Behind every successful education AV project is careful planning, strong communication and an understanding of what teachers and students actually need from their technology.
In our latest Meet the Expert, we speak with Zoe Murphy, Senior Account Manager at Toomey AV, about her role, working with schools and what goes into delivering AV solutions that provide real, long-term value.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Toomey AV?
I’m a Senior Account Manager at Toomey AV, so my role is a combination of looking after our customers and making sure projects are delivered successfully from start to finish.
I work closely with schools to understand what they need, help identify the right solution and coordinate with our wider team to make sure each project runs smoothly.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
There probably isn’t really a typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy about the role!
I could be meeting with a school to discuss a new project, visiting a site, speaking with suppliers or coordinating with our installation team.
There’s a lot of communication involved, both internally and with customers, so staying organised and keeping everyone informed is a big part of the job.
3. What do you enjoy most about working with schools and education customers?
I enjoy seeing the real-world impact that technology can have.
When you see a completed classroom or learning space being used by teachers and students, it’s great to know that the work we’ve done is making a genuine difference to their day-to-day experience.
4. What are some of the most common AV challenges you see schools facing?
Budget is naturally an important consideration. Schools need to get the best possible value from their investment, so we try to look at the bigger picture and recommend solutions that are reliable, practical and appropriate for the space.
It’s about finding the right balance between what a school needs now and ensuring the technology continues to deliver value over the longer term.
5. What advice would you give to a school considering upgrading its classroom or AV technology?
I’d recommend looking beyond the initial purchase price and considering reliability, support, maintenance and ease of use over the long term.
It’s also important to involve the teachers and staff who will be using the technology. Their input can help ensure the solution is practical, easy to use and genuinely fit for purpose.
6. Is there a particular project or type of project you enjoy working on most?
I particularly enjoy projects where we’re involved from the early planning stages, such as a new build. It gives us the opportunity to really understand what the customer is trying to achieve and work with them from the very beginning.
It’s satisfying taking a project from a blank page, working through the requirements and challenges and eventually seeing the finished space come together.
7. What do you think makes the Toomey AV approach different?
For me, it’s about being customer-focused and solution-focused.We take the time to understand what the customer needs and recommend the right solution, rather than simply selling a product.
We also stay involved throughout the project, from the initial conversation through to installation and handover, ensuring clear communication and ownership every step of the way.
8. What’s one piece of AV technology you think can make a real difference in the classroom?
I think interactive displays can make a huge difference when they’re implemented properly.
They give teachers a flexible way of presenting and interacting with content and can make lessons much more engaging and collaborative.
9. What’s something customers might not know about the work that goes into planning an AV project?
There’s a lot more planning behind an AV installation than people might realise.
From room layouts and cable routes to power, connectivity and coordinating around school timetables, there are plenty of moving parts.
The equipment is just the visible part. Successful projects really come down to the planning and coordination behind the scenes.
10. And finally, tell us something about yourself outside of work – hobbies, interests or a fun fact!
Outside of work, I’m a big fan of line dancing!
It’s something I really enjoy in my spare time and it’s a great way to switch off, have some fun and meet people.
Planning Your Next Education AV Project?
Whether you’re upgrading existing classrooms, developing a new learning space or planning the AV requirements for a new build, Toomey AV works with schools to deliver practical, reliable solutions designed around how the space will actually be used.
Talk to our team about your next education AV project.