As a board director at LMG, Mike Hook works closely with property developers, owners, occupants, and general contractors around the world to ensure they get full value from their investments through the intelligent use of smart building and ICT technology.
Having graduated with an honours degree in Geology and a postgraduate diploma in Business Management from Kingston Business School in 1988, Mike has accumulated over thirty years’ experience in understanding clients’ business challenges. He thoroughly enjoys working to alleviate their pain points and, in doing so, has developed long-term relationships based upon trust.
From working in a wide range of markets across Europe, Asia and the US, Mike has acquired a unique combination of technical and business skills that enable him to convert technological innovation into valuable business outcomes. It’s not just customers he enjoys working with – it’s also his internal team and partners. The sheer variety of stakeholder engagement in his role is inspiring and this level of collaboration really comes to fruition when putting together often complex, integrated, smart building solutions that provide tangible benefits across the entire building lifecycle.
How did you become involved in the Smart Buildings industry?
Although I graduated as a geologist, I’ve always been involved in construction and IT infrastructure. As convergence has led to operational technology (OT), physical security, AV and other technologies utilising a common network, I’d say that the smart buildings industry has really got involved with me, rather than the other way around.
What excites you about the Smart Buildings industry?
It’s apparent that we are only just starting to untap the full potential of computing power and its ability to change the world and the built environment.
Humans aren’t necessarily that good at understanding the potential for exponential growth, but the rapid development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM), the flip to direct current (DC) power along with 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and beyond, will undoubtedly further accelerate technological development and innovation within the industry.
Buildings must and will become fully digital, interactive spaces that are more suited to our productivity, wellbeing and comfort than we can possibly imagine.
Are there any particular technologies that we should be aware of?
People should be aware of the technologies mentioned above, but I’m also particularly interested in in-building location-based services, that in addition to mobile credentials, will create a world of “invisible buttons.” This is where the environment and occupant experience is tailored to individual preferences, with environments and features changing to suit their specific requirements as they move through a building.
What services does your organisation offer?
LMG offers a whole host of services including smart building technology design and build, post-installation maintenance and support, as well as data analytics and user experience (UX) apps.
Our seamless delivery model helps global organisations design, build, support and manage their space, systems and infrastructure. We provide the technology for creating inspiring workplaces, efficient data centres and comfortable homes.
We’re also vastly experienced across a wide range of sectors, with a deep understanding of many industries including: financial services, co-working, technology, communications, government, hospitality, residential and media.
Are people aware of the regulations that they will need to comply with in the near future?
In terms of technology, I think standards will become increasingly important – particularly those being promoted by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and WiredScore – and people need to get on board and be aware of these.
I also believe that privacy regulation will play a pivotal role in shaping hyperaware buildings and personalised experiences in the near future.
What are the benefits of a smart building?
In my opinion, there are three major benefits: reduced total cost of occupancy, in terms of maintenance, change and space efficiency; an improved user experience boosting recruitment and retention; and finally, enhanced staff and hence business productivity.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
Two Mikes – Gilmore and Daly. Alas now retired, they took me under their wings in my early career and ensured I was properly educated.
What is the question you are most often asked in your business life?
Considering the current climate, the most common question I get asked at the moment is “will the project start this year?”
What are the best/worst things about your job?
People and people!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Things are never as good or bad as they first seem.
What living person do you admire and why?
Rambahadur Limbu, Gurkha VC – enough said.
Where would you most like to live?
The South of France – I hope no explanation is needed.
What is your favourite book?
Barbarians At The Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar.
How do you relax?
Cooking, eating and drinking (not always in that order!)
What sports team do you support?
Saracens Football Club.
What is your desert island disk?
Soul Mining by The The.
What is your ideal holiday?
A vineyard tour of Tuscany.