How is smart home technology planned for an Austin luxury home?
Around the lot and the architecture first, then the equipment. In West Lake Hills we engineer home technology for heavily treed lots, elevation changes, detached guest spaces and outdoor living areas, where Wi-Fi coverage and fiber and Cat 6 in conduit between buildings have to be planned before construction starts.
In Barton Creek and Spanish Oaks, we plan systems for large custom residences where lighting, shading, networking, security, audio, and control need to work together without compromising the architecture. In Tarrytown, remodels often require careful coordination with architects and builders so every wire path, device location, and visible element feels intentional.
Which platforms do you design around?
Professionally supported platforms: Lutron, Ketra, Josh.ai, UniFi, Qolsys with Alarm.com, Sonos, and other purpose-built subsystems selected for long-term reliability, serviceability, and performance.
What infrastructure do you document?
Everything behind the walls: structured cabling, rack locations, network architecture, power requirements, and subsystem connections, so the home can be serviced, expanded, and upgraded over time.
Recent projects: a West Lake Hills home rebuilt around Lutron and Ketra and a Barton Creek home with technology you don't see.
What does an enterprise-grade home network include?
A UniFi network planned like a commercial system: wired access points placed for the property, a structured equipment rack, and separate networks for cameras, guests and control. We design these enterprise-grade home networks for coverage, speed and security across the entire property. The network is planned to support streaming, remote work, security cameras, lighting control, motorized shades, audio, and other connected systems without becoming the weak link in the home.
We plan network architecture around the size and construction of the property, including access point placement, wired connections, equipment locations, and coverage for outdoor living areas, detached structures, and other high-demand spaces. Between buildings we run fiber and Cat 6 in conduit.
Whole-Home & Architectural Audio
We design discreet, high-performance audio for kitchens, living spaces, outdoor areas, and whole-home listening, using architectural speakers and system designs that preserve the look of the room.
Media Rooms & Private Cinema
From casual media rooms to dedicated private theaters, we design video, audio, lighting, control, and room performance as one coordinated experience.
What motorized window treatments can you install?
Roller shades, drapery, wood blinds, cellular shades and specialty applications, chosen for each opening. We design motorized window treatments that manage daylight, privacy, glare and heat while preserving the room's architecture. Each treatment is selected to complement the windows, the furnishings and how the space is used.
For new construction and remodels, we coordinate shade pockets, power, wiring, fabric selections, and control locations early so the finished system feels built into the home, not added later.
How is security planned into the home?
As part of the home’s technology foundation, not as a separate add-on. We design security systems that coordinate Qolsys and PowerG intrusion detection with Alarm.com, UniFi Protect surveillance, access control, gates, garage doors, environmental monitoring, and remote alerts so the system is easier to manage and more dependable.
During new construction and remodels, we plan camera locations, door and gate control, wiring, power, network connections, and equipment placement early so the security system is integrated cleanly into the architecture and can be serviced or expanded over time.
How does Josh.ai control the whole home?
Through one interface: natural voice control, the Josh app, a Josh Edge handheld remote or a Josh Touchscreen. Lighting, shades, audio, video, climate and other connected systems all respond to the same commands. The goal is not more technology on display, but fewer steps between the homeowner and the experience they want.
Because Josh.ai is designed for professionally integrated homes, we plan it around the systems already in place rather than treating voice control as a separate add-on. That creates a more natural, consistent way to control the home while preserving the reliability of each underlying subsystem.
What support do you provide after installation?
Remote support, system monitoring, troubleshooting, software updates and on-site service, available through a support agreement. Because we can reach the system remotely, many issues are fixed without waiting for a visit, by the same team that designed and installed the home.
When on-site service is required, documented infrastructure and organized system design make troubleshooting, repairs, and future upgrades more efficient. Our long-term support approach focuses on keeping the home stable, serviceable, and ready to evolve as technology changes.
How does a project with Smarter Homes work?
Virtual Consultation
We start with a virtual consultation to understand the home, project stage, priorities, and overall technology goals before recommending next steps.
Budget Framework
We establish an early budget range based on the size of the home, desired systems, level of performance, and project complexity so expectations are aligned from the beginning. You can start one now with the smart home budget planner.
On-Site Visit
When needed, we visit the property to review construction conditions, equipment locations, wiring paths, architectural details, and coordination requirements with the project team.
Design Agreement
Once the scope is clear, we move into a formal design agreement that defines the systems, documentation, engineering, and planning required before installation begins.
Deployment
After design approval and required deposits, our team coordinates installation, programming, testing, commissioning, and final system handoff.
Support Agreement & Monitoring
After completion, ongoing support, remote service, system monitoring, and security monitoring options help keep the home reliable and serviceable long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of homes are a good fit for Smarter Homes?
When should Smarter Homes be involved in a new construction or remodeling project?
Can you work directly with my architect, builder, interior designer, or lighting designer?
How do I establish a realistic budget for home technology?
What happens during the initial virtual consultation?
Can you support or upgrade technology that is already installed in my home?
Can smart home systems be serviced remotely after installation?
Can my system be expanded as my home or technology needs change?
Have a question or want to schedule a consultation? Send us a message, and our team will follow up.
Phone
Call us to discuss your home automation needs or schedule a private showroom visit.
Office
Visit our West Lake Hills showroom to experience our smart home solutions in person.
Smarter Homes, 5524 Bee Caves Rd Unit J8, West Lake Hills, TX 78746. Texas DPS Private Security license B28437501. Regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program.