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CE And Automation Trades Need To Talk To Each Other
David Richards Smart House News) - Monday, 5 February 2007
In the US home automation is really taking off, way behond the home theatre. So why is it not happening in Australia the same way. Some say trades need to talk to each other more often about custom installation. An example of successful bonding between trades in the custom installation market is the USA. The systems integrator, the builder, the architect, and the interior designer are all now being asked for information on the automated home. They're all in it together often working together on the same project. What was once viewed as a loose conglomeration of professionals working toward a common goal a successful project completion has now evolved into a group whose boundaries should overlap, into systems integration to the benefit of everyone concerned, including the client.
The only problem is that in Australia very few trades are collectively talking to each other about home automation compared to the USA and UK where the automation industry is years ahead of Australia.
In the US recently several organisations have reported a radical shift in relationships. Utz Baldwin, president of AD Systems in Houston, noted a shift in the past 12 to 18 months toward an increased desire on the part of industry partners to better understand more about systems design and the integration process. "Consumers are asking their builders, architects, and designers to provide them with what is often the most expensive technology purchase of their lives, and industry partners are chomping at the bit for education and a better understanding of what technology can do for their clients," said Baldwin, who is also CEDIA's vice president and Industry Events and Outreach Council chair. "They want to be able to hold an educated conversation with clients to demonstrate the value of the technology, and they're greeting us with open arms."
Baldwin credits the upsurge in partner interest with CEDIA's active grassroots and national quest to strengthen partner relationships. "CEDIA is building a pool of certified or registered outreach volunteers to deliver credits to designers and architects," he said. "We have several AIA-approved courses, and any CEDIA member has access to them by attending an ROI (Registered Outreach Instructor) course. We train the trainers, giving them PowerPoint presentations and instructions. I currently have several hundred volunteers putting time into CEDIA Outreach."
Baldwin points to the success of the recent US Custom Builder Symposium, noting that builders have slightly different needs from system integrators especially when it comes to issues like revenue sharing and whether or not electronics costs should be rolled into mortgages, while the two segments can find common ground on cash-flow and employee issues.
Similarly, systems designers and integrators share a near-identical historical path with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). He also highlighted an association that is little known to CEDIA members. "One of the newest groups is CORA, the Congress of Residential Architects. This is targeting younger members, is up-and-coming, and I think will make an impact over the next decade. And if you look at the industry as a whole, you'll see that our clients, too, are becoming younger, smarter and faster, and they expect performance."
Penetrating the multiple layers of NAHB can be a time-consuming task, said Andy Willcox, president, ProLine Integrated Systems who was Instrumental in launching CEDIA's Electronic Lifestyles Forum, Willcox has been involved with the development of CEDIA's outreach process for six years. Its targets, he said, are ASID and AIA in addition to the National Association of Home Builders. "NAHB has some 205,000 members, 70,000 of whom are builders, in autonomous national, regional, and local chapters," he said. "There are approximately 2,500 members on their board of directors."
There are synergies, Willcox said, between builders and integrators because builders realize that technology is becoming pervasive. "The consumer will get the systems one way or another and it makes sense to builders to discern the methods in which they can differentiate themselves by providing technology at various levels, including custom production builders who need our technology as part of the core of their custom homes. The challenge comes in keeping builders and the other trades apprised of evolving technologies and how costs have come down to a level that is highly approachable for the consumer."
As a creative discipline, architects don't have the same driver, he added. "For them, technology is not so much a profit issue as it is a way to enhance their craft by making a project more interesting and meeting their clients' expectations. There are, of course, design-build groups, hybrids that are looking for profit, and everyone is looking for value."
ASID was the most reticent organization to accept technology because its members focus on interior finishes and aesthetics. "Designers don't have the momentum drawing them to our technology, but they have a huge interest," Willcox said. "We initiated a strategic partners opportunity, in February at the Electronic Lifestyles Expo in San Francisco, with about 250 people in attendance. It was a kind of litmus test pre-empting the EXPO in Las Vegas in April 2007, and we expect much greater attendance then."
The only way to stay on top is to be in constant communication with the other trades, said Jonas Buzzerio, vice president and systems designer, e-home, "There's a higher level of detail involved in residential projects in the New York metro area such as room changes that have to be documented. If a speaker has to be moved, typically the architect makes a sketch, which then has to be priced by the contractor. Interior and lighting designers require the same coMost architects realize that they have to get the integrator involved somewhat early, Buzzerio said, so contractors can bid on electrical, prewire, or lighting control as soon as possible. "Servicing the contractors as well can pay off," he said. "Some contractors charge a percentage on top of our contract and get paid by the client for coordinating the system design and installation. But if you don't meet with them periodically, things will fall through the cracks and devices will be located where you didn't anticipate them. So if you have a good working relationship with them, things will go smoothly and they will want you on their next project."
Interacting effectively with the trades is not only necessary for systems integrators but for consultants who work with architects and interior designers. Jetson Systems in San Francisco is a technology consulting firm that specializes in the design and programming of electronic control systems. "We work in partnership with custom installers, architects, interior designers, builders, developers, and end-users alike to design systems that integrate seamlessly into any environment and offer the highest level of flexibility well into the future," said Jetson president Austin Lowery.
A recent Jetson project illustrates the collaboration effort between multiple trades and Jetson's consulting services. The client, a technophobe, purchased a large home overlooking the San Francisco Bay with views of Alcatraz. Initially apprehensive about installing an integrated control system, the client was convinced by Lowery to visit a recently completed Jetson job where he was able to experience a live system. After spending a short time playing with Jetson's intuitive interfaces, the client shook Lowery's hand and said, "Even I can use this system. Congratulations, you've got the job."
Jetson was hired as a consultant to design and program the integrated systems to ensure simple control and intuitive navigation, working with Engineered Environments in Oakland, to handle all wiring and to provide and install all the equipment. The company also worked closely with the architect Sutton Suzuki and the builder IR Hadley on several custom features in the home. The reason for its success emanates from Jetson's joint effort with architects, Lowery said.
"It is critical to work closely with the architect from the early planning stages to make sure that all details are considered. Space for system equipment, access for wiring, and power are just a few of the things that architects need to plan for when designing a house with an integrated system."
Lowery found that many builders and architects have little idea what to expect when considering implementing this type of technology. "They appreciate having a resource to call when they have questions," he said. "We are working a lot with architects in early stages to ensure that space is allocated and the wiring is in place for future systems cordination, and lighting design often changes by the time a client moves in."
Hands-on experience gave Jack Borenstein, president, Ultimate Sound & Installations in Long Island City, New York, an edge in dealing with members of the other trades now. "I've done electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and marble, tile, and window shade installation," he said. "Just knowing how things are built and understanding the flow of steps needed to implement these things is a great help."
Borenstein said that observing the craftsman in the various disciplines allows him to better explain preparation and installation of systems to his staff or anyone in the field, demystifying what he said is "voodoo" to the average guy. "I once had a GC that was under the impression that if cables were chopped into a wall and then plastered over with plaster of Paris, the heat generated would melt the cables," he said. "He didn't want anything to do with it. The heat generated by plaster of Paris, although warm to the touch, doesn't generate enough heat to melt the plastic jacket on cablesmyth busted."
It's important to take a lesson from integrator's mistakes, from colleagues who have stepped onto projects only to antagonize the other trades. His advice: "Under-promise and over-deliver. Don't create drama or problems. Be the can-do guy.' Offer solutions to questions or problems. But know what you're talking about
Date
Wednesday 07 Mar 2007
