Essential Install August 2017 | Page 37

Essential Install | Case Study: Henri Splashing Out! EI caught up with Michael and Lionel Sherman, from French installation company Henri, for the full picture on this luxury Crestron controlled 32,000 sqft Luxemburg villa featuring innovative water zones, a car museum and a complete home cinema. It’s been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2017 CEDIA Awards in the Best Home Integration £360,000 and over category and it’s easy to see why. In 1961, Henri Sherman started working as a self- employed electrician. The care he put into his work and the service he gave his clients made the company grow. His son, Lionel, entered the company in 1982. He worked for ten years as an electrician, before running the company himself. His track record combined with the quality of his employees pushed the company further and Henri entered the premium market. Lionel developed an interest in home automation technologies and, following a trip to the US where the concept was first emerging, the company became the first importer of home automation solutions in France. Three Generations Strong A third generation joined the firm when Michael, Lionel’s son, joined the company in 2010. After graduating with an engineering degree, Michael started to work as a project manager and quickly became the technical director of the company. His organisational expertise has brought the company better work methods so that it can handle more complex and ambitious projects, like this home. The younger generations are proud to continue with the values and passion instilled by ‘Monsieur Henri’ right from the start. Lionel explains: “I am proud of what we have achieved since my father created the company. We have been able to develop our skills and innovate to successfully undertake the projects that made our reputation. But keeping the values my father passed down is what makes August 2017 | 35