Your Home Responds to You
Intelligent automation for luxury homes in Minnetonka, Wayzata, Edina, and Twin Cities
Josh.ai Voice Control
THE LUXURY VOICE PLATFORM
As the first Josh.ai dealer in the Midwest, NorthStar brings you the voice control platform designed specifically for luxury custom homes. Unlike consumer devices, Josh.ai prioritizes privacy, reliability, and sophisticated integration.
Your voice commands stay within your home's network, ensuring privacy while delivering natural, conversational control over every system — lighting, climate, entertainment, shades, and security.
- Privacy-focused — no cloud dependency
- Natural conversation, not rigid commands
- Whole-home audio distribution
- Works even without internet
Control Platforms We Service
We specialize in three automation platforms — and we can rescue you from systems that aren't working.
Primary Platform
Josh.ai
Our flagship control platform. Privacy-focused voice control, natural language processing, and luxury-grade integration. Purpose-built for high-end residential.
Secondary Platform
Crestron
Enterprise-grade automation for complex installations. Full programming, custom interfaces, and deep integration capabilities for demanding projects.
Secondary Platform
Elan / Nice
Elan (now Nice Home Systems) — intuitive touch interfaces and reliable multi-room control. We service and maintain existing Elan installations throughout the Twin Cities.
Stuck With a System That Doesn't Work?
If your current integrator has gone dark — or your Savant, Control4, or RTI system isn't performing — we can help. NorthStar specializes in taking over systems other companies installed and either making them work or replacing them entirely.
Option 1: Re-Engineer
We redesign your system so no proprietary control processor is needed — your devices work independently through modern protocols, eliminating the single point of failure.
Option 2: Migrate to Josh.ai
If centralized control is needed, we migrate your system to Josh.ai with minimal disruption — keeping your existing devices while upgrading the brain that runs them.
We regularly take over systems from Savant, Control4, RTI, URC, and discontinued platforms. Your investment in speakers, displays, and infrastructure doesn't go to waste.
Complete Home Integration
True home automation goes beyond individual smart devices. We create unified systems where every element works together — lighting, climate, entertainment, shades, and security responding as one.
Lighting Scenes
"Good morning" raises shades and brings up warm lighting. "Movie time" dims lights and activates entertainment.
Climate Control
Temperature adjusts automatically based on occupancy, time of day, and seasonal preferences.
Entertainment
Music follows you through the house, and video sources connect seamlessly to any display.
Motorized Shades
Coordinated with lighting for optimal daylight harvesting and privacy throughout the day.
Security Systems
Surveillance, access control, and monitoring integrated into your daily routines.
Pool & Spa
Temperature, lighting, and water features controlled through the same interface.
One App. Everything.
UNIFIED CONTROL PLATFORM
No more switching between dozens of apps to control your home. Our unified platform puts everything at your fingertips — whether you're at home, at the office, or traveling.
Custom interfaces designed for your specific home layout and preferences. Control individual devices or activate complex scenes with a single touch. Monitor your home's status from anywhere in the world.
Designed Around Your Lifestyle
We don't just install technology — we study how you live. Your automation system learns your patterns, anticipates your needs, and adapts to seasonal changes and special events.
Morning Routines
Wake to gradual lighting, optimal temperature, and your favorite news briefing automatically.
Entertainment Modes
"Party mode" adjusts lighting throughout, activates outdoor speakers, and sets perfect ambiance.
Away & Vacation
Simulate occupancy, monitor security systems, and maintain optimal conditions while you're away.
Technology That Disappears Into Architecture
The best automation systems are invisible until you need them. Our philosophy centers on technology that enhances your home's architecture rather than competing with it. Sensors, controls, and interfaces integrate seamlessly into your design vision.
Invisible Sensors
Motion, temperature, and light sensors hidden within architecture
Flush-Mounted Controls
Touch panels and keypads that blend seamlessly into walls
Hidden Infrastructure
Equipment racks and wiring concealed in utility spaces
Wireless When Needed
Strategic use of wireless technology where hardwiring isn't optimal
Remote Access & Management
Your home stays connected to you wherever you travel. Monitor security cameras, adjust temperature before you arrive, or check that you remembered to close the garage door.
Our team provides remote support and system updates, ensuring your automation evolves with new features and capabilities over time.
- Secure cloud connectivity for remote access
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
- Remote system diagnostics and support
- Automatic software updates and improvements
Experience Intelligent Automation
Discover how home automation can enhance your daily life. Schedule a consultation to explore the possibilities for your home.