Integrating Design with Technology at ISE 2020

A member of the design and build community may not immediately see the value in attending a show such as Integrated Systems Europe – its heavy focus on the performance and installation detail of the technologies on show together with the emphasis on verticals including retail, live events and IT/enterprise can discourage even the most tech-savvy of interior designers, architects and property developers.

Yet some of the most visually impressive homes, the ones creating the headlines, are those that combine impressive architecture and beautiful interiors with intuitive and intelligent connected home design and control.

Combining design and technology maximises the potential to build a home that satisfies the needs of the homeowner today. For example, it is possible to create the desired ambience with beautiful lighting ‘scenes’ at the touch of a button to enhance a room, or hide bulky, audio, TV and cinema equipment behind the walls, inside ceilings and within furniture without compromising on the room design or technology performance.

For many, this may appear complex, but by working alongside a home technology specialist, design and build professionals can provide their client base with fully connected homes that cleverly align with smart home technology trends.

Expect Tech

The increasing number of ‘smart’ gadgets that are catching the eye of homeowners, and our increasing reliance on good Wi-Fi connection means that integrating some level of technology is expected in the homes of today.

‘We are seeing a shift in our market in that it is expanding in reach,’ adds Tabatha O’Connor, global president and CEO of CEDIA, the trade association for technology integrators – co-owner of the show alongside its commercial audiovisual counterpart AVIXA. ‘For so long CEDIA members have been delivering entertainment, safety, and convenience to their clients and over the last few years, we’ve seen those categories grow to include more products that promote both wellness and sustainability within the home. Human-centric lighting has been an incredibly hot topic over the last 18 months and it is exciting to see all the innovation that is driving these new areas.’

‘Homeowners can come home and create a space that allows them to heal, relax, and de-stress – not only through lighting but also audio and many other technologies’ adds Greg Andrews, VP of marketing and sales at Legrand AV Residential Solutions. ‘Wellness is a key focus.’

It’s no surprise that research companies like IDC predict approximately 17% year-on-year growth of the smart home industry between now and 2023, resulting in some 1.6 billion smart home devices being shipped. Staying abreast of those developments and being able to discuss this with clients is key for design and build professionals, to ensure a successful connected smart home that not only operates effectively, but fits perfectly within the interior design of the home.

'It’s been interesting to watch the evolution of the smart home consumer throughout the years,' notes Kordon Vaughn, senior director of product marketing for Control4 at SnapAV. 'When smart home adoption first hit the ground, homeowners gravitated toward home security devices, thermostats, smart locks, speakers and so on. Now, as their sophistication and knowledge has developed, consumers are able to move past the security-only aspect and envision how much more their smart homes are capable of.'

Dedicated Conference
It’s not just about the newest products on offer. ISE has become a focal point for education and learning with sessions designed to equip design and build professionals with the knowledge they need to achieve customer delight.

CEDIA is hosting a Design & Build conference for the first time at ISE 2020. Aimed specifically at architects, interior designers and other professionals working in the residential industry, the conference will take a deep dive into what is possible when technology and design meet in collaborative harmony.

Taking place on Thursday 13 February at the Hotel Okura, Amsterdam, the conference, supported by the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and Dutch architectural and interior design bodies, will discuss the ways that the latest technology can be seamlessly integrated into residential and commercial design projects. With careful planning and consideration, technology can be concealed to create an interior that meets the client’s technical and aesthetic demands.

The half-day conference will be hosted by Giles Sutton, Senior Vice President of Industry Engagement at CEDIA. The packed programme will feature CPD accredited talks as well as a panel discussion, followed by a guided tour of the ISE show floor focussing on relevant areas of the exhibition in audio-visual, lighting, blinds and control, and automation technologies for the home.

Areas of Interest
On the ISE show floor, there are two areas that will be of most benefit to the design and build community – the Residential Technology Zone and the Smart Building Technology Zone. These dedicated zones will allow attendees to find out more about the home technology platforms and solutions available, and how these can integrate into residential design schemes.

From dimmers for the home to lighting management systems for entire buildings, Lutron will be showcasing its latest products at the show. Learn from representatives on the stand about how these solutions can be integrated with interior design for a beautifully styled and technologically beneficial home.

Home automation brands, such as Crestron, will help attendees discover systems for designing and controlling lighting scenes in a room, and responding to changes in ambient light levels during the day.

You can also find solutions for improving the visual impact of loudspeakers that don’t compromise on sound quality, from premium audio brands including SONOS and Bang & Olufsen. Find out how to create a modern, comfortable and entertaining home for your clients, and how to collaborate with a technology integrator to maximise the benefits of the connected home.

Taking place at the RAI Amsterdam on 11-14 February 2020, ISE is the must-attend event for design and build professionals to expand their knowledge and grasp the opportunities available within the smart home and connected buildings industry.

For more information on ISE 2020, and to register, please visit: