Our Digital Lead in Ireland, Conor is a highly skilled digital buildings professional with a wealth of experience across multiple disciplines that allows him to partner with clients and support the smooth delivery of their projects.
His focus on user experience design ensures that the buildings he works on are efficient, user-focused and able to stand the test of time. Conor is well versed on current trends and emerging technologies in the field of digital buildings including IoT, machine learning and cloud computing.
Conor takes some time out of his day to talk about how a love of Lego triggered his career in engineering, how smart buildings are shaping the future of sustainability and his work on the remarkable 25 North Wall Quay.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
My interest in engineering came quite naturally, starting from my childhood days spent playing with Lego sets. The process of constructing something from individual pieces sparked my curiosity and laid the foundation for my career. It offered a hands-on way to understand how different components work together, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Why digital (smart buildings and BMS)?
The digital landscape of smart buildings and BMS offers a harmonious blend of my varied expertise, from electrical and mechanical engineering to security, controls, networks and software. My early days as an electrician coupled with my degree in mechatronics have laid a solid foundation that I continually draw upon in my current consultancy role. This multifaceted expertise doesn’t just make the field a natural fit for me; it also enables me to engage confidently and fluently with professionals from various disciplines ensuring we’re all on the same page.
What’s your career highlight project?
A standout project in my career has been 25 North Wall Quay. What sets this project apart is the unique collaboration between the developer and tenant from a very early stage, both of whom have aligned goals. We’re not only working on the base build to establish the foundational systems, but also closely involved in the fitout to deliver a bespoke smart building tailored to our client’s specific needs. The client’s aspirations for this project are truly remarkable and I’m thrilled to be involved in delivering a smart building of this calibre.
Tell us about the smart buildings or BMS design on this project.
The most significant challenge to date on the 25 North Wall Quay project has been ensuring scope alignment as early as possible. The base build was already in the construction phase while the fitout was only at the concept design stage. Our intervention was crucial to ensure that the foundational building blocks were in place so that the tenant could achieve their smart building goals. This involved making the base build ‘smart-ready’. As the fitout design progressed, we also had to get involved in the procurement of systems earlier than usual, including network, BMS and smart lockers. This proactive alignment eliminated the need for rework, ensured the right systems were in place from the get-go, and most importantly, avoided hardware waste, which was a high priority for our client’s sustainability agenda.
What innovative new approaches are you seeing when it comes to smart buildings or BMS?
One of the most transformative innovations I see in the realm of smart buildings and BMS is their potential to shape the future of sustainability. Increasingly, companies are leveraging these technologies to surpass their ESG goals. Through smart systems that enable real-time tracking and control of energy consumption, waste reduction and even occupant wellbeing, organisations can not only meet but also exceed sustainability targets. Features like predictive maintenance through AI can extend the lifespan of building systems, further reducing the environmental impact. These advancements make it possible to align a building’s operational efficiency with broader corporate or societal sustainability goals, truly revolutionising how we view the role of the built environment in ESG initiatives.
Where do you see the future of smart buildings and BMS design heading?
The future of smart buildings and BMS is trending towards greater sustainability, occupant wellbeing, productivity and flexibility. As the workplace continues to evolve, designing flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs is becoming increasingly important. The integration of AI technologies like machine learning offers intriguing possibilities for more interactive and responsive systems. These advances enable us to not only achieve exceptional levels of operational efficiency but also to significantly enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit these spaces.
What tech are you playing with at the moment?
At the moment, I’m experimenting with plugins for OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This venture is opening new horizons for me, extending my understanding of what intelligent systems can achieve. For instance, one area I’m exploring is the integration of ChatGPT plugins with building management systems to provide real-time, conversational interfaces for facility management. While it’s currently proof of concept exploration with fictitious data (to inform a solution which does not use OpenAI, for clients who would like to ensure privacy of their data), it has the potential to dramatically simplify complex tasks and streamline workflows. It’s a glimpse into how artificial intelligence can be seamlessly integrated into smart buildings, promising not only operational efficiencies but also a more intuitive user experience.
What legacy do you want to leave, when it comes to your career?
I aspire to leave a legacy where each building I’ve worked on is markedly better than when I first engaged with it. My ultimate goal is to create environments where building users are genuinely excited to spend their time. Through my designs, I aim to ensure that occupants are comfortable, productive and happy within their workplace. By focusing on both the technical and human aspects of smart buildings, I hope to make a lasting impact that goes beyond bricks and mortar to genuinely improve people’s day-to-day experiences.
Tell us a bit about good smart buildings and BMS design. What are the key considerations?
In my view, designing intelligent and effective smart buildings and BMS systems really boils down to a few key aspects. First off, it’s all about interoperability. You want different systems whether it’s lighting, HVAC or security to work in harmony. Next, we have to think about scalability. We’re in an age where technology is advancing rapidly, so any system we put in place has to be future-proof to some extent. Security is huge; as we connect more devices, the risks grow so cybersecurity measures are non-negotiable.
In terms of the human element. User experience is crucial. People should find the building intuitive to interact with and that’s where thoughtful UI design comes into play. On the sustainability front, it’s more important than ever to align with broader ESG goals and I think smart buildings have a big role to play in that. And finally, flexibility. The workplace is changing; the pandemic showed us that. So, the ability to adapt spaces to a variety of needs is more crucial than ever.
By focusing on these pillars, we’re not just building structures; we’re creating environments where people can be their most productive, secure and above all happy selves.
