Connecting Tech + Design with Katye (McGregor) Bennett

In this episode, host Katye McGregor Bennett sits down with interior designer, and construction consultant Toni Sabatino of Toni Sabatino Style to explore how technology becomes true infrastructure when we design for all ages and all abilities. We unpack the mission of the Construction Education Consortium (CEC), why “adaptability” needs to be front-of-mind, and how designers, integrators, builders, and developers can align around both user impact and ROI. We also look ahead to CEDIA Expo 2025 in Denver (Sept 4–6, 2025)—from accredited education to the growing tech-and-design crossover, the power of great networks (goodbye, “spinny circle of death”), and the practical ways integrators can become a homeowner’s most trusted resource for not just entertainment, but telehealth, security, lighting, and everyday comfort. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why “designing for all abilities” quietly boosts property value and livability How to sell adaptability without “selling tech” (language that resonates) CEC’s cross-trade education model and why accreditation matters Real-world project stories: lighting as the gateway, invisible audio that actually sounds great, and network-first thinking What to catch at CEDIA Expo 2025—sessions, small-stage conversations, and Friday night’s CEDIA Awards Guest Toni Sabatino — Interior Designer & Construction Consultant, Toni Sabatino Style Social: @tonisabstyle | Web: tonisabatinostyle.com Resources & Mentions Construction Education Consortium (CEC): www.constructioneducationconsortium.com CEDIA Expo 2025: September 4–6, Denver, CO (co-located with CIX): www.cediaexpo.com If you’ve been curious how to bridge tech and design with empathy and economics, this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and I’ll see you in Denver, CO!

Illuminated Lighting Design. What's all about? In this episode, recorded during ISE 2025 in Barcelona Spain that also appears on the AV Trade Talk pod, Katye chats with Lynne Stambouly, The Light Lady, and Bruce Clark, The Lighting Sherpa, discuss their new design partnership — Illuminated Lighting Design — and the professional lighting design services now available to integrators, designers, architects, property managers and homeowners. Not only do Lynne and Bruce share details of that offering, but they also provide valuable insights and many humorous illustrations about the challenges that exist in getting lighting right. How can that be translated into a new or expanded service offering for those in the design-build-integration community? Tune-in and learn more! 

KBIS — the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show — is the annual gathering of the kitchen and bath industry where brands showcase what's new and experts in the field share their knowledge and insights. Co-located with IBS, the International Builders Show as part of DCW — Design and Construction Week — this event is one to attend if you work in the residential built environment. We Jason offers ALL the details for the event including programming and where to go to find what you want to see, and we chat about the role technology plays in this space and some of the brands — like Sonos, Legrand, Savant, and others — who participate in this amazing event. Still not enough, in my opinion, but it is a work in progress. Thanks for tuning in and checking out KBIS 2025!

Interior Designer Molly Switzer (Portland, OR) returns to share what she's excited to see and experience during KBIS 2023, the annual tradeshow for the professional kitchen and bath industry, co-located with the International Builders Show, the National Hardware Show, and Design & Construction Week. Learn more about Molly by visiting her website www.mollynswitzer.com.

Air and water quality in the home is something that should be front-of-mind for us all. Thankfully, companies like RePure have brought solutions to market that make it easy to do it right. Learn what they do, how they do it, and how to improve air and water quality by utilizing their products and resources in this episode of Connecting Tech+Design with RePure President, Michael Don Ham — who is also WELL AP certified, a member of the WELL Faculty, and a Fitwel Ambassador. For interior designers, architects, and technology integration professionals, this episode offers valuable insights as well as new market opportunities. Download and tune in today! To learn more about RePure, visit www.puretech-alliance.com and www.linkedin.com/company/52175681/admin, and to connect with Michael Don Ham, go to www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-ham.

“Every building holds a narrative, the story of the house and those who live in it. This is where I find the inspiration and the purpose behind my architectural design work,” says Alison Strickland (B.Arch MRAIC), Founder & Design Director of Narratif Design based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we discuss what she calls the 'story of your space" and the five values that underpin each project, as well as her view on tech and what clients are looking for. Get to know Alison Strickland in this fun and inspiring episode of Connecting Tech+Design! Learn more about Narratif Design by visiting www.narratif.ca.

CEDIA Expo is the annual gathering of the residential technology community brands, integration firms, associations, and those who support the industry. This trade-only event takes place this week in Dallas, TX. Tune in to hear what the residential audiovisual industry is eager to see, learn, do, eat & drink this week, what they have their eyes on, and where they're planning to spend their time during CEDIA Expo. Take notes, there's a lot of great info shared in this episode! 

Savant's smart living showcase, referred to as Vegas Modern 001, was brought to life in partnership with Las Vegas-based design-led firm, Blue Heron, and technology integrator Eagle Sentry. The ultra-modern 15,000-square-foot home was designed with the latest technology advances, all brilliantly hidden in plain sight. Hear how it was done and learn about some of the home's finest features from Aaron Gutin, Specification Development Director at Savant Systems. Learn more about the project by visiting https://www.savant.com/node/3716110.

Concealing tech is easy when the right products are used. Learn how easy it is with Wall-Smart, whose products enable a clean look that lets design aesthetics remain at the forefront. Visit www.wall-smart.com to see the company's full lineup and how to become a brand partner.

KBIS 2022, part of Design & Construction Week, had record attendance. Hear about touchless tech, voice control, and other hot trends, new products that stood out, some of the talks that took place and everything else that contributed to the show's success from Chelsie Butler, Executive Editor, Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine.

Josh is a voice-controlled automation system that was borne from the notion that your home should inspire, embolden, and delight you and the people around you. Utilizing advanced AI technologies, including natural interfaces like voice and touch, Josh orchestrates the technology in all aspects of your home to deliver an exciting and effortless living experience. Fun, functional, and enjoyable, Josh offers uncompromising privacy and is like no other brand on the market today. Hear what that means and learn how to connect with this future-thinking brand in this episode of Connecting Tech+Design.

The annual gathering of the design-build-construct industries is back! Veronika Miller, CEO of Modenus Media and Host of Design Uncut walks us through the talks, panel sessions, and DMMtalks Lounge discussions taking place during KBIS, and host Katye McGregor Bennett shares what's happening during IBS, both collectively known as Design & Construction Week, taking place in Orlando, FL in February 2022. Tune in and see what the pros will be talking about, the types of products brands will be showing, and how influencers are likely going to promote it all.

Chef Nick, as he's known in the Napa, CA food world, shares a few Thanksgiving feast hacks, some of his favorite holiday traditions, and ways to simplify the often-arduous meal. Ever Weber-grilled your bird for the big day? Nick walks us through it, step-by-step. We also discuss sous vide cooking and what makes it such a great option (especially when oven space is at a premium). Download, tune in, and enjoy. Bon Apetít, foodies and technicurians!

What exactly is a high-performance home? Chris Laumer-Giddens of Atlanta, GA-based Architecture & Design firm LG Squared talks about high performance and off-grid homes and what it takes to make a home more efficient, no matter how old (or new) it is. We also talk about the term "high performance" and the different meanings as it relates to home construction, home technology, materials, surfaces, and more. Chris also shares details of the "Leakiest house ever tested" project, a 1920's era home that's being renovated with the hopes of achieving Passive House Certification. Hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett. 

Ramsin Khachi, principal of KHACHI Design + Build, designer & custom home builder, and host of the YouTube series Bespoke in the Burbs shares some of his favorite finds for fabulous outdoor entertaining environments and ways homeowners and design-build pros can create an outdoor living space unlike any other. Grab your notebook and get ready to write. We're talking about furniture and fixtures, kitchens and dining areas, fireplaces, shading systems, how to get great audio and video in the backyard, a smart umbrella that follows the sun, and even a pool floor that can be raised and lowered. There’s a TON of great info being shared in this episode that you'll definitely want to learn more about! Learn more about KHACHI Design+Build here: https://khachi.com/

Is there a correlation between interior design and emotional wellness? You bet there is! Laura Muller, CEO of Four Point Design Build, Inc. shares some of her professional and personal experiences as well as some fascinating examples of what works, why, and ways the design-build and tech integration communities can bring greater awareness to the true and vital value of designing for mental and emotional wellness.

Josh.ai CEO Alex Capecelatro shares details about Nano, the world's first Architectural Microphone, and Josh Core, an elegantly designed server that acts as the central brain for this truly remarkable voice-automated home technology ecosystem. This changes the voice control and automation game entirely and offers a fun way to interact with your home, in a manner that's safe, secure, and maintains your privacy. Tune in to learn about this fascinating new tech offering.

Smart Women, Smart Homes, Smart Design Panel Session revisited. Hear how three women working in the design-build, technology integration, and luxury integration fields have risen in the ranks and how their careers evolved, how technology plays a role in the lives of their customers and what some of the leading trends in luxury residential design are. Jennifer Convy co-moderates, and shares tips for making the best impression on camera in this now-normal world filled with video calls, webcasts, and online everything. Download, tune-in, and share thoughts! #avtweeps #kmbpodcasts

People are spending time at home now more than ever and as they do, they're finding they want a better entertainment environment, they want to control light, and they want to take advantage of the outdoors — which can easily be accommodated with smart shades and projection screens made for indoor & outdoor use. SI shares ways integration and design pros are utilizing these products to provide clients with the solutions they need and the inspiration to do more down the road. With weekly training sessions being offered that provide everything one needs to know to succeed in these burgeoning categories and attendance topping 300+ a week, it's clear the integration and design communities want to lean-in and learn more. Download, tune-in, listen, and see what the buzz is all about! #avtweeps #kmbpodcasts @CEDIA @NKBA @HTACertified #connectingtandd #themoreyouknow #intelligenthomes #smarthome #interiordesign #smartshades #bigscreenexperience #connectingtechanddesign

Katye chats with Laurence Carr of Laurence Carr Design, NYC. The episode kicks-off with a chat about human-centric design, wellness, and how e-Design is booming and goes on to explore the timing of each trade's involvement in projects, how interior designers and architects define their role and scope of work, and how they typically involve technology integration pros. Download, tune-in, listen, and learn! #avtweeps #kmbpodcasts @CEDIA @NKBA @HTACertified #connectingtandd #themoreyouknow #connectedkitchens #connectedbath #smarthome #interiordesign #architecture #connectingtechanddesign