Mind the Gap: From Data-Driven to Human-Centred Buildings
'Smart buildings' have become the new normal, with the next generation of integrated solutions such as ‘Hereworks Happy’ generating actionable insights to optimise lighting, air quality, space utilisation and other critical factors known to boost human motivation and performance. And yet, these simple tech-enabled enhancements are often left to languish on a digital report, whether through the absence of a senior HR voice in key decisions, or a lack of incentives for contractors and facilities management teams after hand-over. This gap contributes to a loss of credibility for the sector, downward pressure on pricing and ultimately lost opportunities to leave a legacy of innovative, inclusive and inspiring buildings worthy of our future selves.
This panel will provide a unique opportunity to learn from successful global businesses, along with their facilities management teams and smart building solutions provider Hereworks about how they made the business case for closing the gap from data-driven to human-centric buildings, and where they see the barriers to change. We will also explore the concept of SWIFTHR which not only includes HR at the Smart Building table, but actually gives HR ownership of a new cross functional team who will re-invent how we manage & operate commercial buildings in the future.
Session Speakers
Tomás Mac Eoin is the CEO of Hereworks, a leading Master Systems Integrator (MSI) operating in Ireland and the UK. With over two decades of experience in IP networks, automation and RF engineering, Tomás brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership to the smart building industry.
A passionate advocate for human-centric design, Tomás believes that understanding human behaviour through smart building data is key to unlocking sustainability, productivity, and optimal space utilisation. His work focuses on bridging the gap between digital infrastructure and the lived experience of building occupants, ensuring that technology serves people - not the other way around.
At the Smart Building Show, Tomás will share insights on operationalising smart buildings, drawing from real-world lessons and best practices to help organisations create spaces that truly work for the people who use them.
Dr Shelley James is a lighting design consultant, TEDx Speaker, author and member of the WELL Light Advisory. She is also a trained electrician and Visiting Lecturer at UCL Bartlett and the Royal College of Art.
Florian is the IT Senior Programme Manager for Real Estate at Chanel Corporate. With over a decade of experience in delivering high-end buildings in the luxury sector, Florian is now leading the technological design and vision for Chanel’s new Global Corporate headquarters. This building represents Chanel's boldest commitment to technological innovations and sustainable design to date, with a strategic focus on creating a SMART Building that represent company’s values.
His approach to Real Estate is deeply human-centric and highly invested in accessible design. He believes that the wellbeing of our occupants is paramount, and the space and technology should be designed to serve them. This new headquarters will reflect this philosophy, ensuring that every aspect of the building enhances the wellbeing of those who work in and visit it.
Katherine is the Global lead of Digital buildings for Google's Real Estate and Workplace Services organisation, transforming how Google approaches Digital Buildings.
To accomplish this, she is building a cross organizational IoT and Digital Building team, creating high quality tailored and globally scalable solutions, acting as a trusted technical IoT sponsor, and achieving product impact by developing data-driven business cases. Katherine regularly leads cross-organisational workshops and hosts training for 100s of people, while also presenting at many external conferences.
Katherine is a Charter professional engineer with technical skill sets in IoT, Digital Buildings, Building systems, Technical infrastructure, IT technologies, strong communication, business and leadership skills.
