With so much smart home technology hitting the market, it can be overwhelming to cut through the noise and decipher what’s useful. This week, we asked five designers—Jay Britto, Kilian Camp, Jamie Gasparovic, Alison Green and Sydney Katz—to share which smart home “must-haves” are actually worth having.
Jay BrittoCourtesy of Britto Charette
This Is the Voice
“Integrated voice control is no longer just a convenience—it’s becoming a core part of how clients interact with their spaces. When thoughtfully implemented, it allows for seamless control of lighting scenes, climate, window treatments, audio, and even security, all without interrupting the experience of the area you are in. It’s one of the few technologies I enjoy using in my own home. I can adjust the temperature, shift lighting to match the mood, or check my schedule effortlessly, whether I’m moving through the space or entertaining. What I appreciate most is that it enhances comfort without adding visual clutter; there are no extra switches or complicated interfaces competing with the design. For designers, understanding how to integrate voice control systems, while keeping aesthetics and user experience in mind, is key. It allows us to create environments that are not only beautiful, but also intuitive, responsive, and aligned with how people actually live today.” —Jay Britto, Britto Charette, Miami
Jamie GasparovicCourtesy of Studio Gaspo
Lighting the Way
“A lot of ‘smart home’ products feel like overkill to me. I don’t need my refrigerator powered by AI. But Ketra lighting is one of the rare examples of technology that actually belongs in a well-designed home, dynamically shifting the light in a space throughout the day to mimic natural daylight. My benchmark for great tech is that you don’t notice it. It just quietly improves your quality of life. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the few smart home investments I’d genuinely recommend clients splurge on, and something every designer should have in their back pocket.” —Jamie Gasparovic, Studio Gaspo, Orlando, Florida
Sydney KatzLaura Metzler
Charged Up
“One of the most seamless and functional smart home technologies I’ve come across is wireless charging integrated directly into countertops. FreePower offers a system that can be installed in kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, or even bedside tables. It removes the need for visible cords and clutter while keeping devices fully charged and accessible throughout the day. What makes this type of technology exciting for designers is that it blends effortlessly into the home’s design rather than feeling like an add-on.” —Sydney Katz, SDK Architecture, Washington, D.C.
Kilian Camp and Alison GreenCharlotte Lea
Block the Sun
“Motorized window treatments are a must—especially in a larger home. Opening and closing every shade or drape can feel like a task on its own, but with preset scenes, everything adjusts automatically throughout the day. A home integration app is another layer of ease. Having your lighting, shades and audio all in one place—and organized in a way that makes sense to you—feels incredibly streamlined. It’s a quiet kind of luxury that you notice every day.” —Kilian Camp and Alison Green, Élan Design House, San Diego
