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:

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  Why “designing for all abilities” quietly boosts property value and livability

  
  


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  How to sell adaptability without “selling tech” (language that resonates)

  
  


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  CEC’s cross-trade education model and why accreditation matters

  
  


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  Real-world project stories: lighting as the gateway, invisible audio that actually sounds great, and network-first thinking

  
  


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  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

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  Construction Education Consortium (CEC): www.constructioneducationconsortium.com

  
  


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  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!