About rough-joist
Building smarter environments through thoughtful technology integration.
Our Story
rough-joist began in 2014 when our founder recognised a gap in the market. While plenty of companies sold technology products, few understood how to make them work together effectively in real-world environments. Too many clients were left with expensive equipment they couldn't use properly or systems that failed to deliver on their promises.
What started as a one-person consultancy helping friends and family navigate technology purchases has grown into a full-service integration company. We've completed over 850 installations across residential and commercial properties throughout the UK, learning something valuable from each project.
Our growth has been deliberate. Rather than expanding rapidly, we've focused on building a team that shares our commitment to practical solutions and long-term client relationships. Every technician who joins us undergoes extensive training not just in technical skills, but in understanding client needs and communicating clearly.
What Drives Us
Technology should serve people, not the other way around. This simple principle guides every decision we make. When evaluating new products or planning installations, we ask: does this genuinely improve someone's daily life, or is it complexity for its own sake?
We're sceptical of trends. The industry moves quickly, with new "essential" products launched constantly. Our experience has taught us to distinguish between genuine innovation and clever marketing. We test thoroughly before recommending anything to clients, and we're not afraid to suggest older, proven solutions when they're more appropriate.
Transparency matters. If we make a mistake during installation, we own it and fix it at no additional cost. If a product we recommended doesn't meet expectations, we find an alternative. Building trust takes time, but losing it can happen in a moment. We treat that responsibility seriously.
Our Values
Expertise Over Sales
We employ technicians who love solving problems, not salespeople chasing commissions. Our recommendations come from technical knowledge and practical experience, not profit margins.
Clarity in Communication
Technology has enough jargon without us adding to it. We explain things in plain language, ensuring you understand not just what we're doing, but why it matters.
Practical Innovation
We embrace new technology when it offers genuine benefits, but we're equally happy using established solutions that work reliably. Innovation for its own sake doesn't interest us.
Lasting Relationships
Many of our clients have worked with us for years, expanding their systems as their needs evolve. That continuity means we understand their setups intimately and can provide better support.
The Team Behind Your Technology
Our team brings together diverse expertise spanning network engineering, home automation, custom computing, and user experience design. What unites us is a shared commitment to making technology accessible and reliable.
Each team member maintains multiple industry certifications and participates in ongoing training. Technology evolves constantly, and staying current requires dedicated effort. We invest in our team's development because it directly benefits our clients.
Beyond technical skills, we value curiosity and problem-solving ability. The best solutions often come from thinking creatively about challenges rather than applying standard formulas. We encourage our team to experiment, share knowledge, and question assumptions.
Key Milestones
Foundation
rough-joist established in London, focusing on smart home consultancy and installation services.
Commercial Expansion
Extended services to small businesses, offering network infrastructure and IT solutions alongside residential work.
Team Growth
Expanded to a team of eight technicians, enabling us to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
Remote Support Launch
Developed comprehensive remote support capabilities, allowing us to troubleshoot and resolve many issues without site visits.
Sustainability Initiative
Implemented equipment recycling programme and began prioritising energy-efficient solutions in all installations.
850+ Installations
Reached major milestone in completed projects whilst maintaining 98% client satisfaction rating.
Industry Recognition
Whilst we don't pursue awards for their own sake, we're proud to have received recognition for our work. We hold accreditations from major technology manufacturers and maintain professional memberships in industry organisations. These credentials ensure we have access to the latest training, support resources, and product information.
More meaningful than awards are the referrals we receive from satisfied clients. Approximately 60% of our new business comes from recommendations, which tells us we're meeting people's expectations and solving their problems effectively.
Our Approach to Sustainability
The technology industry generates significant environmental impact through manufacturing, energy consumption, and electronic waste. We can't eliminate these issues, but we can minimise our contribution.
When possible, we extend the life of existing equipment rather than recommending replacements. We partner with recycling services to ensure old devices are disposed of responsibly. Our installation practices prioritise energy efficiency, and we recommend smart systems that genuinely reduce power consumption rather than just tracking it.
We also consider the longevity of solutions we install. Proprietary systems that become obsolete quickly create waste and frustration. We favour open standards and well-supported platforms that will remain viable for years.
Notable Projects
Victorian Terrace Smart Retrofit
Integrated modern smart home technology into a Grade II listed property without compromising its architectural integrity. The challenge involved hiding wiring and devices whilst maintaining the building's historical character. The solution required custom carpentry and creative routing, but the result is a home that looks period-appropriate whilst offering contemporary convenience.
Multi-Site Retail Network
Designed and deployed unified network infrastructure across twelve retail locations, enabling centralised inventory management and consistent customer Wi-Fi experience. The system handles point-of-sale transactions, security cameras, and staff devices whilst maintaining separation between business and guest networks.
Creative Studio Workstation Cluster
Built high-performance computing environment for video production company, including five custom workstations, centralised storage system, and rendering cluster. The setup reduced render times by 70% whilst staying within budget constraints through strategic component selection.