Takeaways
- Design Studio aims to revamp integrator workflows to be more interactive with homeowners while working on site.
- Platform combines multiple workflow tools and design services to help translate ideas into more compelling proposals.
- Studio will consist of paid-for services as well as free self-service tools for documentation and visualization.
Coastal Source is hopping on the design services and software train with the launch of Design Studio today. But more than offering a straightforward approach to system design, Design Studio is being structured as a multitiered platform that combines planning, pricing and documentation tools with in-depth design and visualization services to create an offering that can adapt to the needs and budgets of projects, with some free, self-service tools also being made available at the simplest end.
Attendees to Lightapalooza 2026 might already be acquainted with this, though, as Coastal Source was showcasing it at its booth during the exhibiting portion of the show.
What integrators can do with Coastal Source’s Design Studio
While Design Studio offers integrators planning tools, design services and consultations, a big emphasis of the platform is around visualization.
In speaking on the platform, Adam Domurad, Inside Sales Design Manager at Coastal Source, “Outdoor projects are no longer just about product selection – homeowners want to visualize the experience much earlier in the process.” And that’s something that CE Pro has heard from dealers as well as part of our annual outreach for the Lighting & Shading Deep Dive (which readers will want to stay tuned for our 2026 edition once we release that next month).
While using the platform, integrators can create 3D visualizations meant to serve as comprehensive presentations featuring system layouts, fixture selections, estimated pricing, and installation details, all with the end goal of making it easier for homeowners to understand and approve projects.
Coastal Source itself describes the workflow as being geared towards more “interactive” engagement with homeowners while onsite. In many cases, Coastal Source says dealers will be able to develop and review project concepts collaboratively with homeowners in real time during live consultations.
Simplifying the integration of outdoor systems with existing interior projects
One trend CE Pro has been gradually picking up on is that outdoor living spaces are evolving to become fully integrated extensions of the home. The issue is that the vision for these integrations doesn’t always manifest at the time and place that it should, leading to multiple revisions throughout a project to accommodate.
Part of that challenge lies in the fact that dealers are increasingly expected to communicate complex lighting and audio concepts earlier and more visually throughout the sales process to justify the added cost associated with these upgrades.
In speaking more on the matter, Coastal Source said that it wanted to bring the same experiential approach it often employs in outdoor audio demonstrations for lighting.
“We’ve seen how powerful live outdoor audio demonstrations can be in helping homeowners emotionally connect to a space,” adds Domurad. “Design Studio brings that same experiential approach to lighting and outdoor system design, helping dealers communicate not just the technical plan, but the overall atmosphere and vision much earlier in the process.”
Free, self-service tools also being made available
While some of the more advanced features will be tied to a paid model, Design Studio will also include a range of free self-service tools and collaborative resources. This includes:
- A user-friendly Design Studio Express software for lighting and audio,
- Detailed 2D layouts,
- Bill-of-materials documentation
- Wiring schematics
- And even 3D project visualizations.
Coastal Source says the platform is built to support the varied workstyles and project needs, whether a self-guided approach is appropriate, or a more comprehensive, collaborative touch is needed.
Availability
To support adoption and encourage hands-on experience within the new workflow, active Coastal Source dealers will receive one complimentary premium Design Studio project package at launch, complete with 3D visualizations, engineering support, and detailed technical documentation.
Launch dates haven’t been released just yet, but Coastal Source dealers, as well as those curious about the new resource can visit the Design Studio page on Coastal Source’s website.
