In the ever-evolving world of audiovisual technology, finding a professional who blends passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence can be a game-changer. This week, we sit down with Urmil Vaidhya, CTS, an AV Design Engineer who has excelled in remote support roles and his impressive journey within the AV industry.

With a foundation rooted in music, electronics, and IT, Urmil's career trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. From his initial foray into designing AV systems for educational and corporate environments to achieving the CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification, Urmil has consistently contributed to enhancing industry standards and practices.

In this interview, we delve into Urmil’s motivations for pursuing CTS certification, how it has shaped his professional path, his vision for the role of CTS-certified professionals in the field, and his future ambitions. Whether you are considering a similar certification or simply eager to learn about advancements in AV technology, Urmil's insights promise to be both enlightening and motivating.

What’s your current role and how did you start working in the AV industry?
A: I currently work as an AV Design Engineer as a remote support contract. My journey into the AV industry started with a background in Music, Electronics and IT, which naturally evolved into a passion for integrated technology solutions. Early on, I was involved in projects where I helped design and implement AV systems for educational institutions and corporate offices, and I found that this blend of technology and user experience was something I wanted to pursue long-term.

Q: What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification and how did it align with your career goals?
A: The CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification is globally recognized and highly respected in the AV industry. I wanted to deepen my technical knowledge, validate my skills, and gain a structured understanding of industry best practices. It also aligned with my goal of becoming a trusted AV consultant who could provide clients with technically sound and standards-based solutions.

Q: In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or in your professional journey overall?
A: CTS has significantly improved how I approach AV projects — from needs analysis and system design to documentation and project management. It has also enhanced my communication with clients, vendors, and integrators because I now speak a standardized, professional AV language. It’s made my proposals more structured, and my designs more robust and scalable.

Q: Can you provide an example of a project where your CTS knowledge directly contributed to its success?
A: Absolutely! On a recent project involving a hybrid meeting room solution with BYOD and CISCO capabilities, my CTS knowledge helped me define a clear scope of work, perform a site survey effectively, and develop a system that met user requirements while staying within budget. The use of AVIXA's recommended practices for cable management, acoustics, and user ergonomics was instrumental in achieving client satisfaction and system reliability.

Q: What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices?
A: CTS-certified professionals act as ambassadors for quality and consistency in the AV industry. They help implement and promote standards such as ANSI/AVIXA guidelines, ensure safety and compliance, and contribute to the professionalization of the AV field. With each CTS-certified individual, the industry becomes more cohesive, predictable, and respected.

Q: Are you considering pursuing further certifications, such as CTS-D or CTS-I?
A: Yes, I am actively planning to pursue CTS-D (Design) within a couple of months. Given my user experience design-focused role, CTS-D will help me dive deeper into complex system designs, signal flow analysis, and documentation techniques. CTS-I is also of interest, especially as I get more involved in supervising installations.

Q: What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?
A: My advice is to absolutely go for it — but prepare well. Understand that CTS is not just a test; it’s a mindset shift toward professionalism and best practices in AV. Start with the AVIXA online courses, read the CTS exam guide thoroughly, and try to gain some hands-on experience. Also, join AVIXA's online community, AVIXA Xchange and attend webinars — they’re a great resource for staying updated and motivated.