Kitchen & Bath Business - May/June 2019 - 32

NKBA List

5 Ways to Connect
Ta k i n g t h e f e a r a n d m y s t e r y
out of smart home technology

SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY SHOWS continued growth, and consumers
want to include it in their kitchen and bathroom projects. An expert group
discussed making integrating tech into designs more approachable to clients
during a recent panel sponsored by Control4 and moderated by Jill Waage,
editor in chief of Traditional Home.
"What I've noticed, as an editor and even from the consumer aspect, is
that people can embrace [technology] more when it comes from a utility
standpoint," she said.
Panel members included David VanWert, principal of VanWert Technology Design; Joe Whitaker, president of The Thoughtful Home; Molly
Switzer, AKBD, principal and owner of Molly N. Switzer Designs LLC;
and Toni Sabatino, AKBD, owner of Toni Sabatino Style.
Incorporating smart home technology into designs brings challenges,
but there are ways to streamline the process. See what the experts had to say
about this trending topic.
"Get Educated & Utilize Connections. To translate technology jargon for their
clients, designers must learn foundational elements about technology.
Everyone agreed that making connections and reaching out to experts is
necessary for this step.
"I get myself educated enough to have an intelligent conversation about
the client and what we could do," said Switzer. "And then I bring [the expert] to my client and discuss as a whole about where we can go together."
It is important to bring in experts to ensure processes are completed
correctly, and it serves as a learning opportunity.
"As a designer, you're constantly trying to bring what's best for your
clients to the table," said Switzer. "They don't know what they don't know,
so why not put it out in front of them and just ask?"
Creating symbiosis between designers and technology professionals
helps build the design and technology "ecosystem."

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT Joe
Whitaker, Toni Sabatino, David
VanWert, Molly Switzer, AKBD,
and Jill Waage discuss how to
make smart home technology
more approachable to clients.
Photo by Loren Kessell

By LOREN KESSELL,
NKBA Social Media
and Creative Content
Associate

"Client Consultation. Conduct a meeting with a
client that provides information about his or her
lifestyle.This determines more than just design elements - it also helps figure out what smart home
technology is right for the space and lifestyle.
"Ask them, 'How do you live? What would
improve the way you live?'" said Sabatino. "Talk
to them about their lifestyle."
Take the time to walk through the client's
space during an introductory meeting to evaluate what's in the home.
"Choose Tech Best Suited for Lifestyle. Pinpointing
clients' current technology leads to a deeper dive
into their lifestyles. Once overall client needs are
identified, designers can fine tune with questions about travel or entertaining preferences, for
example. A frequent traveler or vacation homeowner might want remote access to appliances or
water-sensing technology to monitor for a burst
pipe. Designers create spaces based on their clients'personalities, and they can think of technology as an extension of this practice. Incorporate
technology that will enhance the user experience.
"Plan, Plan, Plan. Just like designing a kitchen or
bath, technology specifications should be established early in the planning, along with a budget.
"You wouldn't dream of having an electrician wire a new home and install these fixtures
without an electrical engineer planning it first,"
said VanWert.
During the planning phase, designers find solutions they can ultimately present to clients and
determine where they want to spend their money.
Working out kinks prioritizes tasks while making clients gain an understanding of the process.
" Stay Updated on Trends. Be informed about technology trends to give well-founded opinions
to clients. The panel conveyed their hopes and
observations about what might come down the
technology pipeline.
"I think we're going to get to the point where
we'll stop seeing connected for the sake of connected,"said Whitaker."We'll actually start seeing the utilitarian portions."
Living-in-place applications are also on the forefront as the desire for the connected home continues.
"For people who have cognitive or physical
mobility issues, there's so much technology that
can make life safer, more convenient and more
comfortable," said Sabatino.
But the overall takeaway was the need for
streamlined technology without too many
complications.
"Bringing in and simplifying technology, or
removing 'technophobia,' is going to help both
the design community and clients embrace it,"
said VanWert.
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/ MAY-JUNE 2019 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

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Kitchen & Bath Business - May/June 2019

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