At CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, the conversation around smart home technology continued to evolve beyond performance specs and into the realm of design, usability and overall experience. In this episode of the Inside Buzz podcast, Gina Colucci of Market Share — a Pacific Northwest representative for Lutron and several high-end AV brands — joins the discussion to share her perspective from the show floor and her work bridging the gap between technology and the design community.
Colucci, who focuses on specification and works closely with architects, interior designers and custom builders, notes a clear shift in how the industry communicates value. Rather than leading with technical data alone, manufacturers and integrators are increasingly emphasizing how technology shapes the lived experience inside the home. Lighting, in particular, has moved into a more prominent role, driven by intelligent control platforms that make systems more accessible and intuitive for end users.
A central theme of the conversation is the importance of simplifying the homeowner experience. Colucci describes lighting control as a way to eliminate “wall acne,” or banks of switches that create confusion for homeowners and guests, in favor of streamlined keypads and automated scenes that make daily living easier. She also highlights the role of the custom integration channel in translating complex systems into practical, design-aligned solutions tailored to how clients actually use their spaces.
The episode also explores the challenge of engaging specifiers who are often pressed for time and inundated with product pitches. Colucci stresses the importance of meeting design professionals where they are, speaking their language, and building trust through responsiveness and education. By acting as a translator between technology manufacturers and the design community, she underscores how strong relationships and clear communication can help technology become an integrated — rather than intrusive — part of modern residential design.
