What is your role at CIM?
As the Head of Engineering, I am responsible for our team of expert Mechanical, Mechatronic & Electrical engineers. Together, we are helping to support our customers using the PEAK Platform to achieve optimal building performance. This includes providing our customers with analytical insights and solutions to problems within the operation of their building.
Why did you join CIM and what do you enjoy about the PropTech industry?
I joined CIM as a founding team member back in 2014 for the opportunity to be part of a disruptive company whose mission was to create a better, cleaner, and more efficient world. As a Building Controls Engineer, I’ve always been passionate about the PropTech industry. It’s an emerging industry, which is providing new challenges and opportunities for everyone to create a better world. From where I see it, every piece of data we gather is helping to solve unique problems in new ways.
What are the main challenges you see building owners and operators facing?
For building owners and operators, COVID-19 changed the way we viewed data. We are now using it as a vehicle to create new value for owners and operators by improving operational efficiencies that enhance the performance of buildings.
Looking ahead, I see data interpretation as the next challenge in terms of how we use it to tell stories in our data-driven future. I think it is going to play an essential role in how we bridge environmental and digital goals that align to our clients net zero commitments. With an influx of new technologies coming onto the market to solve all kinds of problems, our platform provides greater control, transparency and accountability for onsite teams to better manage workflows and collaboration.
In your experience, what surprises CIM customers the most when they start using PEAK?
As a SaaS based provider, I think our customers get most excited about how expandable and customisable PEAK is. For facility managers in particular, I think they get a great surprise from two key factors. The first one being the ability to apply our analytics software on any data set. Secondly, by using PEAK they have access to a portfolio-view of their assets that allows them to visualise their data without having to compare across different BMS platforms. It’s a big time saving benefit for them!
What is your favourite part of the job?
That’s a hard one! As the leader of a team, I love mentoring our young engineers and seeing them develop is a rewarding experience for both of us. I otherwise enjoy solving real-world problems for the benefit of our customers. This engagement is made even better when you can see operations teams using the PEAK Platform to collaborate and run their buildings more efficiently.
What trends do you see emerging in the built environment?
COVID-19 has changed the way we operate buildings. In addition to improving the efficiency of our buildings, we now need to operate them in a safe way that prioritises people and our environment. An example of that is the increased importance in which we now see Indoor Environmental Quality. It is a key metric that we are using to create safe spaces for people and is especially relevant in a post-COVID world for those returning to the office.
When you are not working, what is one thing you love to do?
I’m a massive soccer fanatic. I play for my local club on the weekends and passionately watch Liverpool in the English Premier League when I can, although I don't get to do either as much as I used to.
As a Dad to three young children, our weekends are pretty chaotic now. Our adventures are much more family oriented - we’re enjoying our 4WDing and camping at the moment.
What is something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m ambidextrous!....but I prefer to write with my right hand!
Now that lockdown is ending, where are you off to on your next holiday?
I would like to start exploring our own backyard more, Cape York, Australia’s most northern point is next on the bucket list. Once international borders open up again, I’d love to take the family to Disneyworld… that was our plan last year!