Rows of switches on a feature wall
Several switches and dimmers side by side clutter a wall. A single engraved keypad can control the lights, shades and music for that room.
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Free guide for interior designersSmart home planning for interior designers.
Keypads, speakers, TVs and shades are part of the design whether anyone plans them or not. This guide covers what to decide, and when, so the technology supports the room instead of competing with it. Print it, save it or share it with your team.
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The checklist
Ten things to settle early.
Go through these before rough-in. Each one is easier and less expensive to plan on paper than to fix in a finished wall.
- Group light switches into one keypad per location instead of a row of switches
- Set keypad height and alignment with other wall devices in the elevations
- Choose keypad style, color and button engravings with the client
- Mark every in-ceiling and in-wall speaker on the reflected ceiling plan
- Decide how each TV is handled: art frame, lift, recessed niche or on display
- Plan shade pockets, motor locations and power before the ceiling is framed
- Pick where the equipment rack goes, with ventilation and access
- Plan Wi-Fi access point locations so they are not on feature ceilings
- Agree on lighting scenes per room, such as entertain, dinner and night
- Review a device layout drawing before rough-in
Timing
When each decision needs to be made.
The five phases where technology decisions matter most.
STEP 01
Schematic design
Share the floor plan and how each room will be used. This is when TV walls, shade pockets and the equipment location are easiest to set.
STEP 02
Design development
Mark keypad, speaker, TV and sensor locations on your drawings, and pick finishes and engraving styles.
STEP 03
Before rough-in
Approve the device layout drawings so wiring lands exactly where the design calls for it.
STEP 04
After finishes
Devices, grilles and keypads are installed after paint, with the finishes you selected.
STEP 05
Scene walkthrough
Walk the rooms together and adjust lighting scenes and shade positions to match your intent.
Common problems
Four mistakes to avoid.
These are the issues that most often cause rework, delays or a finished room that does not look the way it was designed.
Speakers placed after the lighting plan is set
When speakers are added late, they end up off-center from the lights and millwork. Placing them on the ceiling plan early keeps the grid clean.
TV walls decided at the end
A TV hidden behind art or on a lift needs space, power and wiring planned in advance. Deciding late often means a visible box and cables.
Shade pockets left out of the ceiling
Motorized shades look best recessed into a pocket. That has to be framed before drywall, so it belongs in the early drawings.
Questions
Common questions.
If your question is not here, call 786.266.7676 and we will answer it directly.
When should an interior designer bring in the AV and smart home company?
As early as schematic design, and before rough-in at the latest. Early drawings let devices be placed around the design instead of around wiring that is already in the walls.
Can TVs and speakers be hidden?
Yes. As an authorized Leon Speakers and Future Automation dealer, ITS can conceal TVs behind Leon Media Décor art frames or on Future Automation lifts and mounts, and speakers can be installed flush in the ceiling or wall.
Who chooses the keypad finishes and engravings?
You do, with your client. ITS provides the style, color and engraving options and a schedule for your approval before anything is ordered.
Will ITS review our drawings?
Yes. Send your plans and finish selections, and our in-house drafter will mark up device placements for your review.
Next step
Send us your next project for a device layout review.
Email your floor plan, reflected ceiling plan or finish selections. We will return device placements and finish options for your review.
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