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Spettmann has been recognized by Construction Business Review as "Smart Shade Products Manufacturer of the Year 2025" based on our proprietary methodology, reflecting its position in the industry. This profile has been developed by the Construction Business Review research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with David Cowie, Wilson Weng, Marco Bresciani.

Spettmann

Redefining the Outdoor Shade Industry through Intelligent Design
Spettmann

David Cowie, Spettmann | Construction Business Review | Smart Shade Products Manufacturer of the YearDavid Cowie, Wilson Weng, Marco Bresciani
The outdoor shade industry is evolving with smarter systems, greater automation and integrated control solutions, and Spettmann USA is leading the way in driving this innovation.

As a manufacturer specializing in premium retractable awnings and outdoor shade solutions that enhance comfort and transform lifestyles, the company is redefining living experiences through a blend of proven expertise and intelligent design.

Spettmann – a leading brand of the world’s largest outdoor shade manufacturer, Activa Leisure – whose global portfolio includes market umbrellas sold through major retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, and Target; pop-up tents and gazebos; patio umbrellas and casual outdoor furniture distributed through 1,600 dealers; and high-end awnings sold through an authorized dealer network.

Smart Shade Pro, the company’s unified system, exemplifies its commitment to innovation. It was developed through close collaboration with dealers and installers who faced recurring challenges like complex setups, limited customization and a lack of integration. Designed to simplify installation and operation, Smart Shade Pro unifies hardware, automation and control into a single, user-friendly ecosystem. The system adjusts automatically to sunlight, temperature weather conditions and user preferences, offering seamless comfort for homeowners and effortless configuration for dealers.

“We realized that understanding the needs of the people who work with these products every day is just as important as designing for the end user,” says David Cowie, President at t2Fi Melbourne Australia and founder with Marco Bresciani who are the integrators and developers of the Smart Shade System.

Smart Shade Pro empowers dealers with connected tools to manage and monitor their installations effectively by bridging the gap between technology and usability. Its backend system allows dealers to track device health, receive alerts and perform remote diagnostics, ensuring faster service, fewer site visits and stronger customer relationships. This approach enhances convenience, efficiency and long-term reliability for homeowners while reinforcing trust and collaboration between Spettmann and its dealer network.

Smart Shade Pro represents a shift in how outdoor living spaces can function. It unifies shades, screens and connected systems into one cohesive experience, transforming traditional shade automation into a foundation for intelligent outdoor design.

Human-Centered Intelligence in Every Shade Design

At its core, Smart Shade Pro focuses on improving everyday living through intuitive shade automation. The company’s design philosophy centers on adaptability, offering technology that anticipates needs.

We believe technology should feel natural. When our shades move, it should not remind you that a machine is working. It should remind you how effortlessly life can flow when everything around you responds with purpose.

The system uses AI to interpret user preferences and environmental factors to create a personalized balance of light, temperature and privacy. Rather than following a simple timer, the shades adapt dynamically to people’s lives, responding to daily routines and changing conditions. Whether adjusting automatically during a sunny afternoon or syncing with voice assistants, every interaction feels seamless, intuitive and designed to enhance comfort without requiring manual intervention.

Smart Shade Pro’s intelligence is embedded directly in the shade design , requiring no external hub. It connects seamlessly with Alexa and Google Home, and its weather-linked automation uses the Google Weather API to respond to real-time conditions.

Additionally, the built-in Sun Tracker feature in the app adjusts shade angles throughout the day based on the solar path to help manage indoor temperatures in the home, therefore reducing energy consumption for the consumer while innovative safety features automatically retract shades during high winds or storms. Over time, the system adapts dynamically to environmental conditions and user settings, aligning with sustainability goals in modern architecture.

“We believe technology should feel natural. When our shades move, it should not remind you that a machine is working. It should remind you how effortlessly life can flow when everything around you responds with purpose,” emphasizes Oliver Ma President of Spettmann USA.

The company’s engineering teams ensures that this intelligence never compromises reliability. Each product undergoes rigorous testing across multiple countries to withstand varying climates and conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance. As outdoor spaces become integral parts of homes and hospitality environments, Spettmann is helping designers and architects redefine how technology blends with open-air aesthetics.

Connected Shades, The Future is Now.

Smart Shade Pro enhances energy efficiency by intelligently managing when and how shades operate. By syncing with local weather data and user routines, the system minimizes heat gain and loss, enhances comfort, and reduces energy use, making indoor and outdoor living more sustainable without any extra effort from homeowners.

“Every movement matters. When you control sunlight intelligently, you control energy. That is where smart shading becomes part of a sustainable future, not just a luxury feature,” adds Wilson Weng.

  • The shade industry needs smart support. Our technology is built to streamline data and simplify control, so dealers can deliver exceptional service without adding complexity.


Spettmann’s focus on innovation and environmental responsibility has made it a trusted partner for projects ranging from luxury residences to commercial spaces. The ecosystem continues to expand with features like a universal remote that controls most major shade brands, a touchscreen hub that automates shade movement based on temperature, and solar-powered operation using Milwaukee rechargeable batteries.

The next update will extend control to indoor curtains and blinds, unifying indoor and outdoor comfort. Over the next two years, Spettmann plans to expand into the European market while introducing predictive AI features that learn and adapt to user behavior.

Spettmann continues to explore new advancements in AI and cloud-based shading technologies. Its goal is to make intelligent shading accessible, reliable and valuable for everyone.

Building the Future of Smart Shading with Dealers

Spettmann’s journey toward smart automation began in Australia, when its leadership explored how connected systems could modernize shading. Introductions from Microsoft’s Seattle team helped accelerate entry into the US market. The collaboration between David Cowie at t2Fi, with a background in automation, and Wilson Weng, at Spettmann USA, laid the foundation for what would become Smart Shade Pro, a fusion of engineering excellence and modern intelligence.

The Smart Shade Pro backend enables dealers to monitor device health, receive alerts and perform remote diagnostics. This ensures faster service, fewer site visits and stronger customer relationships.

“The shade industry needs smart support. Our technology is built to streamline data and simplify control, so dealers can deliver exceptional service without adding complexity,” adds David Cowie at t2Fi.

A clear example of this impact is Spettmann’s long-standing partnership with Marygrove Awnings, a Detroit-based shade company that has worked with the brand for over 15 years. Once a traditional business navigating a highly competitive market, Marygrove experienced a remarkable transformation after adopting Smart Shade Pro.

The integration of AI-enabled shading systems propelled its sales from a few million dollars to more than 60 million dollars, while offering shades up to $1000—$1300 extra then other dealers selling similar shade systems. With advanced voice control and weather-responsive automation, Marygrove strengthened its market position and attracted a new generation of customers who value intelligent, design-led solutions. The Marygrove success story illustrates how Spettmann’s technology empowers dealers to scale, differentiate and stay future-ready.

By continuously gathering feedback from the field, Spettmann ensures every update aligns with real-world challenges. This approach enhances product usability and reliability while fostering trust between Spettmann, its dealers and the end users who rely on their expertise.

Where Manufacturing Meets Smart Connectivity

Smart Shade Pro unites precise, durable hardware with advanced digital technology, creating a single, reliable shading solution. Every component, from corrosion-resistant aluminum arms to robust mechanical supports, is engineered for long-term performance in outdoor environments.

The collaboration between design, engineering and technology teams ensures that every new product or feature maintains the brand’s commitment to quality and durability. Dealers appreciate that the technology does not replace their expertise but enhances it, allowing them to focus on creating exceptional client spaces.

Spettmann’s success lies in how it bridges two worlds, the tactile reliability of mechanical systems and the fluid intelligence of digital control. Each complements the other, creating a holistic experience that feels grounded and advanced.

As outdoor spaces become extensions of homes, offices and hospitality venues, the demand for intelligent, responsive environments continues to grow. Smart Shade Pro responds to this shift, making technology invisible yet impactful and transforming a simple shade into a personalized experience.

The founders, inspired by their love of science fiction, imagined future lifestyles and built technology to make them real. This spirit of curiosity and imagination drives Spettmann’s mission to make intelligent shade systems seamless, intuitive, and integral to everyday life.

A New Vision for Outdoor Living

Spettmann’s approach shows that true innovation comes from responding to real-world needs. By listening closely to dealers, customers and industry experts, the company has developed Smart Shade Pro, a platform that seamlessly balances performance, adaptability and thoughtful design. Every feature delivers comfort, convenience and reliability while keeping the technology unobtrusive.

With this vision, Spettmann is transforming outdoor spaces while defining a new standard for intelligent living. Precision engineering, connectivity and user-centric design converge to elevate everyday experiences and set the benchmark for the industry’s future.

Smart Shade Products Manufacturer of the Year 2025
Spettmann: Redefining The Outdoor Shade Industry Through Intelligent Design

Company : Spettmann

Management
David Cowie, Wilson Weng, Marco Bresciani
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