Best Smart Home Designers

A smart home designer — a custom electronics integrator — designs, installs and programs the technology that makes a home intelligent: whole-home automation and control (often on Crestron, Control4, Savant or Lutron), lighting and motorized-shade control, home theater and distributed audio and video, structured networking and Wi-Fi, and the integration of security, cameras and climate into a single, coherent system. It is a distinct discipline from an electrician (who wires power), a lighting designer (who composes how a space is lit — the integrator only automates the control of lights), and a general builder (who constructs the house): the integrator's craft is making disconnected devices work as one dependable, easy-to-use system.

Because well-designed automation adds real convenience, comfort, security and value to a luxury home — but only when it is designed and installed well — choosing the right integrator matters enormously. Look for genuine custom-integration specialization, manufacturer credentials that signal training and standards, in-house design, installation and programming, sound networking and infrastructure, and, above all, ongoing support, since a smart home is a long-term relationship rather than a one-time install. Local knowledge matters, since construction type, building rules and climate shape what is possible and what will stay reliable. Browse by city below to find smart home designers who work in your area and the kind of system you have in mind.