The Evolution of Smart Home Design: Looking to the Future

The rise of smart home technology in the past few decades has been a revolution in the way homeowners interact with and experience their homes and lives. The early focus was product-centric, lasering in on innovations in home security (smart locks and security cameras), smart lighting and thermostats, and custom home integrations. As the home tech industry evolved, the focus became more on the integration of truly smart home technology – an interconnected web of devices that make smart home automation – and an enriching experience in your space – possible.

The rise of smart home technology in the past few decades has been a revolution in the way homeowners interact with and experience their homes and their lives. The early focus was product-centric, lasering in on innovations in home security (smart locks and security cameras), smart lighting and thermostats, and custom home integrations. As the home tech industry evolved, the focus became more on the integration of truly smart home technology – an interconnected web of devices that make smart home automation – and an enriching experience in your space – possible.

Our team at Integration Controls is committed to staying tuned in to industry news through partners and professional industry associations, like the Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), a global trade association that connects, empowers, and champions smart home professionals and businesses to enrich our lives. The association recently published a white paper, 'The Integrator of 2027' that discusses what we – as smart home professionals – should be doing for our client base. They talk about how a product is the conduit through which something happens – it is a passive process. When curated together through a consultative process and connected by design, these products now act as a solution – and that is an active process. We are thrilled to share this is what we've been doing since our inception. The late Steve Jobs suggested that, for the best user experience, one should 'start with the customer experience, and work back to the technology', which has been our approach since 2004.

To learn more about our commitment to identifying and implementing the perfect blend of technology and user centricity – now and in the future – read on below. 

User-Focused Consultation

Products will always be a core component of integrated systems, but in the new era of integration, they are brought in much later in the process. We begin, instead, with an intensive discovery and design phase where we give thoughtful observation and consideration of your needs and wants. How do you want to experience your space? What would save you time? Provide you with peace of mind? In essence – what do YOU find ‘simple’?

IC Proven Process

In our discovery phase, you are invited to share insight into your daily routines, pastimes, and interactions. We gain information regarding how various areas of your home make you feel and identify gaps in their current state versus the desired outcome. The primary focus is on your experience, with smart home integration coming in to directly address those needs and wants.

Enter the Era of Hyper-Personalization

At Integration Controls, we do much more than simply offer and install a variety of retail products the way that big box stores do. Instead, we offer a holistic process that factors in the needs and behaviors of all users and acknowledges that these needs are the very reason that technology integration solutions exist.

By designing and programming the technology atmosphere of your home around your lifestyle and preferences, the result is a truly custom home experience. The way you move, work, and live gives you the ultimate control over your environment – everything from lighting control and garage door access to smart speakers and sound systems. It’s less about solving problems at the device-level, and more about addressing your needs as a solution that can adapt and evolve over time - ensuring technology works for you instead of against you.

Connectivity and Interoperability

When a smart home system is well designed, homeowners can enjoy a seamless control experience throughout the home. Your preference for interaction drives the type of smart devices we recommend for you, from touchscreens, keypads, voice commands, remote controls, smart phones, or timed events. With everything working together as a system, and presented in a way you desire, you can now control your home in a way that feels natural and easy.

We configure smart home devices to work together, providing homeowners with optimal accessibility and streamlined control. When products do not communicate natively, we bring in a third-party control system, allowing a unified control platform for a variety of devices. Currently, our primary control system brands include Control4, Crestron, or Josh.ai – with or without voice control. Whether you prefer to control lighting and sound through your smart device, or through voice commands using Josh.ai or your own Amazon Alexa, our goal is to simplify and enrich your life and how you live at home.

Josh.ai Product Family

Experiential Design with Integration Controls

Curious about how smart home control systems can enhance the way you experience your home – and life? 

We are building an experiential studio where you are able to sample and imagine how technology can work for you and your home. Once complete, we will showcase various performance levels and price points so clients are able to see how different products and design methodologies can come together for their specific, curated solution. 

In the meantime, call 314.475.3080 to meet remotely, on your project site, or at one of our satellite offices located throughout St. Louis. Consultations are a no-obligation way to understand what’s possible, develop a scope with one of our design consultants, and know what it might cost to make your dream – a reality!

Follow us @controlstl on all social media platforms for studio updates and event announcements!

Our Clients

Testimonials

Appropriate time is spent up front to ensure proposal is reflective of all work required and avoid surprise charges. Team is professional and communicates well throughout the process. Highly recommended.

David B.
Google Review

From start to finish, top to bottom, Integration Controls is a professional company. I was working with the best group of people. They explained everything. What it was and how it worked.

Jeffrey H.
Google Review

Jeremy, Jeremie and Troy did a great job installing this beautiful and easy to use product. They were respectful of our home and answered all my questions. Highly recommend!!!!

Charlotte M.
Google Review

Great experience — everyone we dealt with (Jon, Jeremy, Troy) was friendly and professional. It has been a wonderful experience and we LOVE our new shades. I highly recommend Integration Controls!

JoAnne L.
Google Review

Absolutely fantastic service and organization. I can’t wait to work with them again.

Nicole H.
Google Review

Friendly staff and amazing work! The leaders in home automation in the STL area.

North Arrow Creative
Google Review
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Our team will be a great addition to your home!

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Great experience — everyone we dealt with (Jon, Jeremy, Troy) was friendly and professional. It has been a wonderful experience and we LOVE our new shades. I highly recommend Integration Controls!

JoAnne L.
Google Review

Absolutely fantastic service and organization. I can’t wait to work with them again.

Nicole H.
Google Review

Friendly staff and amazing work! The leaders in home automation in the STL area.

North Arrow Creative
Google Review