While interior design continues to make inroads into custom integration (CI), whether it’s influencing product design or attempting to put its own products in front of integrators for consideration, the avenues in which CI can reach out to design audiences remains limited. There are those who are working to change that, however, as is the case with the Technology Design Collective.
Taking part at Design Edge Midwest, November 4–5, 2026, the Collective will be bringing together CEDIA, KMB Communications, Leon Speakers, Mill Technology and Sonos as emissaries of the CI channel with the goal of educating interior designers on the benefits of using integrated technology on their products.
“Interior designers shouldn’t have to become technology experts to confidently incorporate technology into their projects,” said Katye McGregor Bennett, founder and CEO of KMB Communications, who is leading the Collective’s programming and activation.
“They do, however, benefit tremendously from understanding what’s possible, knowing when to bring technology into the conversation, and having the right partners at the table. We’re creating an environment where designers can ask questions, explore ideas, and build relationships that make their projects and their businesses even stronger.”
While at the show, the collective plans to engage with designers through education, hands-on product demonstrations and live discussions with integrators at the show.
Bringing technology-focused enrichment to designers
A centerpiece of the Collective’s programming while at Design Edge will be a series of five short talks, offered throughout both show days.
According to Bennett, these informal 10–15-minute sessions, catered to interior designers, will seek to address common challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and provide practical insights that can be applied to real projects by designers.
For instance, Technology Without the Tech Talk, will focus on helping interior designers better understand an integrator’s offerings and how to engage with qualified partners.
Meanwhile, Don’t Let the TV Ruin the Aesthetic of the Room!, will highlight practical solutions for integrating displays, speakers, and connected devices while preserving the designer’s vision.
Speakers for these talks will include Bennett herself, as well as other prominent figures in both design and CI channels including Andrea Harvey, CEDIA Dir. Of Design-Build Outreach, and Bryan Mills, president of Mills Technologies and a frequent educator and speaker for the interior design community.
Mills himself will be on hand to meet designers, answer questions, and connect with those interested in continued learning or potential collaboration on future projects.
Demonstrating design-focused technology in action
Beyond the Talks, Bennett says designers will find tangible examples of how technology can complement an interior with product demonstrations from Sony, Leon Speakers and Sonos.
An integrated demonstration wall featuring a Sony BRAVIA television, concealed backbox, articulating mount and Leon Mera Sound Sconces will illustrate practical ways to reduce visible technology and create a more intentional installation.
Leon Speakers will also showcase TV frame for a 65-inch Sony BRAVIA display, a Tonecase solution for concealing the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, Loom acoustic textile panels, Mera Sound Sconces and an Ente SoundTile.
Meanwhile, Sonos will feature Sonos27 and its range of sound solutions spanning whole-home listening, personal audio, portable speakers and professionally installed systems.
Why integrators should take note
Crossover opportunities for interior designers and integrators remain few and far between, with industry events like Lightapalooza being the rare few forums where both disciplines can interact with one another on level grounds sharing a mutual interest.
A few scant manufacturers outside of lighting and shading have made the crossover, however, with Leon Speakers (who is also taking part in this outreach) being a notable example, presenting regularly now at ICFF in New York.
Likewise, CEDIA has continued to scale its own outreach, with Harvey having been appointed to her position within the Association earlier this year.
The welcoming of brands like Leon as exhibitors at ICFF, highlight a milestone in awareness for the CI channel, however, as relatively recent developments, there still remains significant work to be done in developing robust channels that will allow the two disciplines to more consistently and productively interact with one another.
The role of the integrator in this outreach shouldn’t be downplayed either. Whether it’s through events like Design Edge, or through their own held local-area networking events, integrators at the top have proven repeatedly that constant outreach is necessary, not simply to convince, but to make aware, especially as misconceptions linger between trades.
More information regarding the Technology Design Collective
Integrators with professional trade partners attending Design Edge Midwest can send them to Booth #235 in the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, Illinois, to learn more about the Technology Design Collective, and custom integration as a while. Additionally, more information about the Collective and its initiatives can be found on its website: technologydesigncollective.com.
