionality and aesthetics of the structure and adjacent streetscape. David brought an innovative solution to the project while remaining mindful of budget, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
The City of Des Moines team was blown away with the high-quality renderings and presentation skills David has, and I would not hesitate to work with him again on future projects. I would recommend David to any team in need of lighting design expertise.”
-Ryan Richey, NCARB, LEED AP; Architect – Construction Manager, City of Des Moines
"Thoughtful and dedicated"
“I had the pleasure of working with David on a school addition project, and I can confidently say he is one of the most thoughtful and dedicated engineers I've collaborated with. David brings not only technical expertise but also a strong design sensibility to lighting design. His selections elevated the project and enhanced the architecture both inside and out. He was incredibly responsive, easy to work with, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure the success of the project. The client was thrilled with the result, and David’s contributions played a big role in that. I truly appreciated his talent and partnership throughout the process!”
-Phuong Nguyen, AIA, IIDA, NCARB, NOMA; Senior Associate, BVH Architecture
"Exceptional capabilities"
“I have had the privilege of working with David Repair and can attest to his exceptional capabilities. David combines strong technical expertise with a level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail that extends beyond his discipline. He consistently demonstrates an ability to anticipate project needs, identify potential challenges, and propose solutions that support the broader objectives of the team. His commitment to quality, proactive mindset, and focus on the success of the overall project make him an invaluable contributor. I hold David in the highest regard and recommend him without reservation.”
-Adam Luckhardt; Building and Architectural Practice Leader, Bolton and Menk
"Professional, thorough, and efficient"
“I have had the pleasure of working with David Repair on interior remodeling projects where David was the consulting Electrical Engineer and I was the Architect and Coordinating Professional. In all of his activities, David is very professional, thorough, and follows up efficiently. David presents options as challenges arise and has a good sense of ‘big picture’ thinking. I particularly appreciate that David considers the needs of the owner/tenant as well as understanding the challenges that contractors face. I am happy to recommend David as a true professional.”
-Dan Mulligan, AIA; President, Innerspace Studios
