We will all be certified here in the coming months if things go as planned. Coming from the commercial side of the AV industry, I am CTS-I certified. As soon as we can get a break and start getting the classes done the design and install guys will hopefully all be certified.
We do system and room design. We basically do it all. We have a two excellent cabinet makers and three or four contractors we work with regularly to make the rooms come together.
Does your company just do system design or room design as well? Do they get plans and do simple room calculations mode calculations? Any other types of measurements taken to aid in sound? Frequency Response? RT60? Do any video calculations to get light output correct foot-lamberts??
If you do end up getting into this business, you will see that not everyone wants to spend $10k to $100k on a theater for their house. To get into room EQ'ing, frequency response, and certain video calculations is moving to the high dollar range with many labor hours added on. We can perform any type of corrective tests and adjust accordingly, all depending on how much the customer is looking to spend. Most times in the end, it's not as much as would be needed.
You need to decide if you are going to be doing all new construsting, all retro, or both. You will find out quickly that doing any of these things solo will be extremely difficult. It would be wise to find someone to come work with you who is very familiar with new construction, retro-fitting houses, and general contractor work. We have seen some extreme conditions where it has taken all we've got to come up with a way to retro a house. Most people think home theater work is just hooking up a stereo system. When it comes to pre-wiring new construction, and *especially* retrofitting an exsiting structure for whole house audio, lighting control and a dedicated theater room, It becomes a whole other ballgame that causes many new companies to fall to the wayside. We have gotten into some situations where we have had to basically destroy the interior of an existing room to get everything installed correctly, recessed and flush mounted. Most times though, this is not an option. A simple mistake could turn into a huge headache, and really cost you a lot of money trying to fix it. Experienced employees who really know what they are doing will be the difference in the end.
This is an extremely fun, rewarding and satisfying line of work to be in. I couldn't think of anything else I'd rather do than deal with $10k to $50k two-channel audio systems and HT systems where the sky's the limit everyday. Good luck with everything, I really hope it works out for you!
-Jason
***EDIT***
The wife of one of the guys at work does the website, so please don't judge us on the quality of the site. It's pretty weak, I know.