SMART HOME AUTOMATION
Having earned a diploma in Data Processing and B.Sc in Mathematics and Applied Statistics from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, he went further to take the Bang and Olufsen’s installer course, as well as Ad Notam certified course. Ayodeji Ogunjimi, the CEO of Voirde Limited is passionate about the use of technology to solve problems and improve the quality of daily living. In an interview with Prestige Magazine, Deji shares with us on how much attention he gives to aesthetics during installations and the future of home automation in Nigeria.
Who is Deji Ogunjimi?
Adedeji Ogunjimi is an ELV specialist and an experienced systems integrator. I am the CEO of Voirde Limited. Many people call me the Bang and Olufsen specialist. I was born in Lagos and I am happily married. Apart from the flair I have for technology, I also love horse riding and racing with cars.
What Product/Services Do You Offer Your Clients?
I specialise in designing and building luxury ELV systems such as audio-visual systems, security systems, lighting and shading, data networks for commercial, residential and hospitality projects. I usually set out to handle a handful or carefully selected projects that are challenging enough.
What Drives The Passion For What You Do?
To enhance the quality of life through technology, to get the best out of available resources in every situation, to push the limit of our imagination and step out of our comfort zone to create a more comfortable tomorrow.
What Are The Challenges You Encounter And How Do You Manage Them?
Attitude to work, lack of passion and drive, people not valuing time (both clients and employees). Most artisans and labourers don’t work because they love it, they work because they have to earn a living. With positive encouragement, sharing my vision and the right motivation, I am able to extract the best from my team. Nigeria is a very tough place to work and you can easily get frustrated. You have to always stay positive and be very confident.
What Is The Most Challenging Project You Have Executed So Far?
Most of our projects are challenging but, for the most challenging I would say it was when we had to install Bang and Olufsen TVs and speakers in a block of a luxury apartment with 21 units at Ikoyi within a week.
“The future belongs to automated processes and artificial intelligence.”
How Much Attention Do You Give To Aesthetics In Your Product Design During Installations?
The eyes are the window to the soul. I love art. I value craftsmanship. I love people who pay attention to every single detail, even the details that are not obvious until you look closely. I work closely with a lot of interior designers and architects as I am constantly learning and improving daily. It’s difficult but very possible to combine aesthetics and functionality. That’s why I carefully select the products and brands I work with.
My favourite audio-visual brand is Bang & Olufsen. The reason is that, this is the oldest audio-visual manufacturer in the world and they have always stayed true to their craft for over 90 years. They have perfected the art of combining beauty with technology to create the most aesthetically appealing audiovisual products worldwide. They are inspired by nature and most times always use natural materials such as leather, metals and wood to create the most magical experience for customers. For my installations, we make sure we conceal all wires and let the beauty of the equipment move your senses.
How Do You Ensure The Aesthetics Of Your Clients’ Interiors Aren’t Compromised During Installations?
The most important part of a new project is to fully understand your clients‘ requirements. It’s also important to manage your clients’ expectations and don’t over promise. There are a lot of intelligent Nigerian interior designers and once the furniture layout has been established, I find a balance. Some clients have very vague requirements and you have to politely explain and let them understand what the reality is. Clients are not stupid and you have to know how to interact with them. Especially when you are planning to alter a design they have made or when you tell them that their dream design isn’t realistic or practical.
Do You Think Nigerians Attribute The Same Attention Given To Art To Technology? How Do You Think This Can Be Achieved?
I think some do and a majority don’t. We come across all sorts of people. Typically the average client wants the latest technology for bragging rights and as a status symbol. We also have the exposed and learned clients who have done their homework and know exactly what they want. Some of them actually have these systems in their homes abroad. Music is a form of art and we sometimes come across genuine audiophiles who just want the best quality of speakers to deliver their favourite music the way the artist intended.
When Do You Think That Home Automation Will Be a Popular Culture in Nigeria?
It’s only a matter of time. It’s inevitable. It’s the future. In the 80s you would have to be very rich to have facilities such as a swimming pool, or an en suite bathroom in your home. These days, things like these are standard and are no more exclusive to the rich. With the growth of artificial intelligence and smart devices, and with companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Schneider all spending billions of dollars on research and development of automated devices and control, home automation is going to be the future and Nigeria as one of the biggest markets in Africa will not be left out.
How Do You See The Future Of Home Automation?
The future belongs to automated processes and artificial intelligence. Our day-to-day life is being monitored and the data obtained from this is being used to improve our quality of life. Digital currencies, autonomous vehicles, drone and remote controlled military equipment etc. I see a future of perfect harmony between man and machine.
How Can Different Industries Benefit From Home Automation in Nigeria?
Automation isn’t useful in homes alone, it is useful in almost all walks of life. From access control systems to asset tagging systems, security systems and manufacturing processes, possibilities are endless. It’s basically
machined communicating with each other and working in synchronised processes. The biggest drawback we have in Nigeria is power. Machines need the power to function, power must also be affordable.
Featured in Prestige Magazine Issue 2. Vol. 3 2018
