Smart Buildings - Are we getting the basics right?
Join the CIBSE IT & Controls Group for an open discussion on the foundations required to deliver genuinely smart, high-performing buildings.
As the industry embraces digitalisation, AI, digital twins and advanced analytics, many buildings still struggle with the fundamentals of controls, commissioning, interoperability and operational performance.
This session explores whether the drive towards smart buildings is causing us to overlook the basics. Are systems being commissioned correctly? Is data trustworthy? Are open protocols being used effectively? And are occupants actually benefiting from the technology being installed?
SFG20: Are We Maintaining Smart Buildings Properly - A smart building is only as smart as the data coming from its assets
TM39: Can We Trust the Data? - Before talking about AI and optimisation, do we have the metering and data quality required to make informed decisions?
CIBSE Guide M: Are Buildings Performing as Intended? - Smart buildings should not end at practical completion; they should support the people operating them for the next 20 years.
Session Speakers
Kate Rotheram is an Intelligent Buildings Solution Consultant at Distech Controls with more than 25 years of experience in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), HVAC controls, and smart building technologies. She works with consultants, contractors, developers, and end users to deliver intelligent building solutions that improve energy efficiency, operational performance, and occupant comfort.
Recognised as a finalist in the 2026 HVR Awards HVAC Woman of the Year category, Kate is known for her ability to bridge the gap between complex building technologies and practical project outcomes. Her expertise spans HVAC controls, IoT-enabled buildings, data-driven optimisation, and intelligent building strategies.
A passionate advocate for education and knowledge sharing, Kate regularly delivers CPDs, technical workshops, and presentations that help industry professionals better understand the role of building automation in creating sustainable, high-performing buildings. She is also Secretary of the CIBSE IT & Controls Group Committee, where she supports collaboration, professional development, and the advancement of best practice across the industry.
Through her consultative approach and strong industry relationships, Kate continues to champion smarter, more connected buildings while helping project teams achieve their operational, commercial, and sustainability goals.
Brian Fugeti is a Smart Buildings Consultant with Foster + Partners, specialising in intelligent buildings, building controls, digital transformation, and workplace technology. He works with building owners and occupiers to improve operational performance, sustainability outcomes, and user experience through the effective use of technology, data, and automation. Brian serves as Vice-Chair of the CIBSE IT & Controls Group and is a Committee Member of the CIBSE Intelligent Buildings Group. He is also a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and contributes to international smart city and sustainability initiatives through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC). Brian is an active STEM and Climate Ambassador, supporting the development of future engineering talent.
Jo joined Sodexo to compliment the development of best practice Hard FM in the UK&I region. She is responsible for promoting, programme managing and embedding best practice in maintenance and technical services internally and representing Sodexo as a technical authority externally. Earlier this year Jo was recognised at the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) 2022 awards with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution title for regularly giving her time and expertise freely without seeking any personal gain for the sole purpose of making buildings perform better and to create opportunities for all engineers.
Jo was previously a Business Manager and subject matter expert in facilities management and maintenance at BSRIA. She lead a team of consultants and researchers that provided the technical expertise on the built environment and was responsible for authoring best practice guides in Facilities Management including Business Focused Maintenance, Asset Management and Maintenance Audits and Condition Surveys and Asset Data Capture.
Business/Industry Background
- BEMS and Intelligent System Design Engineer at InTandem Systems since 2024
- Designed and implemented control systems for Building Energy Management Systems
- Project lead for cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders
- Conducted site surveys and responsible for equipment assessment and commissioning
- Managing small team attendance and task designation, acted as a mentor and contact for T-Level Students and Apprentices
- BCIA Young Engineer of the Year Finalist in 2025 and Winner in 2026
- Featured in the CIBSE Journal 30 under 30 article as Technical Excellence Engineer
- “Trend Expert” Status
- Estee Lauder x University of Portsmouth Scholarship from 2025 to 2026
- Developed skills in design for manufacture and automation
- Led the development and design of control systems within the project
- Previously a Facilities Technician within a school responsible for monitoring and maintaining the BMS and AMX control panels
Education and Training Experience
- Graduated from University of Portsmouth – BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with First Class Degree
- Dissertation focused on Low Carbon Energy Solutions utilisation in homes
- Awarded IMechE Institution Project of the year 2026
- CIBSE Undergraduate of the Year 2026 Finalist
- Member of the “Routes into BEMS – Education” panel at the Smart Buildings Show 2025
- T-Levels Awards Student and Employer Judge 2026
- T-Level Ambassador
- Finalist for the University of Portsmouth Placement Impact Award 2025
Harriet is passionate about using technology to optimise building performance. Working in Arup’s Building Performance and Systems Team as BMS design engineer, Harriet works in multi-disciplinary design teams with clients and architects, specifying BMS and controls systems. As a building performance engineer, she is involved in analysis of existing building performance, and has experience of collecting occupant feedback and working with facility management teams. Harriet has over 20 years of industry experience.
