“I want to help others understand the practical application of the buzz words: energy management and integration. This story needs to be told,” says co-owner of Miami, Florida-based custom installer Advanced Home Theater (and co-owner of the home profiled in this series, Robin Bogle.

Robin has lived in Miami for years with his wife, Heidi, and two young daughters. He and his family made the decision in 2009 to design and build their dream home using a best-in-class team of design professionals.

He would like this to be the home in which he raises his children and eventually retires.

The process began in January 2010 when he acquired a beautiful piece of property in Miami Beach within close proximity to great dining, retail and schools. He started the design process by engaging the architectural firm Weber Studios. The new three-bedroom home will only be three blocks from Robin’s current address, so hopefully it will not be too disruptive of Robin’s primary job, which is to run his professional integration firm along with his partner, Al Reinhard.

In July 2010, Robin and I were speaking about his new home and the role Firefly Design Group would play in supporting his design with full project documentation. It was at that time that he and I agreed many fellow Electronic System Contractors, as well as home owners and many in the design community, are still in the dark when it comes to the process and collaborative efforts that are required to pull off a fully integrated project.

“I want to share what we have learned and will learn regarding building a LEED Certified home,” Robin says.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is an internationally-recognised building certification program.

Robin says building a LEED Silver Certified Home will be his way of giving back to the community and help fulfil his desire to support environmental conservation. As a special treat to the ESC and building communities, he plans to share every step of this architectural journey.

His extensive technical background, which includes an Engineering Degree from the University of Florida, will help him analyse and understand the data presented over the course of the design phase as he decides which technologies to incorporate into the home.

“We will incorporate the typical solutions that we install in the homes of our clients as well any additional systems that will help us meet the goals of the project,” he explains.

One of Robin’s major concerns is controlling costs. He hopes to realise a nice balance between investing in the right building materials, products and electronics, and the energy conservation benefits these technologies will provide. And, of course, staying focused on the primary goal of enhancing his family’s quality of life. Just as he does every day for his clients.

Robin and Heidi are excited about this process. While mum and dad build a dream home that will stay in the family for generations, their two daughters, ages two and four, have no idea what is going on. Everyone who follows this story will get to experience all the ups and downs – and the many surprises that every building project brings – from behind the scenes.

Article originally published by CE Pro. Reproduced with permission.