Smarter Building

In this episode of the Smarter Building Podcast, host Bob Cicero from Cisco discusses the evolution of hybrid work and sustainable real estate projects. With over 25 years at Cisco, Bob emphasises the importance of integrating technology into the built environment, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

Brazil is a country of massive scale, ambitious projects, and bold ideas, but what happens when there are limited hands to build it all? In this episode, we go inside Brazil’s digital construction scene with FF Solutions, a Symetri Company, sharing the unique challenges and opportunities of digital construction in Brazil compared to Europe. We explore how young, diverse, and creative teams are tackling workforce shortages while embracing innovation, BIM, and digital solutions.

Why does one of the world’s most critical industries still struggle to attract, support, and retain women? And what would it take for construction to finally move beyond being labelled “male-dominated” and instead just be… construction? In this episode of Smarter Building, host Nicole sits down with Amanda Bulow, founder of Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), to explore the grassroots movement that’s changing the face of the industry. Amanda shares how a simple breakfast with 14 women grew into a national network, why connection and mentorship matter more than ever, and how AWIC’s school roadshows are inspiring the next generation to see that building isn’t all “dirty trucks and tool belts.” Along the way, Amanda reflects on leaving behind the security of a 25-year career to run a non-profit, the challenges women face re-entering the workforce, and why male allies, visibility, and collaboration across borders are essential to making change stick. We also dive into AWIC’s ambitious goal of 40% female representation by 2040, what government and industry support gets right (and wrong), and why sometimes the most powerful impact comes from small gestures—like providing a pair of boots or a toolkit to someone starting out.

Can the construction industry finally move past Excel, siloed teams, and point solutions and start building with data instead of bricks? Why is such a complex industry, still run on spreadsheets and what’s the real cost? In this episode, Richard sits down with Mo Shana'a, CEO and co-founder of Morta, to unpack one of the biggest digital blind spots in construction: broken processes hidden inside spreadsheets. Mo shares his unexpected journey, from trying to leave construction entirely to becoming one of its most passionate digital reformers. As Mo puts it, “The industry isn’t under-digitized because it’s slow, it’s because it’s the most complex on earth.” He explains why planning and tracking are the most neglected (but most important) layers in the project lifecycle, why compliance isn’t the real problem with regulations like the Building Safety Act, and how the right kind of tech—especially modular, integrated systems—can close the gap between design and delivery. We also dive into AI (not the hype, the real use cases), the myth of the single system, and why even the most advanced contractors are still running billion-pound projects on Excel. If you’re a construction professional struggling with information chaos, disconnected teams, or tech fatigue, this episode is for you. View more podcasts here: ⁠⁠⁠A podcast hosted by Symetri: Smarter Building | Symetri.co.uk⁠⁠

What does it take to build a smarter, more inclusive future in construction and architecture? In this special episode live from Symetri's BIM Summit event, host Nicole caught up with Mairead Gallagher Morgan from Grimshaw, to dive into the evolving world of construction and architecture where cutting-edge innovation meets the realities of workforce wellbeing and inclusion. From the engineering marvel of the Elizabeth Line to the growing importance of data-driven design, we explore how technology is reshaping the way we build.We also confront some of the industry’s toughest challenges: mental health in high-pressure environments, the need for stronger mentorship, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in construction. Mairead shares first-hand experience navigating the sector as a woman, and why mentoring the next generation is more vital than ever.Whether you're an industry professional, a student of architecture, or simply curious about the forces shaping our cities—this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a call to build smarter, safer, and more inclusive spaces.

View more podcast here: ⁠⁠A podcast hosted by Symetri: Smarter Building | Symetri.co.uk⁠

What does it take for the construction industry to build real cyber resilience against evolving threats like AI-driven phishing and deepfakes before a breach happens?In this special episode recorded live at Symetri’s BIM Summit, host Nicole chats with Jack Cooke from Kaseya about a challenge construction can’t ignore: Cyber Security. Jack shares a shocking CFO impersonation scam and practical advice for staying protected as threats evolve rapidly.As Jack says, “We don’t want to terrify—we want to demystify. Understanding the threat is the first step in defending against it.” He explains why Cyber Essentials isn’t enough, how to shift from compliance to real-time readiness, the importance of disaster recovery and a zero-blame culture, and what to do when a breach happens.If your business relies on digital data, cloud platforms, or collaboration tools, this is your wake-up call. Cyber Security is now everyone’s responsibility—not just IT’s.

View more podcast here: ⁠A podcast hosted by Symetri: Smarter Building | Symetri.co.uk

What does it take to digitise a century-old NHS estate? Edward Payne from Kettering General Hospital joins our host Richard to share the journey.From laser-scanning legacy buildings, to implementing smart Facilities Management systems and piloting sensor-driven energy strategies. We talk digital twins, asset data, government mandates, and the reality of modernising hospitals on tight budgets. This is a deep dive into how innovation, collaboration, and clever thinking are redefining what a "modern hospital" really looks like.

View more podcast here: A podcast hosted by Symetri: Smarter Building | Symetri.co.uk

In this episode of the Smarter Building podcast, Andrew Compton, CEO of Cortida, discusses the critical importance of cybersecurity in the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry

In this special episode of the Smarter Building podcast, host Nicole is joined by the Symetri US team to share insights from Autodesk University.

In this special episode of the Smarter Building podcast, Richard is joined by the Symetri team to share insights from Autodesk University.