Creating Smarter Spaces

In this episode Michael dives into the crucial topic of sustainability in our spaces. Energy consumption is at the forefront of environmental impact, and organizations are increasingly scrutinizing their energy usage, not only for sustainability but also for cost-saving measures.

Here are five highlights from this discussion:

1. Understanding Energy Monitoring: Energy monitoring is more than just tracking consumption; it's about understanding what drives energy usage and how it can be optimized for sustainability and cost-efficiency.
2. The Pitfalls of Traditional Approaches: Many organizations are merely scratching the surface with manual energy monitoring methods. Relying solely on utility bills or basic power monitors provides limited insights and fails to address the root causes of energy inefficiency.
3. Importance of Contextual Data: Knowing how much energy is being used is insufficient without understanding what is driving that consumption. Contextual data, such as identifying specific equipment or systems contributing to energy usage, is crucial for making informed decisions and implementing targeted improvements.
4. Real-World Examples: We discuss a case involving a multinational financial institution where traditional energy monitoring methods failed to identify excessive lighting usage during unoccupied hours. This highlights the importance of understanding not just how much energy is used but also when and why.
5. Leadership and Innovation: To drive meaningful change, leadership is essential. Organizations need to set the bar higher for energy monitoring and actively seek innovative solutions that provide actionable insights for sustainability initiatives.

By prioritizing the collection and analysis of contextual energy data, organizations can make informed decisions that drive real change, both environmentally and economically. Remember, actions speak louder than words, and it's up to leaders to spearhead initiatives that truly make a difference.

For more insights on creating smarter and more sustainable spaces, visit our website at Creating Smarter Spaces.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more sustainable future!

External references from this episode

• North America Building Automation Systems Market Size & Share Analysis - Industry Research Report - Growth Trends
• Michael Grant on LinkedIn: I thought you had fixed your problem with your lights…
• Corporate real estate strategy in the COVID-19 era. | McKinsey

Creating Smarter Spaces | How to Monitor Workplace Energy Usage to Enable Action

https://www.smarterspaces.live/monitor-workplace-energy-usage/

Michael Przytula LinkedIn

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

This episode is all about improving Workplace Guest and Visitor Sign-in Experience.  More specifically, we'll discuss why the process of getting guests into workplaces is so bad and we talk about what you can do about it. Most importantly, why you should care making it amazing, especially right now.

First impressions last, and the process you put those that come to visit your spaces through, can say a lot about your organizations. 

There’s also a lot of valuable insights to be gained from getting this right. 

With the increased pervasiveness of facial recognition technology, mobile apps and artificial intelligence, there’s never been a better time to reinvent the experience visitors to your workplaces have. 

Listen in to find out how you can get started and implement a process that will be ready for what's coming in the future.

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Technologies discussed in this episode:

Marriott Bonvoy Mobile: Marriott Bonvoy App

United Facial Recognition: United trials end-to-end biometric journey at SFO

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Michael Przytula LinkedIn

Creating Smarter Spaces | Your Workplace Guest Experience is broken and why you should fix it now!

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

Today, we're diving into the essential role of meeting room panels in shaping modern work environments. Are they just a flashy addition or a fundamental tool for optimizing workspace utilization and fostering productivity? Join me as we explore why room panels are no longer a luxury item but a critical component of activity-based work environments.

Episode Highlights:

1. Integral to Workspace Evolution: Room panels are not mere aesthetic additions; they play a pivotal role in facilitating the transition to highly mobile, activity-based work environments. The investment in these devices pales in comparison to the potential setbacks of a failed shift to hybrid work models, emphasizing their significance in workspace evolution.
2. Personal Experiences and Insights: Drawing from firsthand experiences working in various corporate settings globally, I elucidate why room panels are indispensable for seamless workflow management and employee satisfaction. My insights shed light on the practical implications and benefits of integrating room panels into office spaces.
3. Addressing Common Implementation Challenges: Through conversations with numerous organizations, I explore the common pitfalls encountered in room or desk booking programs. Issues such as cultural fit, user adoption, and trust in the system often hinder successful implementation. However, upon closer examination, the root causes often lie in human behavior patterns rather than system deficiencies.
4. Navigating Human Behaviors for Success: Successful adoption of room booking systems hinges on aligning with employees' natural workflow and providing tangible benefits that outweigh any added friction. Simply deploying a reservation system without considering human behavior patterns is a recipe for failure. Room panels streamline the process, setting clear expectations and simplifying room reservation within the natural flow of work.
5. Enhancing Workspace Efficiency and Experience: Room panels not only expedite room reservation but also enhance overall workspace experience by providing real-time data and integration with other workplace systems. From displaying room availability to monitoring environmental factors like temperature and CO2 levels, room panels serve as dynamic tools for optimizing space utilization and improving employee well-being.

As organizations strive to optimize workspace utilization and foster productivity, room panels emerge as indispensable tools rather than mere technological novelties. By understanding and leveraging human behavior patterns, integrating room panels into office spaces can lead to tangible benefits, enhancing both efficiency and employee experience.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• IAdea
• Metrikus - Appspace

Creating Smarter Spaces | Are Workplace Meeting Room Panels worth the expense?

https://www.smarterspaces.live/meeting-room-panels/

Connect with Michael Przytula on LinkedIn

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

Are you grappling with the various terms used to gauge the activity in your office space? In this episode, we demystify the process of measuring office space consumption. We'll explore the differences between:

• Occupancy
• Utilization
• Capacity
• Attendance

Understanding these metrics and their implications can help you make informed decisions about your corporate real estate strategy.

Key Takeaways:

Defining the Metrics:

• Occupancy: The actual number of individuals present in the office space at any given time.
• Utilization: A comprehensive measure of how efficiently office space is utilized over a specific period.
• Capacity: The maximum number of individuals the office space can comfortably accommodate.
• Attendance: The count of individuals present in the office during a designated time frame.

Usage Scenarios:

• Learn when to utilize each metric based on your specific objectives. Whether it's optimizing space usage, ensuring safety standards, or planning resources effectively, selecting the appropriate metric is essential.

Interpretation and Decision-Making:

• Understand that these metrics rely on diverse data sources and methodologies. Accurately interpreting this data empowers you to make strategic decisions that align with your organizational goals, guiding your corporate real estate portfolio towards optimal efficiency.

By understanding the nuances between Occupancy, Utilization, Capacity, and Attendance, you gain insights into how your office space operates and can tailor your strategies accordingly. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Creating Smarter Spaces, and remember, clarity in metrics leads to efficiency in decision-making.

Creating Smarter Spaces | How to Measure Workplace Occupancy

https://www.smarterspaces.live/measuring-workplace-occupancy/

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Connect with Michael Przytula on LinkedIn

Rate and leave a review for the show!

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

Confused about the difference between a Smart Building and a Smart Workplace? You're not alone. In this episode, we delve into the distinctions between the two, aiming to provide clarity in a market filled with interchangeable catchphrases and industry terms.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

1. Clarification on Smart Building vs. Smart Workplace: We offer a detailed distinction between Smart Buildings and Smart Workplaces, aiming to clear up the confusion often surrounding these terms in the industry. It emphasizes that while they're related, they serve distinct purposes and audiences.
2. Smart Building Functionality: The discussion defines a Smart Building as a structure with integrated technology controlling core systems and shared services provided by the landlord. Examples include plumbing, electrical, security, and HVAC/BMS systems. We highlight the long-standing legacy of Smart Buildings within the proptech industry and the extensive range of offerings available.
3. Smart Workplace Features: In contrast, a Smart Workplace refers to the space within the building where tenants optimize experiences for their employees or operational teams. This includes both physical and soft systems such as lighting, access control, digital signage, wayfinding, and occupancy systems. We emphasize the importance of designing these spaces to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
4. Operational Efficiency: The episode underscores the role of Smart Workplaces in enhancing operational efficiency through technology. Examples include automating manual tasks, gaining real-time insights into occupancy levels, and implementing agile space management strategies. These efficiencies translate into tangible cost savings and improved resource utilization.
5. Employee Experience Enhancement: Smart Workplaces are highlighted as tools for improving employee experience by removing friction points throughout the workday. The discussion touches on various technologies such as real-time wayfinding, digital signage for space availability, mobile apps for desk reservations, and meeting room status indicators. It emphasizes the impact of these enhancements on employee satisfaction and the overall workplace environment.

On a weekly basis, these terms are used almost interchangeably, and we believe that a level setting on the differences between the two is necessary.

Enjoy the episode as we break down these concepts and explore the potential benefits of integrating Smart Buildings and Smart Workplaces in the modern workspace landscape.

Products mentioned in this episode:

Origen Air: Indoor Air Quality Solution - Air Purification System - Origen Air

Creating Smarter Spaces |  Smart Buildings vs Smart Workplaces. What is the Difference?

https://www.smarterspaces.live/smart-buildings-vs-smart-workplaces/

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Connect with Michael Przytula on LinkedIn

Rate and leave a review for the show!

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

Right now, I bet you’ve got a long list of PropTech companies calling you up telling you they have the exact product, tool or technology to do what you need in your portfolio. Am I right? I bet I am.

In today's episode I’m going to share 5 tips that will help you not only filter through the noise, but also put you on the right track to making sure the direction you begin on, has the most chance of giving you long term success. There is a lot of noise in the Proptech market right now and with the advice I’ll share with you today, you’ll be able to filter out a lot of the static, and chart a path forward.

In this episode I cover 5 topics;

1. Why not having a portfolio-level plan is a bad idea.
2. Challenges to be aware of if adopting integrated technology stacks of young companies.
3. Learnings from history in tech companies carrying legacy systems baggage.
4. Why deploying digital experiences aren't as scary of physical ones.
5. How to get your colleagues in IT on side and why to do it now.

Plus one bonus piece of advice you'll have to listen in to hear!

Enjoy!

Michael Przytula LinkedIn

Creating Smarter Spaces website

Copyright 2026 Michael Przytula

In this first episode of Creating Smarter Spaces, we'll discuss how you can cut through the noise of all the Proptech and Smart Building products, tools and software on the market today, and set a clear foundation for where to start the journey of marking the spaces you manage, smarter.

We discuss the importance of defining clear, tangible and measurable outcomes for your initiative as well as well as the differences between starting with a Tactical or Strategic approach to your journey.

Tactical approaches help you address one specific component of your workplace operation, or the services you're providing.

Strategic approaches help you reinvent the end-to-end operational and service delivery experience for an entire building or space.

Your Host: Michael Przytula www.smarterspaces.live/connect

Hi! Welcome to Creating Smarter Spaces, where we explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and the built environment.

Produced for corporate real estate executives, facilities managers, and workplace professionals, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

I’m your host, Michael Przytula, and in each episode, we’ll dive deep into the transformative power of technology, discussing how it can be seamlessly integrated into the environments you plan, design, build manage and ultimately, work in yourself.

You’ll discover how you can use advancements in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), automation, data analytics, and more to reshape the landscape of the built environment and I’ll share practical strategies you can use to put these things to work. I’ll also share my thoughts on the latest technologies that can enhance your workplace, improve employee well-being, boost productivity, and optimize facility management processes.

Whether you're a forward-thinking corporate real estate executive looking to unlock new opportunities, a facilities manager looking to enhance operational efficiency, or a workplace technology professional eager to deliver innovative employee and guest experiences in your spaces, this podcast is tailored specifically for you.

You will end every episode with some new knowledge and more importantly, inspiration, to leverage technology's potential and create truly intelligent environments.

Sign up now at www.smarterspaces.live to get advance notification of every episode we drop or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Together, we can shape a future where technology enables us to create smarter, more efficient, and inspiring spaces for everyone.

This is where real estate, facilities management, and technology coverage.

This is Creating Smarter Spaces.