The Designers Group (TDG) began in Toronto, Canada in 2009, with the goal of creating a firm that would integrate “design with purpose,” ensuring that every space enhances the lives of the people using it. First working on residential projects, the firm quickly grew to include projects in the commercial, healthcare and institutional sectors across both the U.S. and Canada.
The Designers Group Founder and CEO Blima Ehrentreu will be speaking at the upcoming BuiltWorlds Buildings Conference taking place May 21-22, 2025, in New York City, on a panel titled “Smart Tools, Smarter Designs: How AI is Revolutionizing the AEC Industry.” In the leadup to the 2025 Buildings Conference, we sat down with Blima to learn a little bit more about the process of designing smart buildings.
How and why did you decide to work smart buildings into your services?
Today, TDG is known for its client-focused approach, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. As technology continues to reshape the way we experience spaces, we, as a firm, saw an opportunity. Smart buildings enhance efficiency, security and well-being—all of which align with our mission to design with purpose. By incorporating smart elements into our designs, we’re creating spaces that are intuitive, sustainable and adaptable to the needs of the people using them.
Does the industry have a standard definition for what makes a building “smart”? How do you define it?
The industry doesn’t have a single definition, but generally, a smart building uses technology to enhance efficiency, security and user experience. At TDG, we define a smart building as one that intuitively adapts to its occupants, prioritizing comfort, functionality and sustainability through integrated systems.
What are the different needs when it comes to designing smart healthcare buildings compared to, say, smart workplace buildings?
Healthcare buildings require technology that prioritizes patient care and safety, such as real-time patient monitoring, hands-free controls and advanced air filtration systems. In contrast, workplace buildings focus on productivity and collaboration, with features like automated lighting, smart meeting rooms and environmental sensors that adjust for comfort and efficiency. Both sectors benefit from smart technology, but their individual needs dictate the specific solutions implemented.
Do you have any examples of instances where buildings required different smart elements because of their purpose?
Every space has unique needs, and the smart technology we incorporate is always tailored to serve its specific purpose. Some of our most impactful projects include senior living communities where we’ve integrated technology to enhance the resident experience and corporate offices that prioritize wellness and productivity. For educational institutions, we’ve implemented smart classrooms with automated lighting, occupancy sensors, and adaptive acoustics to enhance the learning experience. In a high-security research facility, we integrated biometric access controls and environmental monitoring to maintain strict lab conditions. And, in a multi-family residential building, we designed a centralized smart hub that allows residents to control access, package deliveries, and energy consumption through their devices.
What changes have you seen in smart buildings in the last five to 15 years?
The biggest change has been the shift from isolated smart features to fully integrated systems. Initially, buildings had individual smart elements—automated lighting, security or HVAC—but now we see seamless, AI-driven environments that adapt in real time to user behavior. Sustainability has also become a major driver, with energy-efficient smart buildings becoming the norm.
The rise of IoT and cloud-based technology have transformed smart buildings and was a tipping point in terms of technology that really propelled smart buildings forward. The ability to connect devices, gather data and automate processes has significantly increased efficiency and functionality. AI and machine learning have also played a huge role in predictive maintenance and user experience optimization.
Are there any trends in smart buildings that you’re seeing?
One major trend is the focus on wellness-centered design, where smart technology enhances indoor air quality, circadian lighting, and noise control. Another trend is the shift toward adaptive spaces that respond to occupancy levels, helping organizations maximize efficiency. Security and sustainability continue to drive innovation, with smart buildings becoming more self-sufficient and resilient.
Over the next five to 10 years, I think we’ll see even more personalization, where buildings learn user preferences and adjust automatically. Sustainability will remain a top priority, with buildings generating their own energy and optimizing consumption. AI and robotics will also become more integrated, improving building maintenance and operations.
Are your clients coming to you specifically because they want smart buildings or is that something they realize they’re interested in after contacting you?
It’s a mix. Some clients come to us specifically for smart solutions, while others discover the benefits during the design process. Once they see how smart features can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance well-being, they’re interested in integrating them into their spaces.
Do smart building technologies easily blend into interior design or do you have to find clever ways of incorporating them so as not to stand out?
Many smart technologies are now designed with aesthetics in mind, but there are times when we need to be creative—like embedding sensors within design elements or using architectural details to conceal wiring.
Since many clients prefer a clean, minimal look, we often hide smart panels within cabinetry, integrate speakers into ceilings, and use architectural features to conceal wiring. The goal is to keep the design cohesive while ensuring the technology enhances the space rather than dominating it.
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