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March 26th, 2012

Performance Spotlight: Smart Glass

Instant privacy, on demand! This hot technology is seeing a surge of interest from our residential & commercial clients alike.

Smart Glass is a favorite for Boardrooms, Saunas/Bath, and Room Dividers, as seen below.

When the electrical supply for the glass switched on, the glass is clear:

When the power is switched off the liquid crystal molecules in the glass are randomly arranged, making the glass opaque & private:

Smart Glass can be used in any room in your home or office, and is activated at the touch of a button. Smart Glass is easily integrated into your favorite control system.

For more information, give us a call: 305-652-1138, or click here to Contact Us.

September 27th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 2

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

If you haven’t read Part One, where we tour the residence, you can do so HERE.

There are many different products you can use as the “brain” in your Intelligent Home. Its important to hire a company you trust to make sure you have the right system for you and your budget.

The system we used here, on the Continuum project, was Crestron. Creston is definitely on the high end of home control, and may not fit into everyone’s budget. However, in recent years, Crestron has made a few advances in creating more affordable products.

Luckily, budget wasn’t a concern for this particular client. They wanted to be able to tie all of their home together:

They also had some interesting designer touches they wanted to be able to control, such as an automated in-ceiling projector, and screen:

And a custom LED lighted wall, with a motorized privacy curtain:

All of these systems and separate technologies are programmed and connected to the Crestron “brain”. Now the homeowners can control everything from several locations in the home, and even remotely from anywhere in the world.

Within the home, the system is controlled via Touch Panels, like this one:

The touch panel above can either be used in-wall, where it charges, or be removed for portability. There are also several keypads throughout the house, like the one shown below the touch panel. The system can also be controlled via iPad & iPhone, for the ultimate in portable convenience.

This particular property is owned by a very generous individual, who allows it to be used by extended family, friends, and clients. This means the system has to be easy to use, and pretty self explanatory.

Now that we’re familiar with the equipment, and how to control it, lets move on to what it can do, next time in Part 3.

Give us a call for a complimentary consultation:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.

September 19th, 2011

Home Theater

Now, having your own Home Theater is easier than ever. IntelligentDesign will create an environment that will immerse you in sight and sound, bringing the movie theater experience home.

Do you want to build a fully dedicated Theater Room? Or maybe you’d like to transform your Family Room, or Master Suite into a theater experience? Our experts will work with you to choose the right equipment and design, and then work within your budget to make your vision come to life.

We have the resources and know-how to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.

You can count on IntelligentDesign for the finest in design, comfort, technology, and convenience. We cover all facets of your project, from build to decor. Seating, lighting, woodwork, wall treatments, flooring, ceiling, and curtains are just a few areas where we can provide a special touch to give you the theater of your dreams.

Call us now to learn how to get started: 305-652-1138

September 16th, 2011

Smart Homes & Automation

Comfort, convenience, and a greener way to live, right at your fingertips. IntelligentDesign will give you an Intelligent Home, whatever your needs or budget.

We make it possible for virtually any device or appliance in your home to communicate with each other, Intelligently. Lights, Thermostat, Drapes, Door Locks, even Outlets, all programmable, and controllable, no matter where you are.

Once we have your system in place, we will customize it to your lifestyle, working with you to focus on your priorities.

We’ll start with the basics, for example, your outside lights coming on at sunset, and turning off at sunrise. Then you let us know what other lighting scenarios you want, such as a “goodnight” button that turns off all lights; Or an alarm scenario that turns on all the lights in the house if your alarm gets tripped.

Tell us how your life could be easier, and we’ll teach your system how to help you out.

Would you like to receive an email when your housekeeper arrives and enters her code in your SmartLock? Or when your kids get home from school? No more worrying about lights left on, or the garage door left open. Not only will your system alert you, you’ll be able to shut off a light or close your garage door from wherever you are.

There’s really no end to the possibilities. Below are just a few of the things that can be a part of your Intelligent Home, and customized to your lifestyle.

Give us a call, lets talk about your Intelligent Home: 305-652-1138

Or, click here to Contact Us.

September 13th, 2011

Control Systems

There are so many parts and pieces that make up an efficient office or retail space, IntelligentDesign is here to help you put them all together.

We’ll show you how to increase your bottom line by putting controls in place that let you concentrate on what’s really important: your business.

Applying Intelligent Technology can decrease overhead, and boost profits and productivity. Here are a few ways we can change the way you do business:

Lighting Control is one of the easiest ways to increase energy efficiency. Through the installation of occupancy sensors, and controllable switches and dimmers you’ll be able to decrease your energy bill dramatically.
HVAC systems are where many businesses waste the most energy. We will co-ordinate your climate to fit your company’s schedule and needs.
Security & Surveillance are always a major concern. IntelligentDesign will work with you to create a safety net around your business. From security cameras to access control, we’ll help keep what’s important to you safe.
Motorized Window Treatments add beauty, efficiency, and convenience to your workplace. We offer an array of styles, one is sure compliment your design, and set the mood you’re looking for.
Boardrooms & Video Conferencing planning and installation is made easy with IntelligentDesign.We’ll work within your needs and budget, giving you an individual, simple to use solution.
Audio & Video will shape the mood and tone of your work space, and can even convey your brand message or company culture. Use display panels to show the news, what’s going on with the stock market, corporate videos, or anything you like. Display panels can also double as Digital Signage, always keeping your message up front.

These systems can be installed separately, or integrated to work together to give you the highest level of elegant control.

Give us a call, lets talk about what you have in mind to take your business to the next level: 305-652-1138

August 27th, 2011

Furniture & Lifts

We offer an endless variety of furniture, in all sizes and styles. We have options for home, office & marine, that can enhance or hide your equipment. Not sure what you want or need? No problem, we have plenty of examples that will provide inspiration.

Maybe you have something specific in mind? Or just a few ideas that you just can’t find in stores? IntelligentDesign is pleased to offer Custom Furniture. We are partnered with the finest Interior Designers and Mill Workers available, who will bring your ideas to life. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want, our Design Partners will consult with you in your home or office, and create a unique piece just for you.

Sometimes, you have limited space, or special design requirements. Maybe you just don’t want to see any TVs or equipment. A Motorized Lift may be the solution you need.

Hide projectors and screens away in the ceiling, or stash TVs in the foot board of your bed or in a console. We’ll take a look at your space, and come up with the perfect solution.

Call us today for a consultation: 305-652-1138

July 29th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 1

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

This residence is located in the posh South of Fifth (SOFI) neighborhood of South Beach, in the Continuum II. It features incredible views, and some very sweet amenities.

Our clients wanted to have total control of all the technology in their home:

Lighting
Air Conditioning
Security & Surveillance
Motorized Window Treatments
Audio & Video

It was important for them to not only have flawless control on the property, but to be able to access & control the entire condo from anywhere in the world.

First, we’ll tour the residence; then, we’ll talk details.

The Main Living Area:

As you can see below, there’s a lot going on here. We needed to provide seamless performance for a very intricate lighting plan, Motorized Window Shades, & Motorized Projector & Screen. Plus the things you don’t really see, like the Air Conditioning, & Security System.

Note how many different lighting sources there are:

Hanging Fixture Over the Dining Area
Cove Lighting in the Ceiling
Floor & Table Lamps
Spotlights in the Ceiling

These can all be controlled separately, or together, in pre-programmed scenes (more on that later!).

The Interior Designer chose to hide the Speakers, Motorized Screen, & Projector in the silk fabric covered ceiling. This is what we mean when we say you don’t have to lose your design! We worked with the Designer every step of the way throughout the project, to make sure our installation kept the spotlight on the overall design:

All of the shades throughout the house run on silent motors, and can be controlled at the touch of a button from several different devices. They can also be programmed to go up or down throughout the day, shading your home from the heat and sun, automatically:

This residence also boasts a large open kitchen, which hides a few secrets. That backsplash is a two-way mirror, which hides a 32″ LCD TV. When the TV is off, you see nothing. Turn it on, and it plays clearly through the mirror:

On To The Guest Suites:

The client chose to keep the guest suites very simple & elegant in design. Nonetheless, both guest suites feature full automation of Audio & Video, Motorized Window Treatments, and Lighting.

The Master Suite:

The Interior Designer on the project custom designed and built the wood pillar TV mount. We think it’s an inspired design, we’ve certainly never seen anything like it before. We ran wiring underneath the floor, and in the soffit above, and through the wood supports holding the TV:

The Master Suite has a sitting room that leads into the Master Bath. There’s a privacy curtain which is motorized and linked to the system:

At the touch of a button, the curtain opens, revealing an LED lighted wall:

Once in the Master Bath, there are several different lighting sources, all controllable through the system. The Smart lighting control can transform the space from a standard bathroom to a relaxing spa environment:

Now that we’ve got a feel for the property, in our next post (Part 2), we’ll talk about how the system is controlled, and all of the possibilities it has to offer.

Questions? Give us a call:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.

May 20th, 2011

Hot Properties: Boulan South Beach

As you can imagine, we get to see some pretty hot properties in South Florida. But, even we were surprised by what we found when we stopped by this exclusive South Beach sanctuary. Boulan, located on Collins Ave & 21st Street, has great views of both the ocean & the city, as well as the newly renovated Collins Park across the street.

Walk to the Miami City Ballet, Public Library, & Bass Museum of Art for a taste of culture; or stroll to The Setai, STK, Nobu, Mr. Chow, or Solea at the W for a taste of anything else.

The residences themselves are lovely. Spacious, light filled, & Designer Ready, with universally beautiful & convenient touches such as:

Lagos Azule Portuguese Limestone Flooring
Energy Efficient Glass Sliding Doors & Windows
Designer Lighting
Washer & Dryer in Every Residence
Translucent Glass Pocket Doors
Oversized Balconies
Spa Inspired Baths (these must be seen!)

We can’t wait to create the ultimate lifestyle & entertainment systems at Boulan – completely automated, to be controlled at the touch of a button of course! These units really are ideal for the full Smart Home treatment.

Boulan features all of the conveniences of full service living, including Concierge, 24-hr Valet & Private Fitness Center.

All of the (anything but) common areas are designed with a restrained & tasteful touch, imparting the feel of a private oasis.

Our soothing, relaxing experience started in the understated lobby, continuing outside to the Meditation Garden & Courtyard, featuring lush tropical landscaping.

There is a beautiful rooftop, with a pool, jacuzzi, cabanas & barbecue area. They are currently installing a state of the art music and projection system for poolside entertainment under the stars.

There are fewer than 55 units, so you’ll want to move quickly to see these!

www.boulansouthbeach.com

305-538-7661

May 11th, 2011

Performance Spotlight: Smart Locks

Take a look at our newest superstar. Automated locks are not only our hottest item right now, they are quickly becoming our bestseller of all time.

We integrate them right into your home system, allowing you a serious sense of security, and unparalleled convenience. A few great features:

Go Keyless: No more keys to find!
Secure entry for housekeepers, babysitters, and more.
Your system emails you telling you who entered and left, and when.
No more giving out your alarm code.
Doors will automatically lock after a preset amount of time; No more wondering!

We can install these for you in a matter of minutes. There’s a design to fit everyone’s taste.

Give us a call to learn more, or set up an appointment 305-652-1138

www.id-fl.com

April 2nd, 2011

Bulletin: Japan’s Aftermath for Electronics

Though it compares in no way to the horrible devastation the people of Japan have had to endure recently, there are going to be consequences of the Japanese disaster in the world of electronics. I’m sure many of you are aware that quite a few of the electronics that Americans love and use daily are made or designed in Japan.

Inside the industry, we have been waiting to learn of the impact that will be felt here in the USA. This week, we’ve been informed that several of our vendors & distributors have had emergency meetings to discuss the reality.

Of course, the scale of the disaster, the horrific loss of life, & the damage to structures meant so much more to worry about than whether or not the Electronics Industry was going to be affected. Now that some time has passed, however, it is becoming very clear:

It appears the US is about to experience a pretty significant shortage in the electronic sector.

Obviously things could be much worse than this; we’re not talking about water, food, fuel, or oxygen. However, we take our responsibility to our clients & readers very seriously. If we hear news, so should you.

So, what does this mean? Well, expect to see the price of LED & LCD televisions going up. One of the largest plants in world that contributed to this technology was located in Northern Japan, and is now gone. Also be prepared to wait longer for these products. There will probably be a small resurgence of love for Plasma TVs, as they will be more readily available.

Semiconductors are another area that will be seeing serious repercussions. Without boring you, semiconductors are in just about all of your favorite electronics. Cell Phones, Automobiles, Remote Controls, even LED lighting will be effected.

Toshiba, Panasonic, Texas Instruments, and Sony are just a few of the manufacturers feeling a major impact. Not only are they coping with incredible business setbacks, they’re also dealing with the loss of life, & injuries of their employees.

Sony alone has suspended operations at 7 plants.

Also, many Japanese ports are completely shut down. Even if the products were available, they aren’t leaving Japan for a while.

Now is the time to purchase electronics. If you’ve been on the fence, go for it.

Please let us know your questions or concerns, we will do our best to get you answers.

Learn more here, here, and here.