How can we ensure that our knowledge is shared with architects and designers? It is critical that that the custom integrator is involved as early as possible in the design process (Preferably in the Schematic Design phase and Design Development phase).

The project in the below example is intended to give a practical example to inspire architects and designers with the opportunities offered by audio & video technology and close collaboration with Custom Integrators who often have design staff employed to help with the process. The project we have here was a living room project where the client wanted a big screen TV, which was considered easy for the architect, no changes to the room itself, just design a big TV over the fireplace.

When our team was involved, we offered an alternative solution to hanging a 65” TV over the fireplace. The homeowner had assumed a TV was the logical solution, as there were large windows on the side, a fireplace in the front of the room, a large light fixture in the center of the room and a bookshelf on the entire backwall. These were all challenges that needed to be overcome. Our team wanted to create a solution with no changes to the room itself when the TV wasn’t in use. The proposal included removing all visible technology. This included hiding the floor standing speakers.

Instead of having a TV hanging on the wall, the client was offered the option to have art above the fire place. By specifying a drop down screen and switching out the floor standing speakers for in-wall speakers it was possible to hide all the audio and video technology while still retaining the chandelier. Our idea was to make sure the projector became a part of the bookshelf, completely hidden.