by Darcie Duranceau | photos by Adam Grubb Media and Technology Interiors
The world of home technology is constantly evolving, and a new chapter has begun for a name long trusted in Central Indiana. The story of how Technology Interiors and Robison Digital Solutions came together is one of both legacy and vision. Robison Digital Solutions founder, Nathan Robison, says the merger was a four-year process driven by Rick Goren. “The previous owner, Rick, wanted to retire and was adamant that I be the one to take over as custodian of his company, clientele, and staff.”
Initially, Robison was unsure, seeing the risk of tripling his staff and workload. But after careful consideration, he decided. “I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering ‘what if’.”
This union of two successful companies has created a single, powerful entity dedicated to bringing the future of smart homes to life in the Greater Indianapolis area.
THE ART OF THE CUSTOM PROJECT
For Technology Interiors, the process of a custom project is built on understanding, not just installation. Whether a project is residential or commercial, simple or complex, their initial approach remains the same. Robison says, “We ask how they envision enjoying their home and what they like and don’t like about what they have used in the past.” This focus on the client’s experience allows the team to design and deliver technology that is perfectly suited to the homeowner’s lifestyle. It is customization in the greatest sense of the word.
TECHNOLOGY AS AN ART FORM
A common concern for homeowners is how to balance advanced technology with a home’s aesthetic. Yet, there are areas where this is forgotten or overlooked entirely. Lighting, for instance: Robison notes that lighting has become the fastest growing category for custom integrators, precisely because it controls the entire atmosphere of a home. A truly beautiful environment requires professional lighting design and window shade consideration. All that expensive aesthetic added with wood, tile, and marble can be ruined by bad lighting, while great lighting can make a mediocre place feel amazing.
The problem, Robison points out, is often rooted in standard building practices: “When architects lay out the ceiling lights of a new home, it’s simply based on light output (“four cans and a fan” approach) versus square footage, no aesthetic consideration beyond that. No aesthetic consideration at all. And many builders simply go with that.” He argues that putting in bottom-of the-line lighting in a home full of custom finishes is a great disservice. “Most people have no idea how much a home can come alive with quality lighting.” There is a true art to home technology.
FOUNDATIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY HOME
Technology Interiors believes that a modern, smart home is an attainable goal, not a luxury. For those building a new home, Robison recommends a proper prewire as a foundational project that offers incredible long-term value. “It’s the hidden cables in the walls that make that magic work and keep the technology more reliable,” he says.
For existing homes, a simple start can include smart lighting and PowerShades, which improve atmosphere and convenience. Easy music streaming capabilities in key living areas are also a staple of modern comfort. Innovative solutions are not reserved for unlimited budgets. “It’s one thing to design an impressive integrated system with budgets that exceed $100-$200K,” Robison says, adding that there is something extra special about making magic happen within a tighter budget.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
By merging Robison Digital Solutions’ commercial expertise (which includes clients like Ale Emporium and the Pat McAfee Show) with Technology Interiors’ residential background, the company is now a powerhouse in both sectors. This consolidation of talented staff and a vast client base has led to the construction of a new, more advanced facility, set to open December 1. The new showroom will represent a new and exciting era of smart home technology in Central Indiana to home owners and builders alike.
