Custom Sight & Sound
Custom Sight & Sound is a UK specialist integrator designing, installing, and maintaining bespoke smart home, AV, lighting, and cinema systems for high-net-worth residential clients, property developers, and commercial venues through an in-house team.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersUpminster, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Custom Sight & Sound does
Custom Sight & Sound Ltd (CSS) is a UK-based specialist integrator of smart home automation, AV, lighting, and entertainment systems, founded in 1993 by Ian Bolt and headquartered in Upminster, Essex. The company operates exclusively through an in-house team across consultancy, design, installation, programming, and aftercare, with no subcontracting, and serves four primary segments: private high-net-worth residential clients, residential developers (e.g., One Brompton, One Thames City, Bishops London), commercial venues (e.g., KOKO, London Stadium), and cinema installations (e.g., Pan Peninsula, Essex Mansion, Arlington Street). Technical scope spans Crestron, Lutron, Control4, and KNX automation platforms integrated with audio/video partners including Anthem, Meridian, Triad, Procella, Trinnov, Kaleidescape, JVC, and Sony Digital Cinema, plus networking infrastructure from Cisco and Ruckus. The firm holds Crestron Elite Pro and Lutron Diamond Dealer (2023) statuses, has won multiple Crestron European Awards and a 2017 RIBA Award, and maintains four ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 27001, 45001) achieved in November 2016.
The business model is predominantly project-based bespoke installation with multi-year contracts, supplemented by a recurring aftercare layer (one-year included with every project plus optional ongoing contracts) and the Shield remote monitoring subscription service. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales through direct client consultation and trade partner referrals from architects, interior designers, M&E consultants, contractors, and cost-consultants; there is no e-commerce, self-service, or broad digital marketing channel. Pricing is fully quote-based and not publicly disclosed, consistent with high-end bespoke positioning. Leadership consists of founder/Chairman Ian Bolt, Managing Director Giles Charman (joined 2009, MD since 2018), and Projects Director Tom Booth, with a senior team of six plus an in-house engineering, CAD, and client support staff; total headcount is in the 11-50 band. The company is privately held, founder-led, and bootstrapped with no disclosed external investment.
Custom Sight & Sound firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Custom Sight & Sound
- Legal name
- Custom Sight & Sound Ltd
- Website
- https://cssinstall.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Custom Sight & Sound is a UK specialist integrator designing, installing, and maintaining bespoke smart home, AV, lighting, and cinema systems for high-net-worth residential clients, property developers, and commercial venues through an in-house team.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Custom Sight & Sound industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Smart Home and AV Systems Integration Services
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- SIC
- Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Multiroom Audio/Video & Home Theater Control Integration (HSAHADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motorized Shades, Blinds & Curtain Automation (HSAHADAD), Smart Lighting Control (Switches, Dimmers, Scenes) Integration (HSAOANAF)
Keywords
Where Custom Sight & Sound is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Upminster
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Custom Sight & Sound business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Bespoke Installation Services: Full-service provision of consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance of integrated AV, automation, and entertainment systems for residential and commercial properties. Services are project-based with bespoke pricing based on scope and complexity.
- Aftercare and Support Services: Ongoing support services including a one-year aftercare package included with every project, with options for extended support services beyond the initial period. Remote monitoring via Shield service and offsite data protection with backup capabilities.
- Consultancy Services: Technical lighting design and installation services, one-off consultancy roles, and friendly advice on existing schemes. Part of comprehensive service offering including design and project management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Bespoke project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Custom Sight & Sound product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Custom Sight & Sound provides full-service consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance of integrated smart home and commercial AV/automation systems — including lighting control, multi-room audio and video distribution, home cinema, security/CCTV, and automated window treatments. The company integrates third-party platforms (Crestron, Lutron, Control4, KNX) for residential, commercial, developer, and cinema projects, delivering every element with an in-house team without subcontracting.
Product overview
Custom Sight & Sound is a service-based integrator offering comprehensive smart home and commercial automation solutions. The company provides seven core service offerings: Systems Integration (home automation and control platforms), Lighting Control, Data and Communications infrastructure, Window Treatments automation, Entertainment Systems (home cinema and multi-room audio), Security/CCTV/Access, and Design/Project Management. These services are delivered through in-house teams and integrate third-party platforms including Crestron, Lutron, Control 4, and KNX for automation, alongside Anthem, Meridian, Triad, Procella, and Trinnov for audio/video. Add-on services include Aftercare packages with dedicated support managers, Shield remote monitoring, and offsite data backup. All work is completed by in-house teams without subcontracting, with comprehensive project management from concept through completion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Systems Integration Bespoke control systems designed, built, and programmed by a dedicated in-house programming team across multiple integration platforms including Crestron, Lutron, Control4, and KNX. Delivered to residential, commercial, developer, and cinema clients.
- Lighting Control Full-scale technical lighting design and installation services including consultancy, specification, and integration with building automation systems. Delivered using Lutron (Diamond Dealer, LCSI) expertise.
- Data and Communications AV/IT cabling network design, installation, and maintenance to optimize performance and future-proof infrastructure with appropriate security and support.
- Window Treatments Design, programming, supply, and installation of automated window and skylight treatments with seamless integration to chosen control systems.
- Entertainment Systems High-end audio and multi-room systems ranging from single-room cinema solutions to fully integrated multi-room audio, house-wide IP video distribution (including Crestron NAX/NVX 4K), and private nightclub installations. Delivered using partners such as Anthem, Meridian, Triad, Procella, Trinnov, JVC, Screen Research, Kaleidescape, and NAD.
- Security, CCTV and Access High-level surveillance and entry systems with full integration to control systems, including high-resolution day/night vision cameras, digital recording, and automated analysis.
- Design and Project Management Full design and project management services with CAD technician support, ensuring coordination of all system elements with client teams, architects, interior designers, M&E consultants, contractors, and cost-consultants.
- Aftercare Service Comprehensive aftercare package including one-year support with dedicated client support manager (Jude Martins), maintenance visits, equipment updates, and optional continuous support contracts beyond the initial period.
- Shield Remote Monitoring Remote monitoring service enabling remote oversight, access, adjustment, and enhancement of installed systems with minimal disruption or downtime.
- Offsite Data Protection Offsite data backup capabilities for system data protection, supporting the Shield remote monitoring service.
Quantifiable outcome
- Systems designed to remain relevant and reliable for over a decade, as demonstrated by the David Holmes installation from 2012 still operational until 2024 upgrade.
Companies that use Custom Sight & Sound
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Custom Sight & Sound technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
Custom Sight & Sound partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- CrestroncorePrimary control platform partner. CSS holds Elite Pro Crestron status and has won multiple Crestron European Awards. Partnership spans over 30 years, with CSS programming one of the UK's first Crestron control systems in 1993.
- LutroncoreKey lighting control partner. CSS holds Diamond Dealer status and LCSI (Lutron Certified Systems Integrator) status, ensuring highest standards for Lutron installations.
- Control4coreSmart home automation platform partner integrated into CSS project portfolio including residential and developer installations.
- KNXcoreOpen protocol automation standard partner used in CSS installations for building control integration.
- AnthemsupportingAV electronics partner for home cinema and audio systems in CSS installations.
- JVCsupportingProjector manufacturer partner for home cinema installations.
- Screen ResearchsupportingProjection screen partner for cinema installations.
- MeridiansupportingHigh-end audio manufacturer partner for premium audio systems.
- TriadsupportingCustom speaker manufacturer partner for audio installations.
- TrinnovsupportingAudio processor manufacturer for cinema room optimization.
- KaleidescapesupportingMovie server and playback system partner for cinema installations.
- ProcellasupportingLoudspeaker manufacturer partner for high-performance cinema audio.
- Sony Digital CinemasupportingDigital cinema projection partner for commercial and residential cinema installations.
- QSC Live SoundsupportingProfessional audio equipment partner for large-scale installations.
- CiscosupportingNetworking infrastructure partner for AV/IT systems.
- L-AcousticssupportingProfessional audio brand partner for high-end installations.
- WisdomsupportingAudio manufacturer partner for premium sound systems.
- M&K SoundsupportingLoudspeaker manufacturer partner for home theater and audio systems.
- RuckussupportingWireless networking partner for reliable connectivity in smart home installations.
- Future AutomationsupportingMotorized mounting and concealment solutions partner.
- SonancesupportingArchitectural audio brand partner for integrated speaker solutions.
- ChristiesupportingProfessional projection and display partner for cinema installations.
- AminasupportingInvisible speaker manufacturer partner for discreet audio installations.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Custom Sight & Sound competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Savant: US-based premium smart home and AV control platform competing head-to-head with Crestron in the high-end residential integrator market. Comparable as a broader incumbent whose ecosystem shapes what UK integrators like CSS deploy.
- Control4: Smart home automation platform provider and CSS partner. As a broad incumbent, competes in the same smart home category but at the platform level rather than as an integration services firm.
- Crestron Electronics: Global manufacturer of the Crestron control platform that is CSS's core technology foundation. As a broad incumbent, sets standards and partner tiers (Elite Pro) that define CSS's market positioning; not a direct integrator but the upstream platform provider.
- Lutron Electronics: Global manufacturer of lighting and shading control systems, holding CSS's Diamond Dealer status. As the upstream platform and certification authority, defines the lighting/shading category CSS competes within.
Direct peers
- New Wave AV: UK smart home and AV integrator specialising in residential and commercial automation, cinema, and lighting control. Directly comparable to CSS in scope (Crestron/Lutron integration, home cinema) and UK high-end client focus.
- Cyberhomes: UK-based specialist smart home and home cinema integrator serving high-net-worth residential clients with bespoke AV, lighting, and automation. Closest direct competitor to CSS in the UK premium integration market, with a similar in-house delivery model and overlapping vendor partnerships (Crestron, Lutron).
- Habitech: UK distributor and custom integrator focused on smart home, AV, and cinema systems. Operates a comparable trade-partner channel and serves the same high-end residential integrator market as CSS.
- AWE Europe: UK distributor and integrator of smart home, AV, and cinema solutions, including Crestron, Lutron, and other key CSS partner brands. Comparable as a UK smart-home specialist with overlapping vendor portfolio and integrator services.
- SMC (Specialist Media Control): UK specialist in residential and commercial AV integration with focus on luxury properties. Closely comparable service scope and UK client profile to CSS.
- Ideaworks (Sound Ideas): UK residential AV and smart home integrator and the firm Giles Charman joined CSS from. Provides directly comparable custom automation, cinema, and lighting services to high-end UK residential clients.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Custom Sight & Sound social profiles
Digital presenceCustom Sight & Sound compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Custom Sight & Sound financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Custom Sight & Sound leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Custom Sight & Sound funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Custom Sight & Sound M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Custom Sight & Sound
What does Custom Sight & Sound do?
Custom Sight & Sound provides full-service consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance of integrated smart home and commercial AV/automation systems — including lighting control, multi-room audio and video distribution, home cinema, security/CCTV, and automated window treatments. The company integrates third-party platforms (Crestron, Lutron, Control4, KNX) for residential, commercial, developer, and cinema projects, delivering every element with an in-house team without subcontracting.
Is Custom Sight & Sound a public or private company?
Custom Sight & Sound is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Custom Sight & Sound founded?
Custom Sight & Sound was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Custom Sight & Sound based?
Custom Sight & Sound is headquartered in Upminster, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Custom Sight & Sound make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Bespoke Installation Services are the primary driver. The others are aftercare and Support Services and consultancy Services.
Who are Custom Sight & Sound's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Savant, Control4, Crestron Electronics and Lutron Electronics. Direct peers are New Wave AV, Cyberhomes, Habitech, AWE Europe, SMC (Specialist Media Control) and Ideaworks (Sound Ideas).
Does Custom Sight & Sound have an API?
No public API is recorded for Custom Sight & Sound.
What industry is Custom Sight & Sound in?
Custom Sight & Sound's product category is Smart Home and AV Systems Integration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAHADAE, Multiroom Audio/Video & Home Theater Control Integration, with a secondary code of HSAHADAD, Motorized Shades, Blinds & Curtain Automation. Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 3822.