Who Will Engineer the Smart Buildings of Tomorrow?
This session will explore the skills, knowledge and mindset that the smart buildings industry—and the next generation of engineers—will need to meet growing demand for more connected, efficient and sustainable buildings.
Through insights from a range of industry experts, the discussion will consider how roles and skillsets are evolving alongside technologies such as building automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence and IoT, while highlighting the importance of core engineering expertise, interpersonal skills, digital skills, collaboration and continuous learning. The panel will also examine how the sector can work together to attract, develop and support the talent needed to design, deliver and operate the smart buildings of the future.
Session Speakers
Having worked in the building energy management systems (BEMS) industry for over a decade, Josh Steel brings incredible expertise and experience to his role as Chair of BCIA's Young Engineers Network.
Whilst initially working as a BMS Electrical Installer, Josh climbed the ranks to become a BMS Sales Engineer and for several years has been in the role of Sales Manager. In his role as Chair of BCIA's Young Engineers Network, Josh has been focused on: building a positive built environment for everyone to enjoy, creating a network with learning opportunities and promoting awareness of BEMS to a younger generation of school/university leavers.
Alice leads Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy business in the UK & Ireland. This role involves providing solutions to help customers transform and decarbonise their buildings across various industry sectors with the aim of making buildings and cities smarter and more sustainable.
Most recently Alice served as VP Services Excellence in the US, where she led a cross-functional, multi-national team that supported customers across the US in the installation, commissioning, management, and maintenance of their electrical infrastructure. In this role she was responsible for project management; health and safety; supply chain and quality; and customer training. She gained experience working with a full ecosystem of partners to create solutions supporting datacentres, education facilities, and hospitals, among others, in the efficient and responsible management of their resources. Before her time in the US, Alice was VP Strategy for the UK and Ireland, having joined the company in 2019.
Prior to joining Schneider Electric, Alice served as a commissioned officer in the British Army, leading technical and multi-functional teams across the world, an experience which included working in 19 countries, and which has provided a wide breadth of experience and managing large teams.
Alice holds a Master of Engineering from Loughborough University, as well as post-graduate business and coaching qualifications, she is currently pursuing her EMBA.
Jen Johnson is the MD of learnd UK, a leading BEMS company whose purpose is to create a world where all buildings deliver outcomes for everyone.
With 15 years of experience in the energy industry, Jen is passionate about transforming how people connect with technology to create smarter, more efficient buildings. She leads learnd UK with energy and purpose, inspiring innovation and a culture that empowers people to perform at their best.
Stan Thomas is BCIA Young Engineers Network's Vice Chair. In his role as Sales Manager at Sontay, Stan specialises in supporting customers to optimise HVAC and BMS and focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and seamless integration to drive the future of smart buildings,
As Vice Chair of BCIA's Young Engineers Network, Stan 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. In 2026, Stan was listed as one of CIBSE's Emerging Leaders in their 30 Under 30 class of 2026.
