audio video designs

What audio video designs does

Audio Video Designs (AVD) is a privately held New Zealand specialist distributor and integrator of smart home and commercial automation systems, founded in 1994 by Charles and Caroline Speedy and headquartered at Unit A, 7 Antares Place, Auckland. The company does not manufacture its own products; instead it supplies and integrates a curated portfolio of globally sourced brands, principally Lutron lighting controls and shading systems (HomeWorks QS, RA2 Select, Sivoia QS, Palladiom) and Sonance architectural audio (Invisible Series, Visual Performance Series, Garden and Patio outdoor series, James Loudspeaker marine products, and Blaze commercial amplifiers). Supporting ecosystem partners include iPort for tablet mounting, CoolAutomation for HVAC integration, Focus SB for designer finishes, Wall-Smart for flush mounting, Blindspace for recessed tracks, and Planet Waves for cabling.

The business sells through a consultative field-sales motion: customers enquire via the website contact form and the team specifies, supplies, and supports complete integrated systems. AVD works with New Zealand architects, designers, and integrators who specify its solutions into luxury residential builds, marine (super-yacht) projects, and commercial spaces such as restaurants, retail, and gyms. Case studies span Auckland, Queenstown, and the Bay of Islands, demonstrating nationwide NZ coverage. Revenue is generated through hardware distribution and project-based solutions supply, with custom pricing per project and no publicly disclosed price list. AVD has remained founder-led, privately held, and self-funded across 30 years, with no external investment, no acquisitions, and a continuous stream of new product additions from its principal brand partners between 2024 and early 2025.

Name

audio video designs

Legal name

Audio Video Designs Ltd.

Website

https://avd.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Audio Video Designs is a New Zealand specialist distributor and integrator of Lutron lighting and shading systems and Sonance architectural audio, serving luxury residential, marine, and commercial projects since 1994.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Smart Home Automation Integration

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Home Theater Installation, Calibration & Custom AV Services Retail (CRACAEAK)

Keywords

• Home automation systems
• Lighting control solutions
• Architectural audio integration
• Automated shading systems
• Smart home distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Sale and distribution of integrated home automation products including Lutron lighting controls, Sivoia shades, Sonance audio systems, and related accessories. Products are imported from global manufacturers and supplied to integrators and end customers in New Zealand.
2. Solutions Supply: Supply of integrated solutions combining multiple product categories for residential, marine, and commercial applications. The company works with architects and designers to specify and supply complete home automation systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Audio Video Designs (AVD) is a New Zealand-based specialist distributor and integrator that supplies and integrates smart home and commercial automation systems, combining Lutron lighting controls and automated shading with Sonance architectural audio solutions. The company works with integrators, architects, and designers to deliver unified lighting, shade, audio, HVAC, and voice-control ecosystems for luxury residences, marine vessels, and commercial spaces.

Product overview

Audio Video Designs (AVD) operates as a specialist distributor and integrator of smart home automation solutions for residential and commercial spaces in New Zealand, founded in 1994. The company does not manufacture its own products but distributes an integrated portfolio of complementary smart building technologies. The core offering centers on Lutron lighting control and shading systems (HomeWorks QS, RA2 Select, Sivoia QS, and Palladiom product lines) combined with Sonance architectural audio solutions (Invisible Series, Visual Performance Series, Garden/Patio outdoor series, and acquired James Loudspeaker brand). Supporting products include iPort tablet mounting solutions, CoolAutomation HVAC integration, Focus SB designer finishes, and Wall-Smart flush mounting systems. The products work together as a unified smart building ecosystem enabling control of lighting, window treatments, audio, climate, and voice assistants through centralized platforms and apps.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lutron HomeWorks QS Lighting Control Premium Lutron whole-home lighting control and automation system for luxury residences, integrating electric light, daylight, audio-visual, and HVAC systems with energy efficiency optimisation.
• Lutron RA2 Select Wireless smart lighting and shade control system designed for retrofitting existing homes without new cabling. Provides personalised scenes, schedules, and app-based control.
• Lutron Sivoia QS Shading Systems Wireless automated shading system controlling roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, Venetian blinds, curtain tracks, tensioned blinds, and Roman blinds with over 1,500 fabric options.
• Lutron Palladiom Shading and Drapery Systems Premium exposed-application shading and automated drapery systems designed for installation without fascia, pocket, or recess, featuring whisper-quiet operation and minimalist aesthetics.
• Sonance Invisible Series Architectural Speakers Sonance Motion Flex invisible architectural speakers installed flush into walls or ceilings with no visible signs, delivering high-quality sound from hidden locations.
• Sonance Outdoor Audio Systems Sonance Garden Series (up to 3,500 sq ft coverage) and Patio Series (four satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer) outdoor audio systems powered by Sonance DSP amplifiers.
• Sonance Visual Performance and Architectural Series Speakers Sonance architectural speakers with award-winning low-profile paintable grilles available in three shapes and sizes with multiple performance levels for consistent aesthetics.
• Sonance Visual Experience Extreme (VXXT) Series Architectural speaker line with IP66 weather protection and 90°C temperature resistance for demanding environments including poolside, beachfront, and sauna installations.
• James Loudspeaker Marine Audio Systems Marine-grade loudspeakers and subwoofers designed for super yacht applications, with specialised hardware and materials built for salt water environments.
• Sonance UA Series DSP Amplifiers Ultra-compact DSP amplifiers delivering 125W per channel with Bluetooth-enabled app setup and flexible T-slot mounting for structured wiring enclosures.
• Blaze PowerZone Commercial Amplifiers High-performance professional-grade DSP amplifiers with 70V/100V flexible output and Dante audio over IP support on select models, designed for integrated commercial installations.
• iPort Tablet Mounting Solutions In-wall docks and mounts for iPad and iPod touch that turn tablets into functional home controllers and business tools for residential and commercial use.
• CoolAutomation HVAC Integration Solutions CoolMasterNet and CoolPlug Internet of Climate (IoC) solutions enabling Lutron systems to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning across multi-vendor HVAC equipment.
• Focus SB Bespoke Electrical Finishes Premium bespoke-design electrical accessories providing unique finishing solutions for the Lutron Palladiom range to maintain continuity of finish throughout homes.
• Wall-Smart Flush Mount Systems Custom flush wall and ceiling mount systems for control and networking devices, enabling seamless integration of iPads and Lutron keypads into architecture for new construction and retrofits.
• Planet Waves Connectivity Cables Award-winning connectivity and cable solutions featuring In=Out Technology for pure signal reproduction, supplied with a lifetime guarantee.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy savings through intelligent lighting and shade control
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Lutron Sivoia ShadescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2006Lutron Sivoia Window Shades were added to AVD's offering in 2006 to complement the lighting control business. AVD distributes the complete range of Lutron automated window treatments including roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, Venetian blinds, and drapery tracks.
• LutroncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 1999AVD began distributing Lutron Lighting controls in 1999, which has continued to develop and grow. AVD is an authorized Lutron distributor in New Zealand, offering HomeWorks QS, RA2 Select, and Sivoia QS shading systems.
• SonancecoreTechnology or IntegrationSonance is described as the originator of the in-wall speaker category and global leader in discreet architectural audio solutions. AVD distributes Sonance products including Invisible Speakers, Visual Performance Series, and the new Visual Experience Extreme Series.
• James LoudspeakersecondaryTechnology or IntegrationJames Loudspeaker is now part of the Sonance family. They design and manufacture innovative high-performance audio solutions with unprecedented customization capabilities. AVD offers their marine-grade speakers and Small Aperture Series.
• IPORTsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIPORT creates tablet mounting solutions including in-wall docks and mounts for iPad and iPod touch. They help turn tablets into functional home controllers and business tools.
• CoolAutomationsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCoolAutomation provides HVAC/climate control solutions through their Internet of Climate (IoC) technology. Products include CoolMasterNet and CoolPlug for integrating climate control with home automation systems.
• Focus SBsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationFocus SB is a premium electrical accessories brand known for bespoke design and finish solutions. They offer unique finishing solutions for Lutron's Palladiom range, allowing continuity of finish throughout homes.
• Wall-SmartsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationWall-Smart designs and manufactures flush mount systems for control and networking devices. Their solutions enable seamless integration of technology into walls and ceilings, providing clean looks for new construction and retrofits.
• Blaze AudiosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationBlaze Audio (acquired by Sonance) provides PowerZone and PowerZone Connect amplifiers with high DSP capabilities, 70V/100V flexibility, and Dante audio over IP solutions for expanded amplification options.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Len Wallis Audio: Long-established premium AV retailer and home-automation integrator based in Sydney, Australia. Highly comparable to AVD in product mix (Lutron, premium speakers), customer profile (luxury residential), and consultative integrator-led sales model.
• Homemation: Australian distributor of premium smart-home and AV brands including Lutron and Sonance, serving the same category of luxury residential and commercial integrators. Closest cross-Tasman peer to AVD given overlapping brand portfolio and channel positioning.

Regional players

• Audio Reference (NZ): NZ specialist audio retailer and integrator serving high-end residential clients in the same geographic market as AVD. Comparable in luxury-segment focus and consultative custom-installation approach.

Broad incumbents

• Crestron Electronics: Global manufacturer and platform provider of integrated lighting, shading, AV, and HVAC control systems. Overlaps with AVD's automation and integration services at the technology layer, but operates globally with a much broader product suite and direct dealer network.
• Control4: US-based smart-home automation platform acquired by Snap One/SnapAV. Competes indirectly with AVD's Lutron-centric offerings as an alternative whole-home control ecosystem with its own dealer/integrator network.
• Sonos: Global consumer smart-speaker and multi-room audio company. Overlaps with AVD's Sonance-driven multi-room audio business but competes from a mass-market consumer angle rather than custom installation.
• Bang & Olufsen: Global premium audio and AV brand with dedicated retail stores offering custom-installed home cinema and multi-room audio. Comparable to AVD in luxury-segment positioning and integrated AV design, but operates its own retail network worldwide.
• Magnolia (Best Buy): US specialty AV retail and custom-installation division of Best Buy. Comparable as a high-end AV integrator with in-home consultation and installation services, but operates at vastly larger scale and in a different geography.
• Crutchfield: Long-established US specialty retailer of home and car audio/video equipment with custom-installation support. Adjacent comparable to AVD's product-distribution side, but without AVD's integrator-network depth or NZ geographic focus.

Others

• Lutron Electronics: Primary vendor/partner of AVD and global leader in lighting control and automated shading. Relevant as a comparison point for the technology category AVD distributes, though Lutron is a manufacturer, not an integrator peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SonanceandiPort

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about audio video designs