Best Showroom winner highlights the best of Crestron technology through experiential designs.
The Haas Showroom in downtown Austin, Texas, exudes tasteful elegance as it beautifully combines art and automation. The showroom doesn't just demonstrate how to coexist with technology; it elevates the concept by exhibiting how technology can enhance the quality of life with effective integrations.
The challenge
The Haas team was committed to delivering an exceptional space for the design-build community and prospective clients and recognized the need for an area where the benefits of technology could be easily showcased. However, this meant working extra hours and managing time constraints, as the project would need to be constructed while still balancing the needs of their existing client portfolio.
The solution
Collaborating with Saavedra Design Studio, Frost Visualizations, and Winn Wittman Architecture, Haas set out to build a showroom that demonstrates the use of different technologies in the most optimal spaces for homeowners. To achieve their vision, Haas selected Crestron as the central control system, providing the flexibility to integrate various systems seamlessly. Crestron technology allows the Haas team to effortlessly manage their lighting and music within the space, and automatically adjust to scenarios such as client appointments, showroom events, and lunch-and-learns. The showroom's various interfaces have also enabled them to offer guided tours with ease; visitors can now see firsthand how Crestron allows simple control of the entire space and better visualize the value the technology can provide in their own homes or businesses.
The technology
Haas meticulously curated a fusion of cutting-edge technology and elegant design with the adoption of the Crestron Control® system. The technology operates behind the scenes, allowing clients to be fully immersed in the space with zero distractions. Each section of the Haas showroom has its own scene – turning on the lights, opening the shades, and prompting the audio – creating a comfortable experience for each guest. The front lounge welcomes clients into the showroom, allowing them to become familiar with different smart home solutions through actions like opening and closing the shades or watching the hidden TVs and entertainment solutions come into view.
The theater’s in-wall candy and beverage shelf elevate the cinematic experience, and the atmosphere is enhanced with pendant lights that illuminate the theater and are synchronized with a Crestron remote to dim when play or pause are pressed. The kitchen and HiFi lounge are used for larger gatherings of people and demonstrate applications that clients can visualize in their homes. To demonstrate energy conservation, the Haas showroom features an indoor energy unit that can power the space in the event of an outage. The kitchen and lounge include a TV and speaker system harmoniously integrated into the Crestron ecosystem. A TV discreetly concealed behind kitchen cabinets adds an element of surprise and sophistication, seamlessly accessible through Crestron's intuitive interface.
The conference room serves as a hub for productive meetings with clients, architects, designers, and builders. Haas is able to go through design plans with clients or discuss team projects that are displayed on the impressive TV wall, all managed effortlessly through Crestron control. This remarkable integration allows Hass to collaborate effectively in a tasteful, tech-savvy environment.
The results
Haas' showroom stands out for its design-centric approach. The technology, while advanced, remains discreet, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment. Each vignette within the showroom presents a unique experience, from the cozy listening room to the elegant theater with pendant lights and custom controls. The showroom's versatility is further showcased in the kitchen and HiFi lounge, featuring cutting-edge technology and a focus on energy efficiency.
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.
