Better Homes Through Better Coordination editorial series for architects, building designers, interior designers, and design-build firms.
Ask a group of architects when a technology consultant should become involved in a custom home project, and you're unlikely to hear the same answer twice. Firms structure their design process differently, project delivery methods vary, and every client brings a unique set of priorities.
David Lee, co-founder of Los Angeles-based FAME Architecture & Design, is quick to acknowledge that there isn't a universal workflow. His firm designs custom modern homes, providing both architecture and interior design services. Because his team remains involved from the earliest concepts through construction and final furnishing, they see firsthand how decisions made during design influence every discipline that follows.
According to Lee, FAME has traditionally brought technology consultants into projects after Schematic Design, once the overall architectural direction has been established. "As soon as Schematic Design is done, we onboard as many people as possible, including the technology integration firm."
For Lee, that's the point at which technical coordination begins, while the project still has enough flexibility to accommodate adjustments. Experience, however, has made him more open to involving trusted consultants even sooner. "Depending on the project and the client, it can be desirable to onboard the technology consultant even sooner."
The reason why might surprise you and has little to do with the technology itself. It’s about onboarding. Projects evolve, a client meeting introduces a new idea, or a design question requires technical input. If the technology integrator has not yet been engaged, momentum can slow while the relationship is established, proposals are generated and vetted, and the integrator becomes familiar with the project.
"I'd much rather have my consultants within phone-call reach. I don't want to have to delay two weeks or a month onboarding them later in the process," he adds. This is also why it’s a massive benefit to work with the same contractors, according to Lee. “Everyone in design-build industries is consciously or unconsciously on the hunt to find their close circle of colleagues that they can trust and work with repeatedly. The more you know the person you're working with, the easier the process is.”
That philosophy extends beyond residential technology. Lee says his office has begun taking a similar approach with structural engineers. Having trusted consultants already familiar with the design allows questions to be answered as the project moves forward. It also enables decisions to happen while they are still relatively easy to make.
"At this stage, projects are more malleable. We can move things around if we need to make sure we have enough space,” says David.
As projects move into Construction Documentation, those opportunities naturally become more limited and more expensive. Multiple disciplines are coordinating from the same drawing set, and changes that might have taken minutes earlier in the process can require more time-consuming coordination and cost later on.
Find a Qualified Technology Consultant
The Home Technology Association helps architects, designers, builders, and homeowners identify technology integration firms that have been independently vetted for technical expertise, business practices, and professional references. Bringing the right integration partner into a project at the appropriate stage can help preserve design intent, improve coordination, and reduce surprises throughout design and construction. Find an HTA-Certified Integrator by location in our directory.
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