Hiloni Sutaria, Head Architect, Hsc Designs is a young firm Ahmedabad- based. They believe in combining the client’s requirements, context challenges, climate and community requirements to come up with unconventional, different solutions for our projects. Their projects have an intrinsic experiential value that makes the spaces more usable and enjoyable for the end user.
Hiloni brings a wealth of experience in seamlessly integrating advanced automation, smart lighting, and home theater systems into residential and commercial projects. Passionate about sustainability, Hiloni also incorporates energy-efficient solutions, including solar energy integration and smart HVAC systems, to create truly modern, eco-conscious living environments.
Tell us about your experience of using Automation, Smart Lighting, Smart Technology, and Home Theatres in your project.
In a recent residential project, we have integrated advanced automation systems like Crestron Home to control a wide range of features, including AV systems, curtains, HVAC, lighting, and home theater systems. This level of automation not only boosts convenience and functionality but also elevates the overall comfort and luxury of the space.
With just a touch or voice command, homeowners can effortlessly adjust the lighting, set the ideal temperature, open or close curtains, or enjoy a fully personalized home theater experience. The seamless integration creates an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for my clients to manage their environments.
What unique advantages do you believe smart lighting brings to interior spaces, both in terms of functionally and aesthetically?
With smart lighting systems like those from Philips, I can completely transform the mood and ambiance of a space without needing to change any of its physical features. The beauty of smart lighting is in its flexibility—by adjusting the intensity, colour, and warmth of the lights, I can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion or setting, all with a simple touch or voice command.
This adaptability is especially valuable when designing spaces that need to evoke a specific experience, such as in hospitality or experiential environments. Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or event space, smart lighting helps me elevate the experience by highlighting key areas and setting the right tone. It can also enhance how colors and design elements are perceived, drawing attention to textures, architectural features, or artwork in unique ways.
By using smart lighting, I can make a space feel more immersive, engaging, and tailored to the people in it. Whether I’m aiming for a cosy, welcoming vibe or a lively, energetic atmosphere, the versatility of smart lighting allows me to craft a truly personalized experience that complements the design and enhances the overall feel of the space.
Could you share a standout project where you successfully incorporated smart lighting and automation? What challenges did you face, and how were they overcome?
We are currently working on a residential project where we are integrating smart lighting into the recreational spaces and lounge areas, along with full automation throughout the home. For this, we are partnering with Beyond Alliance and Crestron to ensure a seamless, high-quality solution. One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is designing these systems to be intuitive and easily accessible for users of all ages, from children to older adults, ensuring that everyone can easily operate the technology and fully enjoy the convenience and comfort it offers.
Which Home Automation brand do you prefer, and what specific features make them essential to your designs?
We frequently choose Crestron for our automation projects because it offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for homeowners to control and customize their living environments. Crestron’s intuitive system design ensures that even those without technical expertise can operate everything from lighting and HVAC to AV systems and security features with ease. The platform’s seamless integration across various home systems allows for a truly connected and personalized experience, making it an ideal choice for creating smart homes that are both sophisticated and simple to use.
When it comes to Smart Lighting and Controls brands, which brands do you prefer for your projects?
We prefer Crestron and Future Solutions but it also depends on the scope of the project.
Can you discuss the importance of collaborating with System Integrators? How do you ensure a cohesive partnership during a project?
Collaborating with System Integrators is crucial to the success of any smart home or automation project. The right partners bring not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the client’s needs, ensuring that the solutions we implement are both functional and tailored to the specific vision of the space.
In what ways do sustainability considerations influence your choices in smart technologies and materials?
Sustainability is a major point when it comes to choices of smart technologies. For example in a residential project that we executed a while ago, the solar energy generation calculations are integrated in the systems for the user to see the power usage, adjust the lighting and HVAC according and this also integrates the rain water harvesting system monitoring in this.
Are there any innovative concepts or technologies in Home Theatres that you find particularly exciting? And want to incorporate it in your projects.
The new technologies that truly excite me include eye motion trackers, smart lighting solutions designed to reduce eye fatigue, and the full integration of AV systems.
