Automation

In the last year, we’ve seen an explosion in the number of projects that include automation. During this time, we've noticed a trend to specify a single remote to control a home full of shades.  While this configuration can be done, it isn't very practical.

Just as you wouldn't want to control all of the lights in a home from a single light switch, you wouldn't want to control all of the shades in the house from one remote either. For this reason, we often recommend specifying a DeocFlex keypad - a wireless control that installs into the wall and that fits into a standard light switch panel. It's clean, it's convenient and it is intuitively easy to find.

Our Automation Project Management Program is a resource to help you design, specify and manage your projects. Our Automation Project Managers (APMs) collaborate with your team of architects, builders, installers and integrators to ensure your project is completed accurately and efficiently.  Learn more about the program and how it can help on your next project at hfshades.com/automation.

Our two most recent Automation CEU presentations were held at the Boston Design Center and Merchandise Mart in Chicago during fall markets.  Both presentations attracted more than 150 attendees, confirming our belief that interior designers are eager to learn more about Automation and how to make their designs as functional as they are sophisticated.

But what really made these presentations so dynamic was the interaction of our team and the attendees and the conversations sparked between the designers themselves.  The opportunity to discuss past successes and challenges in this new and developing segment was an invaluable learning experience for everyone involved.

Thanks to everyone who attended, and we encourage all designers to join in the conversation at our next round of seminars. New events are posted weekly at our events calendar - check back frequently to find events in your area or register for one of our online CEU accredited seminars.

One of the most confusing aspects of specifying automation is often the terminology. To many designers, it’s an alphabet soup of abbreviations that might as well be in a foreign language. In order to help our readers become more comfortable with automation, this post tackles the important differences between AC and DC motors.  

AC (Alternating Current): 110VAC or high voltage motors

• Quite powerful with a very high lifting capacity
• AC motors are often used when shades are “coupled” together to raise them simultaneously
• Recent product developments have reduced their operating noise to a whisper (about 44 decibels)
• AC systems are often wired during new construction
• AC motors can also be used in retrofit applications where wiring is pre-existing, and only require the addition of a simple 110V plug, which can be easily hidden by a top treatment or draperies. 
• AC wiring should be done by a licensed electrician and may require a permit*

DC (Direct Current): 24VDC or low voltage motors

• Quite powerful, but are considered to be in the medium lifting capacity range
• Operate at a whisper (44 decibels) or quieter 
• DC wiring is relatively inexpensive and can be done in conjunction with other automation wiring during construction:  it is small and flexible, making it easier to “fish” through existing walls when doing a retrofit
• An electrician or low voltage integrator can perform the wire installation, and low voltage wiring may not have to be permitted*
• DC motors still require a power source, and this means the installation of a transformer to change AC power to DC. The transformers can be installed almost anywhere and vary in size depending on the number of motors they power

Technology is advancing at a dizzying pace. We’ve seen developments over the past few months that were unthinkable a few years ago. One thing that all these technological wonders have in common? Sensors! These little devices are used to receive signals or stimulus (such as heat, pressure, light or motion) and respond with an automated reaction. Here are some concepts we are excited to see on the market…

ELDERCARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

NERVOUS SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES

A FIREFIGHTER’S BEST FRIEND

Engineers are developing sensor systems used to track firefighters’ locations, vital signs and surrounding room temperatures. If a firefighter becomes injured, or if the room gets too hot, the sensors detect it immediately and issue an alert to the command team. This technology could be used to save the estimated one hundred men and women who are lost fighting fires each year.

*Source:Steven Teitelbaum, Partner, Jones Day

The expansion of our automation offering to include Lutron® systems has significantly grown our automation capabilities. It also presents new questions: What are the differences between Somfy and Lutron motors and controls? How does one choose which provider is best suited for a particular project?

When you design beautiful interiors, aren't you doing more than just making it beautiful? Isn't part of the design creating the best experience the space has to offer? The furniture, the spacing and the colors and textures. Every detail has an impact. What about technology?

We found a video created by Control 4 that showcases the automation control at the new Aria Hotel at City Center in Las Vegas. Why not give your clients this experience in their own space?