When Potomac homeowners want to make high tech improvements, they do not have to sacrifice high style. That is the mission of A.B.E. Networks founded in 1991 in a garage in Silver Spring.
Now based in Rockville, they introduce their customers to what they call “design-driven custom installations” like home theaters, conference rooms, state of the art security for residence and commercial buildings, and fast Wi-Fi coverage for every inch of the property.
“As technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are permeating into everything from dishwashers to sprinkler systems, the need to integrate these technologies has never been greater,” explains Avi Benaim, president of A.B.E, and a leading colon cancer advocate.
“Remaining on the cutting edge is what drives us and sets us apart as technologists. Achieving the desired result while maintaining an aesthetic appreciation is another A.B.E. trademark.” This is what Benaim calls “leading with design.”
In 2023, A.B.E. won the Home and Design Readers’ Choice Award in the Smart Home category and the Interiors Washington Best of Design Award among other past accolades.
He says consumers considering technical upgrades to their homes should do research on the firms they hire as this area is an emerging market, and there are many contractors getting into the business without the necessary expertise.
He explains that his best advice to a new client is “to communicate their vision without constraint, first. Then apply the practical implications following that. This gives us the frame of reference to guide the client to their dream system. The second bit of advice is to make certain that the underlying infrastructure to achieve that vision remains in place to allow them to execute in a modular fashion over time should the budget not allow for immediate wholesale execution."
Their Instagram account @abenetworks showcases their adventures in everything from automated window treatments to motorized skylight shades and turning basements into home theaters in homes across Greater Washington.
“Everything from your countertop voice assistant to barbecue grill will have embedded AI by the time the snow thaws this year,” Benaim says.
Other major trends savvy homeowners and real estate investors should be aware of are human centric lighting that follows the sun’s movement and color temperatures, audio solutions that match lighting fixtures, and, of course, integrating voice-activated systems to cater to your every whim.
These trends not only make life easier for us but make our carbon footprints much lighter.
“Energy management is a burgeoning space that is changing the way that people see power delivery in their home. Efficiencies in solar are cutting into the market once dominated by gas powered generators, and these systems even further bolster the savings and reduce environmental impacts.”
Remaining on the cutting edge is what drives us and sets us apart as technologists. Achieving the desired result while maintaining an aesthetic appreciation is another A.B.E. trademark. - Avi Benaim, president
