Tom Michael is the UK digital building team leader at NDY responsible for the Smart Buildings, ICT, Security, and AV disciplines. As a leader in the smart building field, focus is placed on digitising the built environment through the design of innovative, user-centric solutions underpinned by technology and data.
With extensive leadership experience, numerous high-value projects have been delivered on a global scale across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia; coordinating cross-disciplinary teams and managing large-scale international deadlines. Notable projects include a 'first of its kind' interactive retail experience store, Ireland’s First SmartScore Platinum Development, and multiple million sqft+ mixed use developments including one of Canada's most ambitious heritage redevelopments.
How did you become involved in the smart buildings industry?
I originally began my career as an electrical engineer before gaining the opportunity to experience Smart Building delivery on what was intended to be a short-term seconded basis. Being passionate about technology and innovation, that role was an amazing fit for me and I never went back.
Working in Smart Buildings allows me to drive meaningful change, particularly in improving end-user experiences and enhancing sustainability. Smart technologies can transform conventional spaces into energy efficient, healthy and user-friendly environments. Initiatives like energy management systems, automated lighting, and IoT integration can significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint while enhancing comfort and functionality for users.
As time went on, the diverse challenges and learning opportunities presented in Smart Buildings kept me engaged and motivated, needing to have knowledge across all building systems, leasing strategies, IoT communications and cloud integrations. Combining my engineering background with a passion for technology, has allowed me to have a lasting impact in shaping the future of our built environments.
What excites you about the smart buildings industry?
The Smart Building industry is rapidly evolving and is full of new and innovative solutions, which is truly exciting. Smart buildings encompass all traditional building disciplines and facilitate a high level of collaboration throughout projects. This includes working closely with conventional MEP design team members, disruptive startups, client leasing teams, and end tenants who are actively engaged in their space usage.
Are there any particular technologies that we should be aware of?
As an independent consultant, I get the opportunity to meet different solution providers and play around with the tech to really understand where they fit best. There are some incredible solutions on the market that leverage enhanced integrations to drive real-time, automated insights that not only save circa 10-30% energy consumption, but also streamline the resolution of faults to ensure spaces are maintained with limited disruption to the occupants of the space.
Alongside this, ensuring buildings are ‘smart ready’ should be a priority for every new build and existing retrofit, having a robust digital infrastructure alongside quick wins such as standardised naming schemas. There are some incredible proptech providers currently, however some exciting themes lately centre around enhancing network implementations which underpin Smart Buildings. For example, utilising technologies such as GPON can not only increase the lettable area but also reduces the mechanical cooling and electrical power requirements needed to operate a traditional network. This ultimately improves sustainability which is always a key driver. In addition to this, although not really a Smart Building technology, as we look to move off-grid and transition to electrification there are several opportunities to really leverage Power over Ethernet solutions providing a fantastic opportunity to reduce the overall quantity of materials, and by association embodied carbon of a building.
What services does your organisation offer?
We offer the traditional MEP disciplines, alongside specialisms such as Asset Performance, Sustainability, Digital Buildings, Fire Engineering, Structures and Vertical Transportation, as examples. My role is to lead the Digital Buildings team which comprises the Smart Buildings, ICT, Security and AV disciplines.
We deliver the full range of services such as the typical RIBA stage of works, alongside on going performance monitoring and lifecycle support. In addition to this, we also regularly deliver training and CPD sessions.
Are people aware of the regulations that they will need to comply with in the near future?
Regulations vary significantly across different market sectors and even geographical regions. We find the level of understanding of regulations also varies between different individuals, hence we always try to ensure we have a diverse stakeholder team on each project, as everyone brings their own unique perspective.
What are the benefits of a smart building?
A smart building means something different to everyone. An important distinction is that smart buildings are not technology driven buildings, but buildings that are digitally enabled to meet the goals of its various users, which broadly fits into one of the following 3 categories – improving user experiences, driving operational efficiencies and enhancing sustainability. A smart building should not deploy technology for technologies sake, but to meet targeted use cases identified along the Smart Building journey. By following this methodology throughout the lifecycle of an asset, meaningful change can be achieved like reducing energy consumption and making spaces healthier, which in turn drives non-tangible returns on investment such as increased staff productivity and reduction of sick days taken.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I am fortunate to have had some incredible mentors during my time in the industry. Starting from when I was a young graduate all the way to today. I’m extremely grateful to those that have helped me learn and develop and have set aside their personal time to help me grow as an engineer and leader.
What is the question you are most often asked in your business life?
“How far are we from AI robots roaming the building?”
What are the best/worst things about your job?
There is always something new to learn. Smart Buildings sit across all of the various project disciplines and it’s essential to have a solid understanding of how the different MEP systems function. Additionally, staying current with the latest (and upcoming) technologies is crucial as no idea is too crazy. This combination of knowledge and continuous learning means every day is different.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Throw yourself in the deep end and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
What living person do you admire and why?
I admire leaders who push to drive meaningful change and have a positive impact for future generations.
Where would you most like to live?
I love living close to London as there are always cool places to explore as well as great food and coffee spots. Despite this, it would be great to live somewhere warm and by the sea.
What is your favourite book?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite book, but I enjoy reading non-fiction where I can dive into new topics and learn new things.
How do you relax?
I like working out, going for walks and finding some cool new coffee spots on the weekend. I also support Spurs which unfortunately means I can’t often relax.
What sports team do you support?
I am a Tottenham fan.
What is your desert island disk?
Having recently seen Biffy Clyro’s latest tour, it would have to be their first album which they played live and has been on repeat since.
What is your ideal holiday?
I love a mix of exploring cool towns balanced with spending time swimming in the sea.