The Journal

Notes From The Field

The questions we answer every week in the showroom and on jobsites, written down plainly so you can read them at home.

A custom home at the prewire stage, with open framing and low-voltage wiring in place

August 26, 2026 · 4 min read

When should you plan the technology in a custom home?

The best time to plan smart home technology is during architectural design, before the drywall goes up. Here is what gets decided at the prewire stage and why the timing matters so much.

Read the article

A finished great room with layered architectural lighting and concealed technology

August 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Do you need a new build for home automation?

No. New construction offers the most freedom, but lighting, shades, audio, security and whole-home control can all be added to renovations and finished homes. Here is what retrofits well.

Read the article

A dedicated private cinema with tiered seating and acoustic treatment

August 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Home theater or media room? How to choose

A dedicated home theater and a media room solve different problems. Here is how the two differ, what each asks of the room, and why hearing both in person is the best way to decide.

Read the article