Interview with Palash Nandy, CEO Legrand Australia & New Zealand

We interviewed Palash Nandy, CEO Legrand Australia & New Zealand, at the Syd launch of it’s INSPYRA® Collection. We discuss all things smart technology, the importance of sustainability and the shifting Australian market.

GALLERY  

1. Smart-home technology is increasingly becoming part of the initial design conversation rather than something added later. How is that changing the way Legrand works with architects, designers and homeowners?

With technology being considered as part of the overall design vision rather than a standalone feature, we’ve found ourselves engaging earlier with architects, designers and homeowners to discuss how people want to live and interact with a space, rather than making incremental enhancements of the product with assumptions.

The conversation today is much more holistic, encompassing aesthetics, functionality, comfort, sustainability, and future adaptability. As a result, it’s driving demand for solutions that feel considered and integrated, reflecting a broader trend where even traditionally functional elements, such as switches and power points, are expected to contribute to the overall design outcome.

2. From a homeowner’s perspective, what does a genuine “smart home” look like today? Is the focus shifting away from technology for technology’s sake towards simplicity, comfort, energy efficiency and better everyday living?

Legrand has always been a strong advocate for using technology to enable simplicity.

The definition of a smart home has also evolved significantly over the past few years. Today’s homeowners are far less interested in technology simply because it’s new or connected. Instead, they’re looking for solutions that make everyday life easier, more comfortable, and more efficient.

A genuinely smart home is one where lighting, energy use and connected systems work seamlessly in the background to improve convenience and comfort. We’re also seeing homeowners place greater value on thoughtful design and simplicity, wanting solutions that are easy to use and visually integrated into the spaces they spend time in. The most successful technology is often the technology you barely notice because it simply works.

3. What are architects, interior designers and other specifiers asking more of Legrand today, and how is that influencing the products and solutions you’re developing for the Australian market?

Performance, efficiency, comfort, and sustainability are emerging as the key pillars of decision-making.

Specifiers today are asking more of every element within a project. Performance remains critical, but there is also a growing expectation that products contribute positively to the overall aesthetic and user experience.

Architects and designers are looking for greater flexibility in finishes, materials and design options, while also seeking solutions that support sustainability, durability, and adaptability. Increasingly, they want products that bridge the gap between functionality and design, recognising that even small details can have a meaningful impact on how a space is created and experienced.

Legrand’s role in this is to develop solutions that respond to these evolving expectations, combining thoughtful design, sustainability and ease of use with the performance and reliability that specifiers depend on.

4. How important is it for electrical, lighting and connected-home systems to be considered early in the design and specification process, and what opportunities can be lost when those decisions are left until later?

When electrical, lighting and connected systems are considered from the outset, there’s much greater flexibility to integrate them seamlessly into the overall design of a home rather than trying to accommodate them later.

Taking this approach allows architects, designers and homeowners to make more informed decisions about how spaces will function, both today and into the future. It also helps ensure that power, lighting and automation work together in a way that feels intuitive and cohesive.

When these decisions are deferred until later stages of a project, it can lead to design compromises, higher costs and missed opportunities to deliver the functionality homeowners increasingly expect. In our experience, the best smart homes are rarely the result of complex technology alone. They’re the outcome of thoughtful planning from the very beginning.

5. We’re also seeing outdoor spaces become more sophisticated and connected. How do you see smart technology, lighting, power and energy management becoming more integrated into residential landscapes, commercial outdoor environments and public spaces?

Outdoor spaces are increasingly being treated as extensions of the home and workplace, and expectations are rising accordingly. Whether in residential, commercial or public settings, people want outdoor areas that are comfortable, functional and thoughtfully designed.

We’re seeing growing demand for intelligent outdoor lighting, weather-resistant power solutions and EV charging infrastructure, while smart controls are helping improve safety, convenience and energy efficiency.

Connected lighting and power systems can also help create outdoor environments that are safer, more efficient and better suited to the needs of modern communities. Looking ahead, we expect outdoor spaces to become increasingly responsive, sustainable and digitally connected.

6. Looking ahead three to five years, what do you think will most change the way Australians design and experience their homes and built environments, and where does Legrand see its role in that evolution?

Over the next few years, I believe we’ll see an even closer connection between design, sustainability and technology. Homeowners, businesses and specifiers are increasingly looking for spaces that are personalised, adaptable and designed to support changing lifestyles and environmental expectations.

At the same time, electrification, energy management and connected technologies will continue to shape how buildings are designed and operated. The challenge for the industry will be ensuring these advancements remain simple, intuitive and accessible for end users.

In this changing environment, Legrand’s role will be to bring these elements together, improving lives and building a more sustainable future. Our focus is on developing solutions that combine thoughtful design, practical innovation and sustainability, enabling architects, designers, builders and homeowners to create spaces that are not only more efficient and connected, but ultimately better to live and work in.

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