Aaron Rudenstine, CEO of ButterflyMX, shares his insights on the growing importance of smart living features in residential properties ahead of the Smart Spaces virtual event, “Smart Living: Attracting and Retaining Residents.” Aaron will be sharing his perspective on smart living, why it matters, and where the market is heading during his Visionary Spotlight session on Tuesday, July 23. Tune in live or catch the replay for free with promo code All-OFF-VIP-SSC.

Aaron specializes in building high-performing teams to launch and grow new technology products. He was a cofounder of Citymaps, which was acquired by TripAdvisor in 2016, and is an investor in Reddit, Button, Omaze, Henry The Dentist, Parallel Wireless, Clear Ballot, Pinata, and FilmRise. He is an angel investor, board member, advisor, author, and a results-oriented technology executive with extensive experience at startups, growth-stage, and publicly traded companies. Aaron holds an MBA from Harvard.

Looking ahead, what projects or developments in the multifamily landscape are you particularly excited about this year, and why?

This year at ButterflyMX, we’re really excited about the surge in the adoption of smart access solutions in the multifamily sector. One standout highlight is the integration of smart multifamily access control with various property management platforms. With smart technology, residents and property managers can effortlessly manage everything – from visitor access to maintenance requests – all through a single interface. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating a truly connected living experience.

As a leader in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of smart living spaces in the next 5 years?

I’m anticipating a significant movement towards more integrated and automated smart living spaces over the next five years. In the future, buildings where everything, from lighting to HVAC systems, can be controlled through a single mobile app will become the norm.

Looking ahead, I believe we’re on the brink of an even larger surge in AI and machine learning in multifamily. Going forward, these technologies will play a vital role in predicting and responding to residents’ needs, making our living environments not just smarter but also more intuitive and secure.

What are you most excited to discuss during Smart Spaces?

The multifamily industry is going through a long-overdue transformation as advanced technologies are changing everything. I’m excited to explore how new innovations can significantly enhance convenience, safety, efficiency, and overall quality of life for residents. Specifically, I’m eager to talk about building and apartment automation, and how smart access systems can streamline daily operations and elevate the living experience for everyone involved. The future of multifamily living is bright, and I can't wait to share insights on how we can make it even better.

What are the top use cases for proptech in apartments?

There’s a reason why property technology is taking multifamily by storm. By adopting proptech, apartment managers and owners enhance security and convenience for their residents and staff with minimal effort. The most popular use cases for proptech in apartments are resident engagement apps, access control, and energy management, among others.

In your view, how are smart technologies reshaping the landscape of multi-dwelling units and hospitality environments?

Smart technologies have fundamentally transformed how we live in and manage properties. In MDUs, smart access control and integrated communication systems make buildings more secure, efficient, and resident-friendly. They enhance the guest experience by providing seamless check-ins, visitor management, and efficient service delivery. Overall, smart technologies set new standards for convenience, efficiency, and satisfaction.

Continue the conversation with Aaron during the Smart Spaces virtual event on July 23. Don’t miss out on executive insights and market analysis on the future of multifamily living - secure your free registration with code All-OFF-VIP-SSC here!