How We Helped Bridge Technology and Design for Our Client 

Whenever we work with clients in St. Petersburg, FL, and the surrounding areas, we bring the same thoughtful service, bespoke technology solutions, and long-term client support. Nothing makes us happier than nurturing strong relationships with our clients. 

Recently, we had the honor of working on an award-winning project with one of our longest-standing clients. Though the award was specifically for his builder, the client credited his collaboration with us as one of the main reasons for winning. 

This full home automation project included lighting design in collaboration with Light Can Help You, a centralized Control4 smart home system that made everything easy to use, and immersive AV systems. 

SEE MORE: The Value of Home Automation Service Plans 

How the Project Came to Be 

This client began working with AV Specialists owner Gregg Dixon over ten years ago on simple A/V installations. Over time, the relationship grew to include other smart upgrades, and ultimately, this whole-home renovation was the natural next step. 

“Over the years, they've added home automation and AV to my house, and we've done various upgrades,” said the homeowner on working with AV Specialists. “So, when we decided to do a whole-home renovation a couple of years ago, partnering with them for all our lighting, network, audiovisual, and security needs was a no-brainer. For this most recent project, Joe Cook was my primary point of contact, and he was fantastic.”

Full Home Automation With Control4 

A huge priority for the client was making sure his smart home was easy to use. We installed a Control4 system to manage interior and exterior lighting, audio/video, security, pool lighting, and even the hot tub. Aside from providing centralized control, we also added some unique automations. For example, landscape lighting automatically turns on at sunset and switches off at 11 p.m., then turns on again in the morning to ease their daily routines. 

Since we knew this client loved to be hands-on with his technology, we even provided them with a home version of the Control4 software so they could customize the experience to their liking. 

“I found it incredibly fun, and they were always there to support my curiosity,” said the client of having access to the software. 

Lighting Design That Stole the Spotlight

Lighting played a huge role in making this project stand out. Working alongside the expert design team at Light Can Help You, we delivered a layered, thoughtful lighting plan that highlighted the home’s architecture, improved functionality, and kept the look clean and uncluttered.

We installed recessed lighting throughout the home, custom in-cabinet and under-counter lighting in the kitchen, and even added low-profile baseboard lighting for subtle nighttime navigation. 

One of the client’s favorite upgrades was the addition of garage lighting panels. By consolidating multiple switches into one, we reduced wall clutter and made control far more intuitive. As the client said, this detail was “a fantastic touch.”

On-Point Audio and Entertainment, Indoors and Out

For the living room, we installed a full 7.1 surround sound system. The goal was to deliver rich, immersive sound while keeping the aesthetic clean—something especially important as the client was removing the old popcorn ceiling and opting for a smooth finish throughout the home.

We recommended hidden in-ceiling speakers for the rest of the house to maintain the modern look. These speakers blend completely with the new ceiling design but still deliver outstanding audio quality. Despite their discreet appearance, the client told us they were surprised by how powerful they sounded.

We also brought entertainment outdoors by adding a weather-resistant TV on the lanai, which they could manage using the same Control4 interface they used indoors. 

Optimized for Security and Connectivity Throughout 

Though never the flashiest of components, a full home automation system isn’t complete without a strong networking and security backbone. For this project, we upgraded the property’s security and network infrastructure to match the sophistication of the rest of the system.

We added outdoor security cameras to key areas around the house, all tied into the Control4 system so the client could view footage and receive alerts from the same interface used for everything else.  

To improve Wi-Fi performance, we installed dedicated access points in the garage and on the lanai. These additions eliminated dead zones and created a more reliable connection for streaming, automation, and day-to-day use.

Driven by Communication and Collaboration

From start to finish, this project was shaped by open conversations and mutual respect. The client appreciated how our team explained every detail clearly, offered suggestions without pressure, and welcomed questions along the way.

The relationship didn’t stop after the project wrapped. When the client’s parents were planning upgrades to their home in Tennessee, he contacted us for input. We responded immediately with thoughtful guidance that helped the family make informed decisions—no strings attached.

Not sure where to begin with smart home upgrades? Call us or fill out our contact form to get expert guidance and personalized solutions.