Integrating Connected Home Technology Into Your Design Schemes with CEDIA
A typical home integration project can feature a whole range of different technologies. This can include home cinemas or media rooms, multi-room audio systems, lighting control, smart security, heating systems, blind control, and so on, and can all be achieved without unsightly cables, switches, and equipment on show. As a result, interior designers need to be able to discuss home technology with their clients.
An Interior Designer's Perspective
Stephen Dick, BIID Registered Interior Designer talks about his experience managing this side of interior design.
“Incorporating technology in our homes is normal now. The type and extent of the technology will be different for each client and their needs though. Used appropriately, it can enhance our clients’ homes, and their experience of living in them.
“Familiarity with lighting and shade control is much more common, and this is widely accepted. Aspects of AV have become much simpler with Smart TVs and wireless audio systems, although we’re still often incorporating hidden or ceiling loudspeaker systems that are linked to them. These can also be integrated with other systems or products in the future.”
“As a designer, I need to have a broad awareness of everything which is related to the home and could enhance our clients’ lives. Sometimes this is for the awareness of the technology that would be most appropriate for a client right now. Just as important is to be able to include the infrastructure within any current works that can support further technology in the future — this is easy and inexpensive if it’s thought about in advance.”
“CEDIA has been very proactive in helping designers with the broad knowledge of smart home technology and the possibilities available to them. I’d urge other designers to join the educational events they organise.”
“We’ve worked with integrators on the more complex projects — it’s crucial to use their expertise. And as the systems become more complex, we need their skills in control system design to create the apparent simplicity which is crucial for the end users.
Nicola Burt BIID Registered Interior Designer talks about her approach to home technology.
“As homes become smarter and more integrated, and clients become more comfortable with technology, we will see it being integrated into interior design a lot more. Clients want to know about systems and apps that work in a more integrated and efficient way. It is so important for interior designers to know about the developments in technology, so we are better placed to advise our clients of all the options out there. It's also useful as we can then enable the technology to be installed and integrated at the earliest stage possible.”
I met some CEDIA members at the CEDIA conference in Amsterdam in February and it was so useful to understand what they do and how they can help interior designers to seamlessly integrate technology into interiors, without compromising on the design. It's really useful to talk to experts in their field and understand how they can help you to achieve what your client wants.
What is CEDIA?
CEDIA is the global industry association and central touch point for more than 3,900 professional companies that design, manufacture, and install technology for the home.
Working closely with interior designers, architects, and home builders, CEDIA members are renowned for delivering unique, imaginative, and innovative smart home solutions that improve the lifestyles of homeowners and their families in some of the finest properties across the globe.
How CEDIA Can Help You
CEDIA CPD – CEDIA provides BIID and RIBA accredited CPD seminars to design and build professionals who are looking to learn more about smart home technology and earn their CPD points. The presentations available include: Designing the Connected Home, Designing Home Cinemas and Media Rooms, and Cabling for the Integrated Home.
CEDIA Events – From CEDIA member showroom tours, to demonstrations of new products and technologies, CEDIA’s training and networking events give interior designers an opportunity to learn more about integrated home technology and how it can be incorporated into interior design schemes. Keep up to date with CEDIA events.
CEDIA Awards – Showcasing the finest in the design and installation of residential technology, the CEDIA Awards Yearbook features all of the winning and shortlisted projects of the 2019 programme. The coffee-table publication is the perfect place to find inspiration and examples of how technology can be integrated and concealed within the interior design scheme of the home and is a handy tool when discussing this with clients. Request a printed copy free of charge.
Begin your search for a qualified home technology professional with CEDIA's free online Finder Service. Search by location, services offered, certifications, and more by visiting cedia.net.
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