Workplaces Reimagined: Smart, Inclusive, and Built for Every Generation
The future of work isn’t defined by one generation alone - it’s being shaped through the collaboration of many. As experienced professionals approach retirement, their knowledge and expertise remain invaluable. At the same time, younger engineers and professionals are bringing fresh perspectives, clear values, and new expectations of what a workplace should feel like. The opportunity lies in bringing these voices together.Across the building services and smart buildings industries, this dialogue is influencing how we design and operate workplaces that go beyond efficiency: spaces that actively support wellbeing, foster collaboration, and provide environments where people feel motivated and connected.Hosted by the BCIA’s Young Engineers Network (YEN), this panel will explore how intergenerational collaboration, inclusive design, and smart technologies can create workplaces that are not only more sustainable, but more human.Key topics will include:
- Designing for wellbeing: breakout spaces, inclusivity, and environments that inspire
- Combining experience with fresh thinking: ensuring knowledge isn’t lost between generations
- How smart building technologies - from people counting to environmental monitoring - enhance comfort, sustainability, and productivity
- Understanding the early-career perspective: what young professionals value in workplace culture today
- Building workplaces that feel purposeful, collaborative, and adaptable for all
This conversation will demonstrate that the workplace of the future is not just smarter - it’s more human, more connected, and shaped by the strengths of every generation working together
Session Speakers
As the UK South Sales Manager at Sontay, Stan has immersed himself in the HVAC industry, Stan’s initial focus is understanding Sontay's customer base and fulfilling customer promises by fostering relationships and deepening product knowledge.
Since November 2024, Stan has been Vice Chair of BCIA's Young Engineers Network where he is motivated by a vision to bring fresh energy and focused support to young engineers, strengthening their professional networks, knowledge, and confidence in the industry.
- An electrical building services engineer by background, Chris is a multi-disciplinary project leader for Arup with experience in commercial (developer and occupier), residential and education buildings. His favourite project is the 50 storey 8 Bishopsgate tower in the City of London, where he led the Arup team from inception through to practical completion some ten years later.
Dawn is a passionate advocate for future talent development. Joining Schneider Electric in 2023, leading Career Programmes across the UK and Ireland, including Apprenticeships, T Levels, Ex-Military and STEM initiatives. She believes in creating inclusive, empowering career pathways that equip individuals with the skills and experiences to thrive. Dawn joined Schneider Electric from a career in further education, where she discovered the power of confidence and opportunity. Leading teams across multiple college sites that supported young people through T Levels, employer engagement, and work placements. Joining the T Level Ambassador Network in 2019, she became one of the first two National Vice Chairs in 2021. Dawn’s 3-year tenure ended in 2024 where she remained a passionate ambassador, and taking time back in building on her innovative approach to early careers at Schneider Electric.
Alan is an adaptable Senior Services Manager within new build, refurbishment and high rise project sectors with over 13 years’ experience working as a Project Manager within the construction industry.
Alan has holds Chartership as an Environmentalist (CEnv) and the grade of Fellow within the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
He is active as a coach and teacher within the life long learning sector.
He has worked on a number of prestigious projects, with varying forms of construction methods and procurement routes. He can function within all construction phases for building services management but specialises in HV electrical power distribution and controls.
Alan has worked within main contractors enabling him to gain extensive knowledge and further experience within the construction industry applying these inclusively.
The experiences gained in all elements of building services accrued over the 30 years in the construction industry has allowed Alan to have a greater insight into all construction phases and understand better the critical nature of the entire project cycles through procurement, delivery and commissioning.
Alan joined Multiplex in December 2016 on the 22 Bishopsgate project and is responsible for delivery of all phases of electrical services, building controls, IT network, fire alarm and security packages. Through his time at 22 BG he now functions as a Senior Services a Manager and operates within a larger building services team providing support and guidance technically and strategically to the wider project team especially in terms of sequencing and commissioning.
Zoe Dickson is a Project Sales Engineer at SSE Energy Solutions, specializing in smart buildings and building management systems (BEMS). She has received recognition for her work, winning the BCIA Young Engineer of the Year Award in 2025, and is active in industry networks like the BCIA's Young Engineers Network (YEN) and the CIBSE YEN.
