A Flagship Client Journey: From System Rescue to a No-Compromise Smart Home

This client journey, based in The Meadows, Dubai, spans multiple homes, multiple years, and multiple phases — from stabilising a problematic legacy system to delivering a fully engineered smart home during a major renovation.

It is the clearest example of how we actually work in the real world.

The Situation

The system had been installed previously and included networking, audio, and general home technology — but it suffered from:

• Inconsistent performance
• Regular dropouts and instability
• No clear structure or security
• Hardware choices that were extremely difficult to optimise

In short: the system looked like it should work, but didn’t behave like one that was professionally designed.

Our First Decision: Be Honest

Rather than proposing a full rip-out and replacement, we took a different approach.

After assessing the system, we were clear with the client:

• Some of the hardware could be improved
• Some parts could be stabilised
• Some limitations could not be fully solved without a rebuild

That honesty mattered. The goal wasn’t perfection — it was making the system usable and reliable, within realistic constraints.

Strengthening the Foundation

Network & Security Improvements

The first step was to fix the weakest link: the network.

We:

• Installed a Firewalla firewall to provide proper network security, visibility, and control
• Added a proper core network switch
• Reconfigured and cleaned up the existing network infrastructure

This immediately improved:

• Stability
• Reliability
• Control over devices and traffic

While the original hardware limited what was possible, the system became noticeably better day-to-day.

External Security

As part of improving the home’s overall reliability and peace of mind, we also installed a UniFi Protect CCTV system covering the entire external perimeter of the property.

This delivered:

• Reliable external security coverage
• Local recording with no subscriptions
• Remote access via app
• Tight integration with the upgraded network

Garden Audio Upgrade

We also addressed outdoor audio, which was underperforming.

This included:

• Installing dedicated amplification
• Adding Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 all-weather speakers in the garden

The result was clean, powerful outdoor sound that actually worked reliably — something the client could enjoy immediately.

Phase 1 Result: Not Perfect — But Properly Improved

At the end of this phase:

• The system was significantly more stable
• Network security was properly implemented
• Outdoor audio worked as it should
• External security was fully covered

Just as importantly, the client had clarity:

• What worked
• What didn’t
• And why

That clarity built trust.

This phase represents the other half of the journey: what happens when trust meets opportunity.

Fully Wired Smart Lighting (No Compromises)

Lighting became one of the most important systems in the new home.

We designed and installed a fully wired Lutron HomeWorks system, including:

• Centralised HomeWorks processors
• Lutron Alisse keypads throughout the property
• Precision dimming and scene control

This delivers:

• Absolute reliability
• Consistent lighting behaviour
• Long-term serviceability

No wireless shortcuts. No compromises.

Smart Home Control Where It Adds Value

We integrated selected systems using Control4, providing:

• Centralised control of key home functions
• Physical and touchscreen control points
• A clean, intuitive user experience

Control was applied deliberately, not everywhere — only where it made the home easier to use.

Whole-Home & Outdoor Audio

The new home includes a fully structured audio system:

• At least nine zones of Sonos audio
• Focal ceiling speakers throughout the house
• Anthem MRX Slim AV receiver
• A custom Paradigm soundbar for TV audio

Where it made sense, existing garden audio hardware from the previous property was reused and expanded — respecting the client’s investment rather than replacing for the sake of it.

It demonstrates:

• How we take over and stabilise difficult systems
• How we’re honest about limitations instead of over-promising
• How we improve what’s possible before selling what’s new
• How trust is built over time
• How a proper smart home is designed when the opportunity is right

• Long-term relationships over one-off installs
• Practical improvements over sales-led replacements
• Proper engineering over shortcuts
• Respect for the client’s home, time, and budget

It shows that the best smart homes aren’t created in a single visit — they’re built through good decisions, honesty, and continuity.

• Why enterprise equipment in a home? Consumer mesh systems fail in villas this size. Enterprise gear handles 50+ devices reliably and gives you proper diagnostics when issues arise.
• How long does a project like this take? Site survey in 1-2 hours, installation over 2-3 days depending on villa layout. We work around your schedule.
• What support comes after installation? Lifetime remote support included. We fix 80% of issues without a site visit, and on-site support when needed.

• Have a system that “kind of works, but not really”
• Are planning a renovation and want it done properly
• Want a technology partner, not just an installer

This is exactly the type of journey we support.