The concept of a smart home might seem like something from the Jetsons - futuristic, and even frightening. The reality is entirely the opposite. Smart home technology is not a far-off concept. In fact, many of us use some degree of smart technology in homes everyday. Whether you are asking Siri questions, playing music through Alexa, or activating your automatic sprinklers or light timer, you are already using some form of smart technology. At Insight Automation International, we help homeowners take their technology and the conveniences that come along with them, to the next level. Thoughtful and forward-looking residential smart home design will not only make your life more convenient, but it also has the potential to keep you safe, make your home more energy efficient, and, if done correctly, add value to your home.

At Insight AI we want to provide every client with a top-notch experience from start to finish, which is why we have implemented a proven 5-phase design-build process that guides our clients through each aspect of the commercial or smart home automation system project. Whether you're getting a dedicated home theater in Phoenix, AZ, or a boardroom automation system in Calgary, AB, our team members are there every step of the way to ensure the project is in line with your goals, tailored to your unique lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about how Insight Automation International can support your next residential design process or contact a member of our team today!

Designing a Smart Home with Integration Technology and Controls 

The first step in the smart home design process is the discovery phase. It is essential that we take the time to discover the client’s specific needs and goals for any technology automation project. During this initial conversation, Insight Automation International strives to come to an understanding of the best solutions to get the desired result for the client, keeping in mind the realities of today's technology capabilities, budget limits, and future needs.

Not everyone has the same smart home needs. Some family homes are filled with young children, while others may be more focused on keeping the vacation home safe and energy efficient during absences. No matter your needs, by taking the time to reflect on your lifestyle, desires, and the technology solutions available, Insight AI can help you ensure your residential property is prepared for smart home integration. Home lighting systems, home monitoring systems, motorized window treatments and shades, and whole home automation systems can all be scaled to meet your needs. 

How Thoughtful Light Design Will Change Your Home

Thoughtful light design is an example of a holistic smart home design approach. At Insight Automation International the second step in our design process is the overall system design. Once we have a clear idea of what your technology needs are, we create detailed designs that outline all the different aspects of the project for each affected area. This documentation includes graphical designs that identify every location for hardware and pre-wire drops, the chosen hardware and parts for each room, and the labor that will be needed to achieve the desired end result. 

Light design encompasses three different lighting types including task, ambient and accent. The discovery process allows a homeowner to thoroughly review what the purpose of every room and space in the home is. Based on the purpose of each space, Insight AI can then ensure the needs of each area are considered and the design system of the home is prepared to achieve your desired outcomes. Technology such as Automation Lighting Control Systems or the Control 4 Smart Home system can allow you to control the lighting in your home with the push of a button. 

This approach should be holistic, considering the impact the task lighting will have on ambient lighting and how both will best complement accent lighting. Smart home technology design goes beyond putting a lamp in the corner. Our thoughtful, comprehensive lighting design can add value to your home. 

Custom Media Rooms Designed for Your Home

The media room is often one of the most dynamic rooms in the home, being used as a gathering space, TV or video room and a space for entertaining, requiring music. When designing, building, or remodeling a home to incorporate smart home technology, a room like the media room requires a holistic technology design process. This space should include lighting design that considers the role of natural lighting and window coverings. It also requires audio visual technology and controls that can allow the space to easily transition depending on circumstance. Examples of the Smart Home Control Systems that Insight Automation incorporate include home theater control systems and Savant home automation systems.   

At Insight AI the third step in our smart home design process is engineering. After receiving approval on the system design plans and pricing, our team of expert engineers starts to develop the documentation and plans for the installation process. Meticulous detail is put into these plans to ensure the system is reliable, easy to use, and simple to maintain and upgrade over time. This engineering documentation is kept up-to-date throughout the project and delivered to the client for reference once the project is completed. 

Residential Designing for Technical Wiring and Networks 

The fourth stage of our smart home and integrated technology design process is implementation. We begin by installing the initial infrastructure, setting up aspects such as the low-voltage wiring and conduits. We source all necessary automation and AV equipment and assemble them so the system is fully operational for client use. After installation is finished, we update the engineering documentation to a finished state and deliver it to the client. This phase is only completed once our clients have seen, tested, and approved the final product, ensuring that they are fully satisfied with their investment in automation technology.

Many inexperienced technicians or homeowners would be tempted to jump straight to this step. At Insight Automation International our years of experience in the industry have taught us the importance of developing a thoughtful roadmap and design strategy before beginning implementation. 

Security in Residential Design 

Smart home technology is often incorrectly thought of as a luxury. Insight Automation International disagrees with this characterization, and one of the greatest examples of this is the role that smart home security can play in keeping your loved ones and your property safe. It goes without saying that this type of integrated technology must be designed to never fail. That’s why when you work with Insight Automation International, not only will your system be developed by experts, documented, and implemented, but it will also be maintained and supported.

Insight AI builds systems to be durable and reliable for many years to come. We pride ourselves on superior customer support and are always available to handle any issues or questions that arise as you enjoy your new smart home automation system or commercial automation solution. No matter which location you're in — Calgary, Parksville/Victoria, Kelowna, or Phoenix/Scottsdale — we're ready to assist you with technical support or system upgrades. All our automation solutions come with manufacturer warranties and a 12-month workmanship warranty, ensuring your investment in smart technology is protected. 

Long-Term Smart Home Security Maintenance 

We are committed to providing quality care and support to both existing customers and new clients considering smart technology in their homes or businesses. If you have any questions about your existing system or about automation technology in general, don't hesitate to call us or use our website contact form to reach out. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skill to answer your questions and handle technical support requests quickly and efficiently.  

A Home Designed for Audio – An At-Home Concert

Smart home technology has the potential to elevate your musical experience from a portable speaker in the kitchen to a whole home rock concert. Room-to-room controls and speakers will provide you with complete control over who is hearing what and when. This type of home technology integration can change your homeowner experience, but it also requires thoughtful design and implementation. 

Our five-step process ensures the needs of the homeowner are being thoughtfully considered in the building process. When implementing complex systems like full home audio it is essential that everything from cables to acoustics and sound quality are thoroughly considered in the design process.

Designing for Indoor-Outdoor Lighting 

As we mentioned above, lighting design is about more than where you are putting a lamp, or what kind of bulbs you are using. Integrated smart home lighting is about setting the mood, embracing natural light, creating an indoor-outdoor living environment or hosting space, and keeping your home safe. Whether you are creating a mockupancy while you are out of town or hosting a party for a loved one in the backyard, lighting design can change everything about a space. By implementing a holistic smart home technology design process, you can rest easy knowing you have considered every option and that your needs and lifestyle will be met. To learn more about how Insight AI can work with you and your building team to integrate technology into your residential build from the outset, contact us today!