Zmart Hohm become a Loxone Gold Partner
We are very excited to announce that Zmart Hohm is now a Loxone Gold Partner. We sent Company Owner Zach Meek over a few questions to find out some more about their journey to gold. Here’s what he had to say:
Could you start by telling us about your background and what led you to become interested in home & building automation?
After leaving art college in 2007 I decided to start an apprenticeship with my father’s electrical company in Gloucestershire. The company quickly redirected interests towards the renewable industry with solar panels becoming more financially incentivised with export tariffs. Working on executive homes across the UK I was exposed to several manufactures of home automation solutions; I could see this was slowly becoming a requirement within homes but some of the products looked old fashioned with a restricted integration potential. Until one day Leigh (my Dad) stumbled across a small, sleek green box… This was the Loxone Miniserver, this small green box was the most innovative product I have ever seen with its capabilities being default to infinite! Zach Meek Art was born… ZM-Art Hohm.
What made you decide to become a Loxone Partner?
After the initial excitement of discovering Loxone, I researched all competitors before committing myself to one manufacturer, in my opinion, nothing could compare so the decision was easy, similar to Bruce Banner I slowly turned green.
I personally believe that working with the best products helps me to make my clients’ ideas a reality. Loxone enables me to create exactly what the client is looking for, every piece of technology now working seamlessly together. I believe the extensive product range is the most aesthetically pleasing choice for your home.
Meet the team
Zach Meek
Owner
Zach enjoys marketing, meeting clients and discussing exciting new projects. In his spare time, he’s an avid curry connoisseur.
Nathan Mansfield
Loxone Panel Builder
Nathan has been working within the electrical industry for 15 years. He has a keen eye for detail and can turn anything into a piece of art, he is a passionate scavenger and is commonly seen skip diving at the weekends.
Paul Phillips
Loxone Programmer
Paul has 20 years of IT experience. He’s a Raspberry Pi enthusiast and his signature piece of logic includes a Chesney Hawkes doorbell. He is the one & only.
Matt Skelton
Loxone Panel Builder
Matt was in the Royal Tank Regiment for 10 years before entering the electrical industry. He used to build tanks for the Army – now he builds panels in the Gallery. You may find him yodelling during panel builds.
What has your dedicated journey to Gold involved?
Expanding our business over the past few years has involved a number of fantastic clients, inspirational ideas and a fantastic team. When my sister went to University I could see an opportunity to commandeer her dressing table which was the perfect size to take a panel shell. After the rebellion on her return I was evicted, I then found a small, shared office space where I started Zmart Hohm officially and building panels for projects across the UK.
I was introduced to ecoHaus Internorm in 2019 by Loxone to work alongside them on projects that involved the Inovative I-Tec range. We now have the most Loxone certified showrooms within the UK and are looking to fit out another in 2022.
What has been your biggest/favourite project (with Loxone)? What challenges have you faced?
The variety of different projects we have worked on keeps my interest and passion alive, from a fully automated self-storage business to a house inspired by the shape of a wave in Jersey.
I love to consider new and different projects where we have the opportunity to create innovative designs, but recently for example at Henry’s Car Barn, this awesome space enabled Paul and myself to explore our most exciting lighting display, creating customisable lighting scenes bespoke for each amazing supercar that was on display.
What has been your biggest/favourite project (with Loxone)? What challenges have you faced?
The variety of different projects we have worked on keeps my interest and passion alive, from a fully automated self-storage business to a house inspired by the shape of a wave in Jersey.
I love to consider new and different projects where we have the opportunity to create innovative designs, but recently for example at Henry’s Car Barn, this awesome space enabled Paul and myself to explore our most exciting lighting display, creating customisable lighting scenes bespoke for each amazing supercar that was on display.
How have your customers benefited from Loxone technology?
There’s a lot of technology being installed within the modern home, all of these devices have their own control system but with Loxone this is not the case. I provide my customers with a house that works for them, minimal interaction and simplicity of use are key. It supports them in having a more relaxed lifestyle where automation takes care of day to day tasks.
How have your customers benefited from Loxone technology?
There’s a lot of technology being installed within the modern home, all of these devices have their own control system but with Loxone this is not the case. I provide my customers with a house that works for them, minimal interaction and simplicity of use are key. It supports them in having a more relaxed lifestyle where automation takes care of day to day tasks.
What makes your company different and what are your unique selling points?
We are a small business, more often than not, you will speak directly to myself when you contact our office. I take a personal interest in every job and design the systems myself to each clients’ personal requirements. We love to take on new and innovative ideas and projects. Designing bespoke packages to make our clients’ homes work for them as seamlessly as possible.
Our USP is that we work alongside electrical contractors to provide a design, supply & commission service. Most people already have a good relationship with an Electrician, this allows us to work together and achieve the common goal. We maintain the high quality of panel builds directly from the workshop before following them to site for programming and handover.
What are the go-to features customers ask for when it comes to home automation?
Most of my customers are looking for bespoke and feature lighting packages, this can all be controlled through one simple switch and enables clients to create different lighting scenes within their home. This is often accompanied by a Heating & Security package as standard. Adding Loxone Audio creates a fantastic mood within the home. The great thing with Loxone is the system can be expanded on or adapted when/if the room changes use.
What would be your ultimate home automation project?
I would love to be involved with a large-scale commercial project, I have completed some smaller projects. For example, an automated gym, where members are able to use facilities without the need for any staff being onsite, reducing operating costs. Also, offices, workshops and a fully automated self-storage business.
These different opportunities have also enabled me to test out new features or interesting automation designs that aren’t as standard within a residential setting.
How would you encourage other Partners to reach for Gold?
I personally believe that a passion for home automation is essential for building your company. My passion, creativity and personal need for perfection has enabled me to create a number of bespoke projects for clients. I believe the key ingredients involve 50% design & 50% installation/programming.
In your opinion, where will the smart home industry be, in the UK, in 2025?
I feel that within the near future simple home automation will be a standard feature within everyone’s home, this will range from simple security thorough to adaptable living for people with complex health conditions. I think it’s important to help increase the independence of people within their own homes and I believe automation to be the solution.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of having Loxone installed, what would it be?
My main piece of advice would be to engage a Loxone partner from day one, everything can then be considered so the system can be tailored to suit the budget. It’s crucial that before any work starts a bullet proof design needs to be provided.
Design everything = Miss nothing.
Loxone is exciting, inspiring, limitless & innovative.
Loxone allows us to provide the conductor to the orchestra of technology within the modern home.
