By Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications | Guest Contributor for Technology Designer.
There’s a quiet revolution happening in our industry — one where residential designers, integrators, and builders are increasingly finding common ground. That spirit was alive and thriving at the recent NKBA Big Sky and Mountain States Spring Meeting, held at the architecturally rich and decidedly cool Renegade Hotel in Boise, Idaho. While the event catered primarily to NKBA members, what made this gathering especially noteworthy was its celebration of collaboration — not just between designers, but across disciplines.
As the demand for smarter, more intentional homes grows, so does the need for a deeper connection between the people who shape them. Boise proved what many of us have long believed: when technology and design professionals work together from the start, the results are not just better — they’re transformative.
Bridging the Gaps: A Kickoff with Meaning
The meeting opened with remarks from NKBA leaders Scott Abel, Josh Stokoe, and Rachel Hutchens, CMKBD. Notably, Scott Abel is not only the Communications Chair for NKBA’s Big Sky Chapter — he’s also a seasoned pro at SAV Digital Environments, one of the top technology integration firms. His dual role symbolized exactly what this event represented: a genuine merging of design and technology perspectives.
Scott also served as the event’s emcee, making it clear that integrators aren’t just welcome at these events — they’re needed. The design-build community is increasingly recognizing that tech professionals bring more than product knowledge — they bring value to the overall design process, especially when included from the conceptual phase.
Market Insights, Tech Opportunities
Deb Webb, EVP of Operations & KBIS at NKBA, shared a data-rich update on market trends, design preferences, and the evolving expectations of today’s clients. One core message stood out: personalization is everything. Whether it’s a lighting control system, a kitchen or bath layout, or a home’s sound design, or power and energy management plan, today’s homeowners expect solutions tailored to their lifestyles.
For technology designers and integrators, this is an opportunity to lean into consultative roles. The systems we design must not only integrate seamlessly but also enhance the homeowner’s daily rituals. As Webb reminded attendees, “It’s not just about pretty. It’s about being purposeful.”
Lighting, Emotion, and Lifestyle
David Weinstein, VP of Residential Sales at Lutron, continued the conversation by shifting focus to the emotional role of lighting. His message was simple but profound: lighting should support the way people live, not just the way a space looks.
The overlap here is clear. Designers are curating environments with intention. Integrators are crafting systems that enhance those spaces with intelligence. The more we understand each other’s vocabulary, the more successful these collaborations will be. Weinstein summed it up best: “Collaboration across the residential design and installation community is key to creating the best client experiences.”
Education That Builds Bridges
The day also included a series of CEUs and breakout sessions focused on tools, trends, and techniques. These ranged from lighting for wellness and sustainable materials to software for 3D planning and energy-conscious hardware solutions. Topics that once lived in separate lanes are now naturally overlapping — and that’s a good thing.
Kelly Buchsbaum of NKBA presented an overview of the organization’s professional development offerings, including the Specialty Badge program, which offers tech and design pros alike the chance to broaden their skills. This type of cross-education is exactly what our industry needs. Whether you’re a designer wanting to understand structured wiring or an integrator brushing up on ADA-compliant layouts, the goal is shared fluency.
Community in Action
One of the most powerful aspects of the event was simply the opportunity to connect. The pre-event rooftop reception provided a space for casual conversations between integrators, architects, designers, and manufacturers. These moments are where trust is built, ideas are sparked, and new partnerships are born.
Tom Knotts of Adalay Interiors (who is also President of the NKBA So. Florida chapter) reminded everyone during his presentation that “we’re not just here to sell — we’re here to empower.” That applies equally to integrators, designers, and builders. In a world where homeowners are increasingly savvy and solutions are increasingly complex, it’s our shared responsibility to demystify, educate, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Moving Forward, Together
Events like this one in Boise are more than just professional gatherings — they’re proof points that our industries are better when we work in tandem. It’s not enough to show up with a finished design or a tech spec sheet. Real progress happens when we collaborate from day one.
The takeaway? Whether you’re designing a bespoke kitchen or engineering a whole-home automation system, your greatest resource might just be the professional sitting across the table from you. The more we invest in understanding each other’s expertise — through events, education, and ongoing dialogue — the more we all win.
And if this Boise meeting is any indication of what’s ahead, we’re on the right path — one where thoughtful design and smart technology walk hand in hand.
