Kevin Vawter joined Amplified Lifestyles in the New Year as a Technology Advisor. The native San Franciscan entered the world of residential integration 22 years ago and has a particular affinity for interior design. As a teenager, Kevin visited his mother’s place of work in Presidio Heights, the historic Le Petit Trianon, and later had his wedding reception there. When it became the 2019San Francisco Decorator Showcase , he helped designers blend technology seamlessly into the mansion’s rooms.
AL: Congratulations on joining Amplified Lifestyles as a Technology Advisor! What attracted you to the company?
KV: Thank you so much; I’m excited to be part of this fantastic team! I was drawn to Amplified because of its impact on the Bay Area integration market in the past eight years. Everyone I spoke with, from architects to owner’s reps, had nothing but positive things to say about the company. On top of that, going back to the early 2000s, I have wanted to work alongside some of my new co-workers!
AL: What drew you into the world of home technology design?
KV: Much like many of my colleagues, listening to music and watching movies on a high-quality system is a hobby of mine. I was drawn into the A/V industry in 1995 when I walked into a home theater store called Cambridge Soundworks looking for a part-time job so I could afford a ring for my now-wife of 25 years, and they hired me on the spot! In 2001 I entered the world of residential integration, and for the past 22 years, I have been fortunate enough to witness the evolution of home technology. Those were the days when a remote control that allowed our clients to listen to a 5 Disc CD changer was roughly the size and weight of a brick. I remember purchasing the very first iPad the week it came out to figure out how to use it for integration for our clients. Current technology gives them thousands of hours of on-demand entertainment controlled by their cell phones!
AL: How can technology be integrated into interior design and architecture?
KV: My professional mission statement is, “I believe beautiful design, architecture, and craftsmanship can and should blend harmoniously with reliable, easy-to-use technology.” My favorite projects are where there is proper planning and foresight on the design team’s part, so the home technology is sufficiently hidden and disguised. I’ve enjoyed collaborating at the annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, where I worked with designers to blend technology seamlessly with their incredible visions for their rooms.
AL: What modern design trend makes you cringe?
KV: This one is easy- Dinner-plate sized speakers! It makes me so frustrated to see prominent speakers in ceilings and walls (even more so if they aren’t color matched to the surface) because there are so many hidden and disguised options.
AL: If you were not in home technology design, what would you do?
KV: That’s a tough one! It’s possible that I would still be involved in the design or maybe the art world because when I was a teenager, my mom was the curator/designer/director of operations for Le Petit Trianon in San Francisco, which at the time housed one of the most extraordinary private collections of Egyptian artifacts, Russian Icons and the Impressionists in the world. I loved how she blended the historically significant antiques and artwork with the architecture and design of the home.
AL: How do you maintain a work/life balance?
KV: First and foremost, I stay grounded because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I enjoy hanging out and watching movies with my family and friends, hiking and taking wildlife photographs on trails overlooking the ocean, and singing. Being a 5th generation San Franciscan, I’m a huge 49er, S.F. Giants, and Golden State Warriors fan, and over the past 12 years, I’ve been absolutely spoiled with what seems like an endless supply of post-season sports!
AL: What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
KV: My favorite podcast, and the only one I listen to regularly, is called “Real Men Connect.” I love it because what I learn from listening helps me to be a better husband, father, family member, friend, and coworker.
AL: Song you can listen to on repeat?
KV: Boyz 2 Men’s rendition of Yesterday because their harmony is as tight on that song as any I’ve heard (and I love to sing along with it, especially the high parts!)
AL: What are three things you can’t live without?
KV: My relationship with God and my family, Singing, and Chocolate and Coffee are tied for 3rd (That’s 5, but who’s counting?)
AL: What’s inspiring you in life right now?
KV: I’m part of a men’s group called “Real Men 300” because it is true that iron sharpens iron, and finding people that can be real with each other is very rare.
