Looking for news or information about a specific brand or topic? Need help with a particular product? Find it here by searching all 691 HD Living articles!

Looking for a Home Technology Specialist? Click here.

HD Homes

Composure Under Fire

Published Dec 15, 2011 By Brian Ploskina

If the old adage that you can know a lot about a man by the friends he keeps applies to business, then the fact Appollo Systems was recently tapped to complete a full systems integration job for Michelle Bloyd, the president of Cabinet Concepts and Interiors, a high-end interior design and custom cabinet firm, tells you a lot about how creative and successful Appollo really is.

Of course, that also meant expectations would be high and the client would be working very closely to make sure the results met her demands. However, Appollo’s Matt Thompson says the firm prefers it that way.

“We love it when the client is actively engaged in the process of exploring their various options with us and really being a part to establishing realistic goals for the installation,” Thompson says. With this project in particular, the client wanted simple, straightforward user controls that wouldn’t appear at all out of place and would not clutter up the walls. “So when we began discussing how we were able to meld multiple functions together into a well-executed touch panel and actually eliminate wall clutter, we achieved her full satisfaction.”

The theme of the project was “extremely stylish and sophisticated, deemphasizing the technology so that it would blend seamlessly into the high design background.” Appollo’s system designers developed an electronic systems solution that would synergistically meld into the home’s exquisite contemporary design, showing the client just how low impact technology really can be, while at the same time being easily accessible and convenient for everyday use.

The biggest revelation came from the fact that Appollo was able to homogenize entertainment and media management with household management systems such as HVAC, lighting and security. “Once we presented a solution for providing very approachable, easily discernable and uniform in-wall touch panels and wireless controls that, by their very nature, are simple and straightforward, she insisted we do it all,” Thomson recalls. “She loves the simplicity and easy access to music and entertainment media, lighting and environmental control.”

When it was all said and done, the client was thoroughly satisfied with the work, which is a good thing, since the integrators at Appollo work with the interior designer on several jobs. “She loved the fact that we were able to custom tailor an installation to meet just her specific wants and/or needs,” Thompson says. “We have had the good fortune of working together on a number of our mutual clients’ properties, so when it came time for her to build her own home we were privileged to be selected.”