The Crestron Home OS — and all the devices that the platform runs — is another part of the immersive experience. “There's a lovely door with a Crestron Yale lock integration,” says Sasson. “We have lighting control for the interior and exterior. When you approach the Crestron touch screen, a welcome program comes up, the lights come on, the TV turns on, music is playing softly in the background. Depending on the time of day, I can adjust that playlist so that it's a little bit more upbeat earlier in the morning, a little bit more subtle in the afternoon, and as we get close to the evening, some soft jazz takes over. And since we are using color-tunable lighting, I can change the colors of the space and set circadian rhythms as well.” From kitchen to living room to bedroom and home office, every aspect of a residential integration is represented.

One huge benefit of the CEC — in both the commercial and residential areas — is that visitors are encouraged to feel the tech. “We want people to have that tactile experience,” says Sasson. “Whether it’s a Horizon keypad or a Crestron Flex device, we want clients, dealers — everyone — to feel that fit and finish and understand the quality of these solutions.”

Sasson is quick to note the help he’s had from his teammates. “Our Lead Technical Solutions Director Jonathan Garcia has been an absolute rockstar helping us turn this vision into reality,” says Sasson. “And our Customer Experience Coordinator, Davilyn Vasquez, is learning all about these solutions at an incredible pace.”

Sasson stresses that the CEC is a true multi-use facility. “It’s a workplace, it’s an event space, it’s an experience center,” he says. “And it’s a true public space: Anyone can come in at any time and have a look around.” Sasson further notes that Crestron’s neighbors in the building have been tremendously supportive: “It’s a testament to the impact technology’s made — designers, architects, everyone understands how these solutions enhance and improve the spaces where we live and work.”

It's also a testament to the manner in which Crestron solutions, partner products, and a holistic approach to the design-build aspect of a project work in concert. Sasson sums it up: “Ultimately, it's about creating a phenomenal experience for our customers.”