Product Spotlight: The Interactive Abode

With the ease provided by the Online Design Studio, home interior selections will never be the same

The Interactive Abode is shaking up the construction industry by coaching new home and condo developers on how to merge technology into their colour selection process.Over the last five years, there has been a trend in incorporating software into the sales centre when shopping for your dream home, but that process was lacking when it came to the design studio. But now The Interactive Abode's Online Design Studio software — paired with industry design trends and sales insights — gives developers and homeowners a unique experience when making colour selections.The Online Design Studio was created for new home and condo developers to revolutionize their colour appointment process. The Interactive Abode (TIA) takes the pen and paper process and turns it into an interactive, online and visual experience for the developer and purchaser. Photo-realistic renderings take the guesswork out of deciding between standard or upgraded options. Buyers are also able to visualize how a colour selection or upgrade will look in their specific unit and learn more about the materials they are picking from the comfort of their home.Nowadays, you can virtually design, customize and purchase a vehicle online; you can select the brand, model, interior, exterior and more. This is all done while being able to complete the transaction online. Popular HGTV shows such as Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have proven that this technology is influential and available.So, we asked ourselves, 'Why isn't this available for new home buyers?' The reason it had never been done before is that the colour selection process is complicated. If a condo building has 300 units with 30 model types and 100 selection options, the mechanics behind developing a beneficial software would be challenging. The technology must be built with these rules and exceptions included, but must also maintain a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing front end. With this in mind, and a lot of hard work, TIA successfully developed the Online Design Studio.The Online Design Studio serves both types of buyers: people who want to touch and see the materials, as well as people who do not want to have to come into the design centre at all. Buyers also have more time to decide on their selections without the pressure of a decor consultant — just like the stars of HGTV.The Online Design Studio can be used across all residential building types, from highrise condominium projects with three standard design packages to lowrise homes with 50 backsplash options. Allowing buyers to conduct their research at home shortens the amount of time spent at design centres, or even eliminates the need for an appointment altogether. Interior designers can view a client's saved selections before their appointment even begins to provide a more personalized experience. End users truly benefit from this process because they can revisit their selections online at a later date and feel confident about the choices they made during their custom appointment.Alternatively, purchasers have the option of completing their colour selection at home or across the globe. Once the purchaser has made their selections, they can electronically sign the documents and pay for their upgrades online. This is a huge benefit for investors who live elsewhere or who simply do not have the time to visit a design centre in person.THE INTERACTIVE ABODEClients include Biddington Homes, CentreCourt Developments, Plaza, Stafford Homes, Streetcar Developments, Pemberton Homes, National Homes and more. Contact Jenna Zaza at Jenna@TheInteractiveAbode.com for more information.(416) 420-9576TheInteractiveAbode.com

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