Bending Tech to Meet the Build by Combining Power and Data

This episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features Jim Baldwin, a Silicon Valley veteran with a storied career at tech behemoths like Apple, Microsoft, and Intel, who has taken an unconventional path into the construction industry. While his background is steeped in software and hardware innovation, he has found a unique opportunity to disrupt the traditional building wiring process with his startup, Domatic.

Jim tells us about his journey, beginning at Apple, where he was immersed in a culture of groundbreaking innovation. From early work on fiber networks and the revolutionary touchpad to his involvement in the Firewire project, he gained invaluable experience in developing cutting-edge technologies. Firewire, in particular, laid the groundwork for Domatic’s core concept of combining power and data transmission through a single cable.

Jim tells us about the birth of Domanic. A keen observer of the market, Jim noticed a recurring challenge: the complexity of integrating technology into buildings often hindered progress. Inspired by his experience at Apple, where the focus was on making technology accessible to everyone, he sought to apply the same principles to the construction industry.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional wiring systems, which rely on outdated infrastructure, Jim envisioned a more efficient and cost-effective solution. By combining his deep technical knowledge with a fresh perspective on building design, he founded Domatic.

Domatic's core innovation lies in its low-voltage wiring system, which replaces the bulky and complex high-voltage infrastructure used in most buildings. By focusing on powering the majority of building fixtures, such as lights and sensors, with lower voltage, Domatic significantly reduces installation time, cost, and the need for skilled labor.

This simplified approach eliminates the complexities associated with permits, inspections, and multiple rounds of revisions, ultimately accelerating project timelines and reducing overall expenses.

Dive into this episode and be immersed in a vision of the future. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his extensive industry experience is poised to transform building wiring. By challenging the status quo and embracing innovative solutions, he is paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced construction industry.