introduction
Itoki Corporation, a leader in workplace innovation since 1890, is redefining modern workspaces through design, technology, and human-centric functionality. Known for its expertise in office furniture, ergonomic design, and space planning, Itoki focuses on creating adaptable and seamless environments that meet the needs of people and organizations.
the challenge
At its Tokyo headquarters, Itoki set out to transform two key collaboration spaces - the Decision Room and The Studium - into live showrooms for over 20,000 annual visitors, serving as models to showcase the future of hybrid work. Itoki’s transformation aimed to tackle the challenges of hybrid communication, particularly in high-level discussions and client presentations. Remote participants often struggle to engage without clear visuals of facial expressions or speakers, while in-room participants find it hard to connect with those on screen.
the solution
Itoki partnered with Crestron, a trusted industry leader with over 30 years of recognition in Japan, to bring their design visions to life — unobtrusive, scalable, and human-first technology. The Crestron intelligent video portfolio would enhance collaboration while maintaining a sleek, functional design.
the technology
Crestron’s intelligent video and control technologies bring Itoki’s vision of “quiet innovation” to life — powerful yet discreet and adaptable. Central to the setup is the Automate VX multi-camera speaker tracking solution, which automatically switches between multiple cameras based on the active speaker’s location. This creates more engaging hybrid meetings and reduces cognitive fatigue. With the system in place, remote attendees feel more connected, and in-person participants no longer repeat comments.
The Decision Room was designed to create an equal environment where all participants — remote or in-person — could interact naturally, feel heard, and be visually included. In the Decision Room, the Automate VX multi-camera speaker tracking solution, integrated with Shure® MXA920 ceiling microphones and Shure IntelliMix® P300 processors, enables automatic speaker tracking. Cameras switch angles intelligently based on voice pickup, ensuring clear discussions where remote participants feel fully engaged. The automatic speaker tracking fosters richer, more equitable discussions.
On the 11th floor, The Studium presented additional challenges. This tired, U-shaped seminar space prioritized visibility and inclusivity, but Itoki needed technology to complement its design with seamless digital engagement. Simplicity was essential, making it easy for anyone to present and enabling multiple users to share content effortlessly. For the Studium, the Crestron AirMedia® Connect Adaptor and a simpler two-camera tracking system support presentations, seminars, and hybrid meetings. Recessed, color-matched ceiling speakers and microphones blend easily with the architecture, while Crestron’s touch screen interface makes controlling audio, video, and lighting simple for all users. Synchronized video and audio across rooms also enable townhall-style events and unified content experiences.
Wireless content sharing is effortless with the Crestron AirMedia® Connect Adaptor, allowing presenters to connect from any device. Presenters have praised the system’s ease of use and seamless setup. Always presentation-ready, the space inspires visiting clients with ideas for their own workplaces. Intuitive control of audio, visuals, lighting, and room settings is delivered through touch screens and iPad® tablets. Crestron’s XiO Cloud® platform provides remote monitoring, updates, and centralized device management. Fully IP-based, the system is built for scalability and future upgrades.
the results
At Itoki, the success of Crestron technology lies in its invisibility. Cohesive, human-centric spaces born from the Itoki-Crestron partnership are setting a new standard for intuitive, people-first work environments. The transformation has exceeded expectations, and communication quality has improved.
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.
