To me, Future Ready involves how an owner wants a building to perform over time and what systems we can provide to help them get there. Our team offers a breadth of expertise that can contribute to an owner’s Future Ready goals, such as electrification and decarbonization plans. Historically, systems like building automation and lighting control were closed and static. Now these same systems can gather and communicate data that owners can use to improve processes and reduce operational costs over time.

In healthcare, for example, our BTS team, part of Building Specialties, is implementing integrated solutions involving nurse call systems, access control systems, elevator controls, and real-time locating systems that “talk” to each other to reduce healthcare staff response times and improve patient care delivery. Our commissioning team, also part of the specialties group, can leverage building management system data by using continuous commissioning systems to predict heating, ventilation and air conditioning system component maintenance needs or premature equipment failure. Additionally, our sustainability team can leverage this same software to identify and implement energy-saving operational sequences.

Further, Future Ready thinking within WSP allows us to accommodate new specialties that come to the forefront, including systems integration and AI for design and operations. We’re able to anticipate and respond to market demands while maintaining our position as a trusted advisor to owners.

Professionally, I like to see a client’s staff move into a new space and be in awe experiencing a space that works better for them and responds to their needs. University of California, Irvine (UCI) Medical Center is the country’s first all-electric hospital and though it’s still under construction, the client and staff are so happy. That campus is the most tech-integrated we’ve ever designed, with solutions developed in partnership with the client that will serve the people of Orange County for generations. Those kinds of places, where staff and community are positively impacted, are my favorite.

Personally, I believe that a place is somewhere where the environment welcomes me, and where I can feel my stress level decrease. That feeling can come from good design, light, or the way a space works. Going deeper, a place is where we make memories. My favorite place is near Tunnels Beach in Kauai, a place I like to stay with my family. Funnily enough, there’s no real technology there – thankfully the wi-fi is slow and cell data coverage is non-existent. It’s the perfect place to relax.