62 | Smart home systems a growing trend The business is often involved early in the design stage of new homes, working with builders, housing companies and homeowners to plan electrical layouts, lighting design and automation systems before construction begins. Andrew Tall Automated Living T T Russell Fredric CONTRACTING Smart home automation, lighting design and integrated electrical systems are becoming a bigger part of modern homes, and Andrew Tall has built his business around that shift. Andrew Tall Automated Living, operating as Andrew Tall Electrical, designs and installs electrical, lighting, audio and automation systems for new homes, renovations and architectural builds across Central Otago and beyond. The business is often involved early in the design stage of new homes, working with builders, housing companies and homeowners to plan electrical layouts, lighting design and automation systems before construction begins. The team works closely with companies, including Barrett Homes Cromwell, on new builds and show homes. Home automation systems allow lighting, heating, cooling, curtains, security, garage doors and audio systems to be controlled from a central system, touch screen or phone. Systems can also include timers, sensors, holiday modes and energy-management functions. “It’s much easier when people can actually see it working instead of trying to explain it or show photos,” Andrew says. “A lot of people weren’t even thinking about automation until they saw it and then decided they wanted it.” Lighting design has also become a major part of modern homes, particularly with LED technology, strip lighting and layered lighting systems that improve both functionality and ambience inside and outside the home. Feature lighting, low-level lighting, outdoor lighting and architectural lighting are now common parts of new builds. “You can layer lighting so you’ve got different lights for different moods and different uses. You might want bright lights when you’re cooking, but when you’re entertaining you can dim them down and just use feature lighting. It completely changes how a house feels,” says Andrew. The business also installs solar systems and integrates them into automation systems so homes can automatically run appliances when solar generation is highest, helping reduce power costs and improve energy efficiency. Andrew Tall Electrical was recognised in the 2025 Most Trusted Awards, winning the Central Otago electrical category, reflecting the company’s reputation and long-standing client relationships. Today, the business employs six staff and carries out a mix of residential electrical work, architectural housing projects, automation installations and lighting design, with steady workflow across the region and further afield. Andrew started the business in 2014 on his own and gradually built the workload to the point where he could take on an apprentice. The business has grown steadily since then, with a strong focus on training apprentices, due to the ongoing shortage of qualified electricians. “It’s very hard to find good electricians and get them to move here, so I decided I would just train them myself. If you treat them well and there’s enough work, they stay and become part of the business.” A turning point came when Andrew built his own home in 2022 and installed a full home automation, audio and integrated lighting system, which now operates as a working show home for clients. Being able to show customers how automation works in a home has helped them understand what is possible and how systems can be tailored to suit how people live in their homes. “I enjoy the design side and working with customers to create something they’re really happy with at the end,” says Andrew. ”I also enjoy training staff and seeing them come through the industry and build their careers.” Helping businesses grow BDO Southern Lakes &Central Otago 03 445 0368 | slc@bdo.co.nz Accounting | Advisory | Tax | Audit Proud to work with Andrew Tall Automated Living 750,000
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