Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast

Join industry experts and leaders from around the globe as they discuss everything smart home and intelligent buildings on ASHB’s Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast.

The ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast serves as a dynamic platform, gathering an esteemed cohort of industry experts and thought leaders from diverse corners of the globe. This podcast is dedicated to exploring the intricate landscape of smart home innovations and the evolution of intelligent building methodologies. Through in-depth conversations and lively discussions, these seasoned experts delve into a comprehensive spectrum of subjects, unraveling the complexities and potentials of smart home technologies while navigating the intricacies of designing and implementing intelligent building systems. The podcast serves as an invaluable resource, offering unique insights, expert perspectives, and cutting-edge trends that shape the future of smarter living and sustainable infrastructure.

Interested in participating in a future episode as a guest or host? Submit your proposal or contact us for further information.

Episode 17: Rethinking Smart Buildings in The Age of AI

April 15, 2024 | Smart Buildings

The definition of smart building has evolved since 1981 when the term was originally coined, and it has transformed well beyond lighting and HVAC systems. In the age of artificial intelligence, the possibilities for even smarter buildings are endless. Technology advancements in hardware, software and now generative AI brings new context and capabilities that require rethinking what a smart building really is. Today, an AI-enabled smart building can incorporate the use of IoT devices for real-time data capture, sensor technology for utilization metrics, intelligent automation for accomplishing day-to-day facilities tasks, and predictive analytics to optimize performance.  AI will enable the building to leverage operational data to inform decisions and respond to the immediate and future needs of the occupants.

Dive into the world of smart buildings with industry experts Darlene Pope, President of Planon North America, Dr. Rick Huijbregts, Global Lead of Smart Cities at Stantec, and Pay Wu, President and Co-Founder of MWBE Unite. Together, our host and guests take us on a journey to discover how we should be thinking about Gen AI’s impact on legacy real estate systems, and how to harness AI and Machine Learning to inform the future of the industry. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 16: Exploring the Evolution and Future of Fire Alarm Systems in Smart Buildings and Homes

March 15, 2024 | Smart Buildings & Homes

J. Christopher Larry joins a panel of distinguished experts as they delve into the fascinating world of fire alarm systems in smart buildings and homes. With insights from Suzanne Alfano, Rick Heffernan, Dr. Rodger W Reiswig, and Birgitte Messerschmidt, this episode explores the history, challenges, and emerging technologies shaping fire and life safety in modern buildings. From the inception of fire alarm systems to the latest advancements in AI-based detection and remote inspection technologies, the panel provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of fire safety. Discover how smart technology is revolutionizing fire prevention and response, while also addressing challenges such as cybersecurity risks and equitable access to safety measures. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 15: Solar Energy is a Team Sport, When OEMs and Installers Collaborate for Quality

February 26, 2024 | Smart Homes

As solar continues to grow as a solution for companies, developers and homeowners to make buildings more sustainable, the industry is naturally becoming much more complex. Solar installations are not just projects but rather a crucial play in the grander team sport of transitioning to renewable energy for a greener future.

In this episode, JD Dillon, Chief Marketing Officer of global solar manufacturer Tigo Energy, engages in a conversation with Martyna Kowalczyk, owner of SolarTime USA, a solar installer in Dallas, Texas. They delve into the state of the solar industry, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration, quality, and the increasing importance of software as a solar component. The discussion covers industry trends, challenges, and the responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a positive perception of solar energy. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 14: Optimizing Your Environment: The Building Performance Blueprint

November 15, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Host Bob Allan from NAVCO welcomes experts Rick Bennett and Scott Wolf from Enviros and members of the Energy Management Association, as they discuss how to bridge the gap between physical assets, data analytics, and integrated systems to achieve building performance management. Whether dealing with new construction or existing facilities, aligning corporate and facility missions is key to success. Learn how this approach enhances energy efficiency, comfort, and safety while avoiding compliance issues and costly fines. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone eager to optimize a building’s performance. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 13: Smart Buildings: New Builds or Transformations Require Solid Footing

October 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Building automation, IoT, Smart Buildings, whichever path is being followed, there are some fundamentals that are frequently passed over. Often overshadowed by the capabilities and benefits of applications and technological advances, the underlying infrastructure—and how it is implemented—can be the key to the long-term success and realization of the anticipated outcomes of a new building or the update of an existing one. Speaking from the perspective of past, present and future infrastructure complexity and requirements, Matthew Bonfitto, chief executive officer of ICAS, a longstanding structured cabling, IoT, IT and telecommunications deployment and management provider, and Allen Proithis, IoT thought leader and chief executive officer of GXC, a leading provider of mesh-based private cellular networks, along with host James Brehm, CEO of James Brehm & Associates, discuss best infrastructure practices as well as offer a glimpse into planning and provisioning for the next wave of technological innovation.  Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 12: Business Drivers for Smart Buildings

September 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

In this episode of the Smarter Homes and Buildings podcast, ASHB is joined by industry experts Marc Petock, Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Lynxspring, and Brian Turner, CEO at Buildings IOT. Explore the crucial business drivers behind smart buildings, the impact of electrification and EV charging, and the evolving role of AI in shaping our built environment. Delve into the forces driving innovation and sustainability in intelligent spaces. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of smart buildings. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 11: Building Decarbonization and Critical Environments: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities

August 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Dive into the world of sustainable building practices and critical environments with industry experts in this engaging and informative podcast. Join Paul O’Malley, Founder of Paul O’Malley Associates, as he sits down with Dan Diehl, CEO of Aircuity, and Walt King, Managing Director of Thrive Buildings, for an enlightening discussion on the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in building decarbonization. In this episode, our guests define critical environments, highlight the importance of maintaining optimal Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and explore the latest technologies and trends in the decarbonization of labs. Learn more about the host and guests.

Episode 10: Smart Cities, Smart Buildings and their Investors, Beware of the Digital Hucksters

July 15, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Host James Carlini, accompanied by Russ Hartigan, former Cook County Circuit Court Judge (Illinois) and Corporation Counsel to multiple municipalities, and Darrin Mylet, founder and CEO of Telosa Network, lead an engaging discussion on the imminent challenges confronting cities, commercial office spaces, and investors. This enlightening conversation delves into the transformative changes occurring in the post-pandemic economy and emphasizes the pressing requirement for municipal governments and property managers to acknowledge and respond to these shifts. Read more.

Episode 9: Improving Building Safety, Security, and Environmental Health, and Business with Smart Sensing

June 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Join host Rich Tehrani, CEO TMC, Chairman ITEXPO TECHSUPERSHOW, in this captivating episode as he welcomes Derek Peterson, CEO of Soter Technologies, to explore the realm of smart(er) buildings and their impact on safety, security, and environmental health. Discover how new sensing capabilities integrated into these buildings are revolutionizing the way building managers respond to various threats, from vaping and organic air contaminants to unusual noise levels. Delve into the transformative power of AI-based real-time video analytics, enabling the detection of emotional states, dangerous objects, and crowd formations that may signal emergencies or facilitate efficient queue management. Uncover the future of building innovation, where AI, ML, and cloud technologies converge to address operational challenges and drive business success. Read more. Contact Rich Tehrani and Derek Peterson.

Episode 8: The Advantages of PoE Lighting and IoT for Buildings and Facility Management

May 15, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Host Jill Frey of Cummins Facility Services and Facility Data Standard, along with guest Kim Johnson of MHT Technologies, discuss bringing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology into facilities and buildings, and how the two function individually and together to drive sustainability and help achieve net zero goals. Read more. Contact Jill Frey and Kim Johnson.

Episode 7: Part 3 | Post-Pandemic Building Issues, Cybersecurity, & Intelligent Amenities - Cybersecurity Issues

May 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings & Connected Homes

Host James Carlini of Carlini & Associates, along with guest Isiah Jones of Applied Integrated Technologies (AIT), provide pragmatic insights into cybersecurity for smart buildings and homes in this final installment of the multipart series on Post-Pandemic Building Issues, Cybersecurity, and Intelligent Amenities. As more buildings and homes become connected to the internet, the risk of cyberattacks increases, making cybersecurity a critical concern for property management companies, real estate owners, and tenants. Read more. Contact James Carlini and Isiah Jones

Episode 6: Local Law 97, Why it is important no matter what state you are in

April 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

Host Jill Frey of Cummins Facility Services and Facility Data Standard, along with guest Michael Grant of Metrikus discuss sustainability and new requirements for buildings, examine the ins and outs of New York’s local law 97, and offer listeners a special look at navigating these new sustainability requirements. Read more. Contact Jill Frey & Michael Grant

Episode 5: Part 2 | Post-Pandemic Building Issues, Cybersecurity, & Intelligent Amenities - Buying, Retrofitting & Testing Buildings

March 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings & Connected Homes

Host James Carlini of Carlini & Associates, a contributor to International Policy Digest and the American Intelligence Journal, along with guest Isiah Jones of Applied Integrated Technologies (AIT), discuss cybersecurity for smart buildings and homes. They provide pragmatic insights into issues and concerns facing all property management companies, real estate owners, and tenants who utilize their buildings and facilities. Read more. Contact James Carlini and Isiah Jones

Episode 4: Part 1 | Post-Pandemic Building Issues, Cybersecurity, & Intelligent Amenities - Overview

February 1, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings & Connected Homes

Host James Carlini of Carlini and Associates and contributor to International Policy Digest and the American Intelligence Journal and guest Isiah Jones of Applied Integrated Technologies (AIT) discuss cybersecurity for smart buildings and homes and provide pragmatic insights into issues and concerns facing all property management companies and real estate owners and tenants who utilize their buildings and facilities. Read more. Contact James Carlini and Isiah Jones

Episode 3: Understanding the Changing Landscape of Intelligent Commercial Buildings

January 16, 2023 | Intelligent Buildings

ASHB’s episode on Smart Buildings hosted by Anto Budiardjo, CEO at Padi.io and Host/Moderator of Monday Live! and guests Jim Lee, CEO at Cimetrics, and Rick Justis, Managing Director at Coalition for Smarter Buildings (C4SB) discuss current industry changes, challenges, and trends leading up to the ASHB endorsed Smarter Summit being held at AHR in Atlanta this February. Read more. Contact Anto Budiardjo, Jim Lee, Rick Justis

Episode 2: Extending the Smart Grid to Consumers

October 26, 2022 | Connected Homes

ASHB’s episode on connected homes hosted by Bob Allan of NAVCO and guest Dr. Kenneth Wacks of Ken Wacks Associates examines the history of the smart grid and its impact on homeowners today. Read more.

Episode 1: Understanding the Language Around Today's Intelligent Buildings

July 4, 2022 | Intelligent Buildings

ASHB’s premier podcast episode on Intelligent buildings hosted by Bob Allan of NAVCO and guest Tim Vogel of KMC Controls define the intelligent building space, the language around intelligent buildings and how instrumental that language is in including the right people in the conversation. Read more.