digimag-fall-2021.connecteddesign.comConnected Design Fall Issue 2021

× Content x Home A Letter From the Editor URC Automation Connected With Architects Cover Story Designer Spotlight Business Strategy Tools of the Trade Integrator Spotlight Installation – A Circadian Wellness Haven Installation – A Sky’s-the-Limit Theater Installation – Smart Home Decisions MDU Installation – The Well-Being Narrative Installation – Blueprint for Success Trends – Sustainable Design Trends – Healthy Living Choices What’s Next with Jess Subscribe To Our Publications Masthead Get In Touch Menu In this Issue: We are taking you to Las Vegas to encounter a grande expression of technology and sustainable design at Savant Systems’ Experience Center. See how art and technology can intermingle in our Designer Spotlight by Leon Speakers, and learn about the importance of partnership between integrators and designers. Take a trip overseas in our special collaboration with Germany’s Arcade magazine and immerse yourself in a circadian wellness haven. And don’t leave without checking out the science-based technology at a luxury waterfront home. Enjoy Our Magazine A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Recently we’ve all been well acquainted with change — both good and bad. I’ve been fortunate enough that most of the change in my life has been positive: all in the past year and a half I’ve moved from city to country, had my first baby and stepped into the role of Chief Editor of Connected Design. I have big shoes to fill, and it’s an incredibly exciting — and constantly evolving — time to be a part of this industry. Full credit for the large majority of this issue goes to senior managing editor Stephanie Adamow, who worked behind the scenes cultivating a rich set of in-depth installs, business stories and interviews from integrators, architects and designers. We’re particularly excited about our cover story on the Savant home in Las Vegas, and you can’t miss HEDsouth’s waterfront, wellness oasis. Connect with the people making technology beautiful in our spotlight on the Ente Soundtile Collection from Leon Speakers, and check out trends in our collaboration with Germany’s Arcade Magazine . I might be new around here, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your installs, ideas and questions. It’s a crazy time, but we’re here for you! Erinn Loucks, Chief Editor, Connected Design CONNECTED WITH ARCHITECTS By Chris Smith, TheCoTeam How to stand out to potential partners Project: Ocean Front; Architect: Dan Brunn Architecture; Integrator: OneButton; Photo: Brandon Shigeta As I work with integrators, there is a recurring theme regarding how to best partner with the architecture community. When a potential client hires an architect, they likely will conduct a large-scale project, the structure will be built from the ground up or completely opened for a gut renovation; budgets tend to be larger, and there is a dream/vision that is trying to be realized. This is the ideal time to be front of mind with a potential referral source who can connect you to several high-quality projects each year. However, those relationships seem to be illusive for most integration firms. Begin by reviewing what is important to architects and make sure your company provides what they need. Here are a few approaches that work well. Project: Dumbo Waterfront; Architect: ABN Design; Integrator/Photographer: OneButton Comprehensive Planning Architect – If a general contractor were simply asked to build a house,” the results would be disastrous. They need to know mass and scale, materials, layout and alignment to the user; and all issues must be resolved prior to project commencement. The architect provides this and charges accordingly. Integrator – How can we best fold in the technology solution to this design process? Mirror it! Begin each project with a design and engineering phase. The process takes the plan set (usually floor plan and the reflected ceiling plan [RCP]) and overlays the various subsystems in a comprehensive document set. Lighting, shading, audio, video, network, control, climate integration, etc. are all resolved in the space before a project begins. Rack elevations and other details are provided before a contractor is ever chosen. Charge for this service; the architect does! This level of execution is required to create accurate proposals and inform the project team from project managers and technicians to programmers and service technicians. Begin with it. Remove Headaches Architect – There are certain aspects of projects that consistently present architects with challenges, and most are not interested in having them on their plates. They have seen the issue on other projects and know it is likely to occur on others. They would love for someone to help them. Integrator – Ask them! I found that lighting design was a massive headache for most architects. They might be happy to help pick the fixture style, but they really didn’t want to think about the fixture itself, drivers, wiring type, dimming modules, circuiting, load calculations, etc. Align all elements or we will have an unhappy client. As project changes occur, the ripple effect of one element to the next is nearly impossible for the architect to manage (in addition to all other project details) and the implications are massive. When asked, architects are happy to have the additional resources available. Have a conversation with each firm to find where they need help and offer that service suite. Project: Bridge House; Architect: Dan Brunn Architecture; Integrator: OneButton; Photographer: Brandon Shigeta Design Forward Architect – They are concerned with aesthetics, functionality and blending the client’s lifestyle with the physical space. This is not about brands, products, technology or cool factor.” Integrator – This focus on look and feel allows for so many opportunities to present unique solutions to common problems. Avoid the temptation to name-drop your preferred vendor in favor of handing them an amazing sample for them to touch, feel, use and allow them to imagine their client using it every day in the space. Lighting/shading keypads are a great example. Fewer, larger buttons with larger fonts allow for easy use and are available in glass, metals and high-quality plastic finishes that can be matched to the design palette of the space. Further, the actual tactile sensation and audible click” are part of the experience and vary widely. Present a premium solution that becomes a part of the design rather than taking away from it. Education Architect – As members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), architects are required to attend sessions every year and must receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In New York, the requirement is 18 hours per year with 12 hours being a specific type of health, safety or welfare (HSW) course. This makes great sense! It keeps architects at the top of their game while building spaces that are not just beautiful but keep occupants safe to promote quality of life. Integrator – Respect their time. Audit courses (both the material and the presenter) before offering to a firm. Is it visually stunning? Does it have great information regarding common problems? Is it accessible rather than highly technical? Does the presenter truly know the material while being personable and engaging? Have we avoided the temptation to make it a thinly veiled sales attempt? If the answer to any of these is anything other than Hell, yes!” we have missed the mark, and you are wasting their (and your) time. Even better, create your own content and provide high-value, visually stunning, compelling presentations not offered by others. The bar, set by others, is quite low – stand out! Following these simple steps will create meaningful lasting annuity relationships” with architecture firms that will provide mutual benefit for decades to come. Project: The Glass Farm House; Architect: ARCHITECTURE OUTFIT; Integrator/Photographer: OneButton Chris Smith is the Principal and Founder of TheCoTeam....