Send us a text

BIM was meant to transform construction. So why did it stall?
In this episode, Graham Kelly breaks down the real story behind BIM’s rollout. From poor client understanding to bloated consultancy models, learn what went wrong, what’s still worth salvaging, and how new tools like AI could finally unlock the potential BIM was meant to deliver.

We discuss:
• Why BIM’s promise didn’t match the outcome
• What’s useful about the BIM process today
• How international markets are doing it better
• What AI could fix — and what it can’t
• Why clients, not consultants, hold the key

If you’ve ever wondered why this “revolution” stalled, this is your inside look.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip 

Find us on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Okana Website: https://www.okana.global/
Graham's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamkellybim/

Support the show

Send us a text

Steel and concrete make up 11% of global emissions, but we’re still designing like that doesn’t matter.

Natalie Black shares how her team at Enbee is dramatically cutting embodied carbon through design, detailing, and smarter material choices. This is a clear, honest look at what can be changed now and why the future depends on it.

Key topics include:
• The real carbon cost of steel and concrete
• Why timber matters more than ever
• How reuse, not just recycling, transforms carbon maths
• Strategies to ditch steel beams in domestic projects
• What it takes to work with engineers who “get it”

If you care about structure, sustainability, and impact, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip 

Find us on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Natalie's Website: https://www.enbeearchitectureanddesign.com/
Natalies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-black-9912633b/

Support the show

Send us a text

Governments love talking about new builds. But what if the real climate and housing solution is already standing?

In this eye-opening episode, Anne Harper makes the case for upgrading existing homes and why retrofitting is faster, cheaper, and more scalable than building from scratch. With 80% of 2050’s homes already built, this is a wake-up call for investors, housing providers, and policymakers to stop overlooking what’s right in front of them.

We break down:
 • Why upgrading beats new build on time, carbon, and cost
 • How institutional capital can unlock housing at scale
 • What landlords and developers are missing about regulation
 • How Green Resi is bridging the gap between investors and infrastructure
 • Why solving the housing crisis starts with what we already have

If you’re serious about driving change in housing and delivering results that last, this episode is for you.

Watch now and challenge what you thought you knew about property and sustainability.

 If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip 

Find us on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:

Anna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaclareharper/

The Return Podcast:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-return-podcast/

GreenResi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenresi/

Support the show

Send us a text

Net zero isn’t just a goal, it’s a system-wide shift. 

In this episode, Dr. Anastasia Mylona breaks down the science behind net zero buildings and what it really takes to deliver on their promise.

From carbon calculations to human behaviour, this conversation uncovers the critical levers engineers must understand to move from theory to practice.

Key topics include:
 • What makes a building truly net zero
 • Why systems thinking matters more than ever
 • The hidden emissions no one talks about
 • How engineers balance efficiency with practicality
 • What’s working — and where we still fall short
 • The future of net zero in policy and design

If you're committed to climate solutions that stick, this is one to watch.

 If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip 

Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:

Anastasia Mylona's LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-mylona-6111584/
CIBSE: https://www.cibse.org/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren is joined by Alexandra Knight, Founder of Stemazing, engineer, and advocate for diversity in STEM, to explore the reality of gender bias in engineering and the urgent need for change.

Alex shares her journey from wallflower to purpose-driven leader, and reveals why, even today, many young girls still don’t know engineering is an option for them.

Key topics include:
• Why only 16% of engineers in the UK are women — and what we can do about it
• The myths that still stop girls from considering STEM careers
• The difference diverse design makes in the real world
• How engineering can offer girls a purpose-driven, first-class life
• What companies, schools, and parents need to do — today
• The ripple effect of empowered female role models
• The long-term talent pipeline problem (and the urgent fix)

Whether you’re a leader in construction, a teacher, a parent, or someone who wants to leave a legacy, this episode is a rallying cry to do better, together.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/
Support the Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support

Links:

Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-knight-stemazing/
Stemazing Website: https://www.stemazing.co.uk/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Mats Bredborg, Head of Customer Cluster at Volvo Construction Equipment, to expose a little-known crisis: the massive pollution caused by small diesel excavators in our cities.
With over 5,000 machines in London alone contributing the equivalent emissions of 100,000 cars, Mats breaks down how Volvo Group is tackling this challenge head-on with electrification, innovation, and collaboration.

Key topics include:
• Why small machines produce disproportionately high emissions
• The air quality crisis most people don’t realise is happening
• Volvo’s vision for electric, hydrogen, and hybrid machinery
• What “never surrender” means for sustainable transformation
• Use-case testing, customer co-creation, and how Transport for London is leading the charge
• Why smart charging logistics (not infrastructure) is the real key to net-zero

If you care about climate action, public health, or construction innovation, this episode delivers deep insights into one of the most urgent – and overlooked – sustainability opportunities.

Find us on: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ 
• Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:

Mats Bredborg's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matsbredborg/
Volvo Construction Equiptment: https://www.volvoce.com/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Alice Bond, Policy Manager at the World Green Building Council, to explore the global fight for sustainability in the built environment.

From structural engineering to shaping international climate policy, Alice shares her journey into construction and her current work leading climate advocacy and policy initiatives on a global scale. Discover how the WorldGBC is influencing governments, shaping climate commitments, and pushing for the inclusion of sustainable buildings in climate action plans (NDCs).

Key topics include:
Alice’s career journey from engineering to sustainability leadership
What the World Green Building Council does and how it operates
The role of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) in global climate policy
Why buildings contribute to 40% of global emissions – and why that matters
The push for stronger commitments at COP30 in Brazil
The challenges of international climate negotiations
Practical advice for young professionals entering the construction industry

Whether you’re in policy, construction, engineering, or just passionate about climate action, this episode offers deep insight into the intersection of sustainability and the built environment.

Find us on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/

Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:

Alice Bond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-bond-5b0a1976/

World Green Building Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-green-building-council/posts/?feedView=all

Darren Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thriveinconstruction/

Support the show

Send us a text

How digital innovation is transforming construction. In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Marek Suchocki, a digital specialist and construction industry veteran, to explore how technology is reshaping the future of construction.

From the power of digital twins and BIM (Building Information Modelling) to the importance of structured data, Marek shares his journey from site engineer to digital evangelist. Discover how construction professionals at all levels can use digital tools to work smarter, improve project outcomes, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Whether you're a construction manager, civil engineer, architect, or just passionate about the built environment, this episode is packed with insights on the digital future of construction.

Links:

Marek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suchocki/
Autodesk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/
Autodesk Website: https://www.autodesk.com/uk/products?cjdata=MXxZfDB8WXww&AID=10994792&PID=2016554&SID=jkp_EAIaIQobChMI1ODwme7FjQMVVZ1QBh3PRB_qEAAYASAAEgJmQfD_BwE&cjevent=f52f34553ba611f0809000430a18b8fa&affname=2016554_10994792
Darren Evans Consultancy: https://darren-evans.co.uk/
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren is joined by James Norman, a structural engineer, author, and educator passionate about shaping the future of the industry. James discusses his transition from working in industry to teaching, highlighting the autonomy and influence he now enjoys in mentoring the next generation of engineers.

James dives into the future of structural engineering, sharing insights on the rise of automation in standardised design and the evolving role of engineers to focus more on buildability and creative material experimentation. He also talks about his latest book, Feature Structural Design, which explores how engineers can push the boundaries of traditional design and make a positive impact on the built environment.

Key topics covered in this episode include:
The future of structural engineering and how automation will change the role of engineers
James Norman’s journey from industry to teaching and the influence of education
Regenerative design and sustainability with natural materials like straw, bamboo, and hemp
Overcoming over-engineering and the importance of designing with efficiency and sustainability in mind

The impact of feedback from students and readers in shaping James' work
Creating systems change in construction through small, consistent actions
Mental health in the construction industry and the importance of supporting professionals for long-term success

Links:

James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lecturer/
James Book -The Regenerative Structural Engineer: https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/the-regenerative-structural-engineer/
Darren Evans Consultancy: https://darren-evans.co.uk/
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Fiona Cousins the global Chief Operating Officer for Total Design at Arup. Fiona shares her inspiring journey from being one of the few women in engineering during the 1980s to becoming the 2024/2025 president of CIBSE (The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers).

Fiona discusses the challenges and opportunities for women in construction, the evolution of career paths in engineering, and the critical importance of situational leadership. She also advocates for sustainable and resilient building designs that not only ensure safety and comfort but also promote well-being, environmental responsibility, and the health of communities. 

As Fiona explains, engineering is about more than just technical expertise - it’s about understanding the broader context of the problems you're solving and staying curious and generous in your approach. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of construction, the impact of building performance, and the power of leadership in shaping a better, more sustainable world.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• Career journey in engineering and overcoming gender barriers in the 1980s
• Leadership insights: Situational leadership and empowering teams
• The role of engineers in sustainability and building performance
• How engineers can shape the future of the built environment
• The importance of lifelong learning and expanding your skillset

Links:

Fiona Cousin's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionacousins/
CIBSE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cibse/
CIBSE Website: https://www.cibse.org/
Darren Evans Consultancy: https://darren-evans.co.uk/
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

Support the show