High-tech heads home

“I can push a button in my master bath and turn on my kitchen lights and television set. We can push another button next to our bed and turn off all lights,” Corry said. “We turn off our HVAC system at 9:30 (p.m.) and it comes on at 6:30 in the morning. And the choices are all based on whatever your imagination can come up with.”

After reading an article that suggested automated systems for homes with more than 6,000 square feet, Corry hired ForresterTech, a division of Springfield-based The Forrester Group, to design such a system for his home.

ForresterTech incorporates smart technology in home and office design to give homeowners and businesses more comfort and more convenience in a safer environment.

“We specialize in automated systems used to control basically all aspects of your home or office, from lighting to heating and air conditioning, to audio/video equipment to security systems, all the way to turning your shower on in the morning, “ said Thad Forrester, director of sales and marketing.

ForresterTech designs the systems to clients’ specifications, and provides the equipment and products – anything from audio systems to shades and blinds. The 16-month-old business has designed systems for five homes and three businesses, including the advertising agency Deep, a division of Marlin Co.

“We worked with a design team, then brought in ForresterTech to bring solutions on how to take our business to another level, from the creative standpoint,” said Dennis Marlin, owner of Deep. “In our conference room, we have a 62-inch plasma screen, but ForresterTech also coordinated our security systems, set up our blinds, and offered solutions for future growth.”

The latest addition to Deep is a centerpiece in the lobby that’s a ceiling-to-floor waterfall with a plasma screen behind it. The water flows directly on top of the screen, giving a unique and powerful visual effect. This allows Marlin to display his company’s work or to program a greeting when new clients arrive.

Whether the system is for a home or a business, Forrester said, the goal is to make it look like it belongs.

“One of our biggest selling points is that we use systems and products that integrate seamlessly into your environment, so they really add to, rather than detract from, the beauty of your home or office,” said Forrester.

Automation system prices range from $5,000 to $500,000, depending on the scope of the job, Forrester said.

“The key is that the product line is very designer friendly and these are customer solutions, designed with the whole house integrated systems approach in mind,” he added.