Architectural Electronics, dba SimpleHome, a pioneer in smart home technology, proudly marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of innovation, reliability, and a commitment to the luxury design community.

Founded in 1973, SimpleHome quickly became a leader in the luxury home electronics industry, providing high-quality alarm systems at a time when most were unreliable. By the mid-1980s, the company had transformed alongside technological advancements, providing every type of home electronics to the luxury residential market and specialty tech to restaurants and corporate boardrooms.

At SimpleHome, the ethos is clear – to create living spaces that are functional, aesthetic, and simple. From basic WiFi speakers, thermostats, and cams to the sophisticated technologies of Circadian lighting, Lutron motorized shades, and air and water monitoring systems, SimpleHome is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its customers.

"We've spent 50 years understanding what people need and how to make it hassle-free. Our focus has always been on reliability and ease of use," says Brad Smith, Chief Performance Officer and Principal. "At SimpleHome, we are truly committed to keeping it simple and reliable while still providing the fun and luxury you expect in a quality home.”

Key highlights of SimpleHome's 50-year journey include:

As the sun rises, so do your shades. The lighting softly shifts from a warm glow as sunshine illuminates the room. Cue a morning wake up soundtrack and the latest news displays – all without effort.   

Your home is a stage for your life, but setting the scene shouldn’t be a herculean effort. With the magic of simpleHome Automation, setting the scene for your best life can be as easy as walking into a room.  

 Understanding Home Automation 

Creating Dream Spaces: Listening to Family Needs 

Personalization is the key to comfort. Your home should cater to the needs of you and your family, from the tools you need to the temperature and environment. With home automation, shifting environmental conditions to meet the needs of your family is easy, ensuring a space that always suits you, . Whether you’re snuggling up for a movie night or cooking a bountiful breakfast, the lighting, sound, and temperature of your space are set for the perfect ambience.  

Lighting for your backyard oasis

Landscape lighting serves as the silent orchestrator of outdoor ambiance, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. As the sun sets, it transforms ordinary spaces into enchanting realms, guiding footsteps, highlighting architectural wonders, and accentuating the beauty of nature. In this guide, we delve into the art and science of landscape lighting, exploring best practices and innovative techniques to elevate your outdoor experience. 

Lighting Control: One of the hallmarks of an exceptional outdoor lighting system is intuitive control. With simpleHome, you have the power to orchestrate the perfect ambiance with just a tap of your finger. Whether you desire a soft, romantic glow or vibrant illumination for outdoor gatherings, our lighting control solutions offer unparalleled flexibility and ease of use. Lighting can also be programmed based on the astronomical clock, ensuring your home is never left in darkness. 

Lighting Design: A harmonious marriage between landscape design and lighting is essential for creating captivating outdoor spaces. At simpleHome, we understand the intricate interplay between form and function. Our team collaborates closely with architects and designers to seamlessly integrate lighting solutions into the fabric of your outdoor environment. From accentuating architectural features to illuminating lush greenery, every aspect of your landscape is meticulously curated to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment. 

Thoughtful Placement: Gone are the days of harsh glare and blinding lights. Outdoor illumination is a symphony of subtlety and sophistication. Strategic placement of fixtures ensures that every corner of your outdoor oasis is bathed in gentle, inviting light. From gracefully uplit trees to softly illuminated pathways, our lighting solutions combined with the artistry of your landscape architect transform your yard into a captivating nocturnal paradise. 

Types of Landscape Lighting: All these types are available in marine grade, ensuring durability and longevity, especially for coastal homes. 

Back in 1977 when Debby Boone sang “You Light Up My Life” few realized that automated lighting would revolutionize the home technology industry. The benefits of automated lighting include convenience, security and aesthetics that enhance the way we live in our homes today. And don’t forget the bonus of energy savings!

The Convenience of Automated Lighting

Press a button and house lights dim or set a welcome home scene where the lights come on as you open the door. Today’s lights offer control from anywhere, and the ability to program them to turn on or off at specific times, depending on the time of day, time of year or occupancy. You can program fixtures in one room or the entire house with platforms from Lutron or Vantage. AVD works with both companies to complement your decor and lifestyle. Control your lighting at home with an app on your smart phone or tablet, or from a keypad on the wall.

We know that lighting has a profound impact on the feel of a space and our overall health and well-being. The right illumination can be custom tailored to your needs – lighting for tasks, relaxation or to spotlight artwork and collections. Owners of multiple residences love the convenience of lighting control systems.

With modern lighting innovations it can be challenging to know how to get what you want. The Audio Video Design team members are experts in lighting design. For homeowners, we can collaborate with your architect, builder and interior designer. For design professionals, we will collaborate with you and your client to ensure you have the products you need to attain the goals of the project.

The bottom line is that today’s automated lighting is easy to use once professionals design and install the system that works best for your home or your client’s home.