Exclusively for Inex, Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, provides design and build professionals with information to enable them to answer the questions that they are regularly asked by clients.
What are homeowners’ expectations when considering making their home ‘smart’?
Homeowners expect the technology in their home – audio systems, TVs and home cinemas, lighting, security, data networks, heating – to be integrated and concealed within the interior design of their home, then operated, enjoyed and controlled quickly and easily, when needed.
Who can I turn to for home technology advice?
CEDIA members are specialists in the integration of home technology. They partner directly with interior designers to maximise the lifestyle, function, aesthetic and efficiency benefits of the connected home for their clients.
As the people best informed and trained in the latest technologies, design, project management and installation techniques, CEDIA members are the best insurance you have that the final system will meet both your expectations, and those of your client.
To find your nearest CEDIA-approved specialist, you can use our ‘find a CEDIA member’ tool via our website.
What is my starting point when a client asks for home technology consultancy?
Interior designers should partner with a CEDIA member before the project begins to consider the technology aspect of a project. At this point, it is possible to design and plan the wiring infrastructure which will be needed as the reliable and stable backbone of the system. This will ensure that cabling, black boxes, speakers, screens and control panels can be effectively concealed or integrated into the design scheme.
What technology works best in each core room?
Living space
For many, the living space is important as it is the entertainment area with the house typically centred around a TV. Audio visual technology is normally essential for the living room, but discretion is desired. TVs can be fitted discreetly into manufactured furniture, with speakers positioned in the ceiling for optimum sound quality with minimal visual intrusion.
Bedroom
Comfort and style play key roles in the design of the latest technologies for the bedroom. Remote controls and smart panels fitted nearby mean that you can have full control of the technology in your room, and around your house for that matter, from the convenience of your bed. As well as popular audio visual technology, there is also a huge range of technology available for the control of the lighting, blinds and curtains in the bedroom. Different ‘scenes’ can be set to allow you to change the feel of the room by one click of a button.
Kitchen
As we increasingly spend more of our time in the kitchen, it is becoming an important control centre for the rest of the home. Control systems allow homeowners to have control over and monitor the entire house through an iPad, iPhone or built-in, custom-design touch panel. A 3D representation of the whole house can be displayed in the kitchen and show where music is playing, lights and heating are on, doors and windows are left open and even if there is a fire breaking out.
What resources are available to understand more about the integration of home technology for my design?
CEDIA has published two white papers that can help designers approach the language of technology with greater confidence and assist them in building better relationships with their clients from the outset of a project.
‘A Designer’s Guide to Common Tech Words and Phrases’ is an 18-page white paper which provides useful definitions for over 100 words and phrases, including acronyms and jargon typically used by home technology professionals.
Another useful resource is the ‘Home Technology Client Questionnaire’. This white paper is designed to help interior designers generate greater clarity and definition around a client’s home technology brief.
It guides designers on the right questions to ask in the consultation stage of a client meeting. Split into three categories: audio, video and other items, the ‘Home Technology Client Questionnaire’ acts as a guideline for the designer to determine the type of technology required and the level of complexity that is involved.
Both white papers support CEDIA’s BIID and RIBA-accredited CPD presentation ‘Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes’ which is available to all interior designers.
To download these documents, which are available free of charge, please visit www.cediaeducation.com/resources/whitepapers.
CEDIA also offers a ‘finder service’ on its website, which allows interior designers to locate their nearest home technology professional. Users can search CEDIA member companies by postcode, services and certification.