Present at VFTI During KBIS 2026 — Submit Now >

Manhattan Chapter

Member Spotlight: Rex Aquirre

46 days ago
jamie-keel

Blending Design and Technology

Rex Aguirre gives homeowners the best of both worlds

By Maureen Klein

Rex Aguirre was always passionate about technology and computers. It was hard to pull him away from his first PC, a Texas Instruments TI 99, but riding dirt bikes got him outside. At 14, he landed his first part-time job at McDonald’s, making $3.35 an hour. He spent those earnings figuring out how to add and remove parts to build a lighter and better BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross). Today, he runs Premiere Systems Design, a home automation company that provides high-end technology services for residential, commercial, and retail space from Montauk to Manhattan and beyond.

What other activities did you pursue back then?

While in junior high, in Brentwood, NY, I started playing the cello. You could also find me on the soccer field, a sport I continued to play through high school and in the Army. Of course, living on an island, I tested the nearby waters, learning to fish and sail on the Great South Bay.  

You mentioned the Army?

Following a job with the Parks Department where I drove tractors and bucket loaders to move around dirt (a big jump from my dirt bike days), I enlisted in the US Army where I became a communications specialist. I experienced firsthand the power and responsibility that telecommunication plays in keeping our soldiers and nation safe. That strong foundation greatly impacted my career and led me to study at the Dover Technical School on Long Island where my interest evolved into smart home technology.

So, tell us about founding Premiere Systems Design.

On St Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2020 — just days before New York went “on pause” due to Covid-19 — I made the leap to pull together my past experiences as an IT consultant, licensed general contractor, and smart home architect of nineteen-and-a-half years to start Premiere Systems Design. It was the best career decision I ever made. We built our headquarters a few miles from our Bayport, LI home, where I live with my wife and son. My two grown daughters are now out on their own. Our services integrate automation, audio, climate control, lighting, automated shades, security, and home entertainment systems, inside and out.

And what part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

I love the creative process of providing solutions that make my clients’ lives more convenient. I can visualize a virtual system in my head, based on a site survey or the home I’m walking into. Developers and architects have complimented me — they didn’t realize these technological solutions were possible.

Can you give an example of one of those creative solutions?

 

Just the other day, I was evaluating a piece of artwork that looked much darker than originally envisioned. I had the idea to backlight it and our team tested it with LED lighting. But there was still a shadow from the wood supports. I said to the guys, let’s replace the wood with metal L brackets. Now the artwork is beautifully highlighted, the shadow has disappeared and the frame has the support that it needs. Plus, the LED lighting offers countless color possibilities, depending on the season or occasion. See the photos below.

I see your company is HTA certified, what does that signify?

The Home Technology Association says only 10% of integrators (technology designers) achieve this status. We are proud to have this designation which distinguishes us from the competition.

How did you hear about NKBA?

 

We were invited to an NKBA event by our friend and colleague, designer Tobi Wright. She introduced us to Toni Sabatino, whom I had heard of in my industry as the interior designer who loves technology. Toni took us under her wing, made key connections, and encouraged us to join NKBA Manhattan. And we are glad we did— everyone is extremely welcoming, down-to-earth and professional. Our NKBA affiliation helps us grow and achieve the marriage of design and technology. We appreciate the beautiful visions of our interior design colleagues and, in turn, they appreciate that we can design and deliver technology solutions that are barely visible or even invisible. Together, we are able to make the lives of homeowners easier, more efficient, comfortable, and secure. In short, we are able to help them live smarter than they do today, hence our tagline: Live Smarter.

Rex Aguirre and designer Toni Sabatino show off Premiere’s sight and sound solution: A  Leon Edge Media Frame, which neatly unifies an 85" video display and Sonos Arc soundbar. The project won a Leon Install of the Year award and was featured in Technology Designer magazine. Watch this short video above to see the award-winning installation process. Photo and video by Jeff Siegel.