From Custom Programming to Modern Systems: Leveraging Two Decades of Crestron Expertise
Crestron, a pioneer in residential and commercial automation, has long been the platform of choice for sophisticated homes and commercial spaces. But a powerful system is only as good as the team configuring it. With 24 years of hands-on Crestron programming experience, Riordan Brothers Integration brings something increasingly rare to projects: genuine mastery of both traditional Crestron programming and the newer Crestron Home ecosystem. This combination means we can deliver solutions that others may struggle with, whether designing new systems or breathing fresh life into existing installations.
The Evolution of Crestron Programming
Anyone familiar with deploying Crestron systems knows that historically these systems weren't for the faint of heart. The powerful but complex programming tools—SIMPL Windows and VT Pro-e®—required specialized knowledge and certification that created a clear divide in the integration community. Many firms would outsource their Crestron programming rather than developing the expertise in-house.
Riordan Brothers took a different approach. From the beginning, we invested in mastering these tools ourselves, building an internal programming team that could handle everything from basic configurations to elaborate custom interfaces. This decision has paid dividends over the years, allowing us to solve problems on-site, make real-time adjustments during installation, and develop truly personalized solutions.
"Crestron custom programming isn't just about making things work," explains Paul Riordan, principal at Riordan Brothers. "We want to create solutions that homeowners and businesses can depend on for years."
Crestron Home: Simplicity Meets Power
The introduction of Crestron Home has transformed Crestron system installation, making sophisticated automation far more accessible and easier to deploy without sacrificing the performance Crestron is known for. The platform offers streamlined setup, consistent interfaces, and simplified programming—an evolution that has brought Crestron capabilities to more projects.
For some integrators, this shift meant being able to offer Crestron solutions for less complex projects. For Riordan Brothers, it meant adding another powerful tool to our already extensive toolkit. Our deep understanding of Crestron's architecture allows us to determine when Crestron Home is the right fit and when a project might benefit from more traditional custom programming.
This judgment represents an easy value to overlook: knowing which approach best serves each unique project rather than forcing every client into the same template. The result is systems that deliver precisely what clients need—no more complex than necessary yet never limited by an integrator's capabilities.
Beyond Standard Solutions: Custom Integration
Riordan Brothers distinguishes itself in projects that push beyond standard configurations. Consider an expansive property with multiple buildings: a main residence, pool house, and guest quarters. While Crestron Home provides an excellent foundation, the complexity might call for customization that exceeds typical parameters.
This is where two decades of programming expertise becomes invaluable. Riordan Brothers can create hybrid solutions that leverage Crestron Home's user-friendly interface while extending capabilities through custom programming. Imagine a fully personalized control screen for that elaborate pool area—one that intuitively manages lighting scenes, adjusts water temperature, controls audio throughout the space, lowers motorized screens, and activates patio heaters—all through an interface designed specifically for that environment. It's just one example of how you can go beyond the standard approaches. The ability to go as deep as needed with Crestron customization means clients never face a "sorry, that's not possible" response that less experienced integrators might deliver when confronted with complex smart home requests.
Updating Legacy Systems
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of Riordan Brothers' long history with Crestron is our ability to service and revitalize older systems. When faced with a decade-old Crestron installation, some integrators might default to recommending complete replacement—often an unnecessary expense.
Drawing on our programming knowledge, the Riordan team can often update existing systems, replacing only select components while refreshing the programming and interfaces. This approach provides access to modern capabilities, like voice control integration with Apple Siri or enhanced mobile apps, without the cost and disruption of starting from scratch.
Do you have an older Crestron system that needs a refresh or have very specific custom requirements for smart automation? Contact Riordan Brothers Integration to learn more about how our specialized expertise can help you achieve your goals.
