Associate Director of AV/IT services, Fit out, UK
I first ventured into the tech and AV sector in the early nineties, when I started out as a lighting and laser operator for events, night clubs and theatres. The tech industry was still regarded as a novelty field. One of my first jobs was working as part of the digital effects crew for Elton John’s 1992 UK tour which was an amazing experience.
My first project as a lead engineer was with the Royal Opera House, managing the digital infrastructure of their projects. From there I progressed into project management of audio-visual equipment and technology for interiors.
I joined Mace when I was offered the opportunity to head up AV/IT services for the interiors business and so far, it's been a fantastic journey.
I work with a great team who are all experts in their field. No day is the same, one day I’ll be working on an exciting proposal and the next day I’ll be managing a complex cutting-edge tech installation. Audiovisual technology has a real impact on how offices operate today.
My role is all about creating a seamless digital experience and finding interactive solutions to support remote collaboration and bring everyone from different locations together as one team.
With the coronavirus pandemic changing the way people work, digital experiences are now more important than ever and it’s fascinating to play such a key role in reshaping and adapting workplaces.
Being part of winning a bid is always a proud achievement. Our success is testament to the great teamwork and diverse skillset. I was really proud when we won a high-end fit out job for a leading global professional services company, where we delivered state-of-the-art digital collaboration spaces.
Today’s biggest challenge is the complexity and multitude of audiovisual systems and applications that we have to integrate into client IT networks.
I’m currently working on a large scale office fit out with over 60 digitally enabled smart meeting rooms, all of them with multiple video conference applications and touchscreens to control the building management systems. The meeting rooms are equipped with a passive infrared motion detector that detects physical presence and will notify the building system if a booked room is unoccupied. It means the room will be released back into the booking system and all digital functions will be switched off to save energy and reduce the environmental footprint.
I’ve been working in the digital space for over a decade now and with the latest technological advances we are now at the forefront to deliver digitally enabled smart buildings to create the best possible workplace experience. It’s a really exciting time for us and our clients.
I love to cook modern British food and entertain friends and family. And with both my children past their teens, it's given me the opportunity to get back into golf now my active footballing days are behind me.
I probably would have continued to work in events on the technology side. My father worked in events, so I was exposed from an early age.