THE CHALLENGE:
As a developer and member of Crestron's Design Build Program, David Shapiro was familiar with high-end home automation and has implemented it into his own business projects over the years. Using this experience, Shapiro wanted to design his own home from the ground up and include premium technology to bring his professional prowess into his residence.
THE SOLUTION:
After seeing an example of Simplicity’s work during the annual Kansas City Artisan home tour, Shapiro reached out to the company for his new build. The project would include a complete home automation system and incorporate voice control for added convenience. Shapiro is now able to showcase the unique and custom technology features that exemplify his experience as a developer in his own home.
THE TECHNOLOGY:
The Crestron Home® platform provides one centralized interface that can manage every inch of the home and each area’s unique capabilities. United under one automation system, Shapiro and his family can seamlessly control everything from the expansive outdoor entertainment spaces to the spotlight lighting and audio levels in the primary bathroom. With the Crestron Home app, turning on a light, controlling the fireplace or pool, and changing the audio or video source can easily be done through personal devices such as a phone or tablet, as well as from the homeowner’s custom engraved Crestron Handheld remote or one of the multiple Crestron touch screens.
For added security, visitors can chime in at the gate, alerting the family through each Crestron touch screen in the kitchen, theater, wine room, bedroom, and home gym. With added support for voice control, Shapiro and his family can make commands to the Crestron Home system without ever having to pick up a device. Voice control with Josh.ai and Crestron Home controls the sliding doors and screens to the patio, the fireplaces, and the outdoor fire bowls by the pool.
Shapiro is a well-known member of the auto racing community so having a space to showcase his car collection and keep the vehicles in perfect condition was essential. As a result, Simplicity installed radiant floor heating and lighting control that allows each car to be individually lit when on display. Horizon® Keypads, placed conveniently throughout the home, manage and control all lighting, heating, shading, audio, and video features. In addition to serving as a control function, the keypads fit nicely into the residence’s modern design.
Creating captivating entertainment spaces was an important part of the design process for this home. Using Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP, Shapiro can seamlessly switch video and audio sources throughout the residence. Overlooking the garage is a home theater with a 133” screen for incredible viewings. Automated shades surrounding the room can lower in unison to darken the space for a Friday night movie showing. The lower level has space for virtual wine tastings and a self-playing piano pipes music through the audio system throughout the home as well at the touch of a button on the Crestron Home System.
A portion of the patio space includes an outdoor grill that opens up to the kitchen and dining area featuring retractable screens, a television, and an immersive sound system with 360-degree speakers. The backyard features an expansive view that overlooks three levels of patio space complete with a concrete ping pong table and a putting green. The unmatched outdoor audio experience that lines the quarter-mile walking path which surrounds the pool and the firepit is controlled by Crestron DM NAX™ audio distribution. The landscape system contains 6 separate amplifiers that power the speakers coming off the Crestron DM NAX platform seamlessly. Outdoor sensors illuminate the pathways at night for guests or for an evening stroll with the dog.
RESULTS:
This project allowed Shapiro to bring the technology he had been familiar with from his professional projects and transform the experience in his own home with Crestron. While remaining consistent with the contemporary design and providing unique automation features, Crestron Home was able to provide a simple user experience for daily routines or hosting an unforgettable gathering with family and friends.
"Crestron Home allows us to customize certain aspects of the system without complicating the user experience, which is the most essential quality for our clients," says Joe Acree, Principal, Simplicity
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
