The Digital Built Forum (DBF) Podcast explores digital and data innovation in the built environment. Join Adam and Gavin as they discuss everything from the planning and design of public places and spaces, to the operation and maintenance of infrastructure assets. Guest commentators join the hosts who represent policy making, professional practice and academia. The podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum, an engagement platform to help drive a digital built environment. See: www.digitalbuiltforum.com
Built for Digital – Episode 2: "AI for Real" In this episode, Adam sits down with Gavin to cut through the hype and talk about what's actually happening with AI in the built environment. Drawing on lessons from the smart cities and IoT eras, we explore the real opportunities, the pitfalls, and the practical steps organisations need to take right now. In this episode: How AI compares (and mirrors) past tech trends like smart cities and digital twins Real AI applications in planning, asset lifecycle management and more Why "if data's a mess, AI will be a mess" Agile proof-of-concept vs. lengthy business cases — what actually works Governance, leadership and the rise of the Chief AI Officer Job displacement vs. augmentation: what's really happening? The surprising lack of a national AI industry body in Australia DBF's new guidance paper for the built environment sector
In the first episode of the Built for Digital series, Adam and Gavin sit down to take an honest look back at the smart cities era — what was promised, what was funded, and what actually delivered.From Australia's $50M federal investment to smart bins, smart parking, and smart barbecues, they unpack why so many initiatives collapsed the moment the funding dried up — and why the industry keeps making the same mistakes with each new wave of technology.They also dig into:• Why most smart city pilots led nowhere• Data quality: still the #1 Achilles' heel in 2026• The AI pilot problem — innovation theatre vs. real transformation• Why org structure and C-suite leadership are the real blockersThe verdict? The tech was never the hard part. Sorting your data out — and knowing why you're doing this — still is.
2025 was a breakthrough year for Digital Built Forum—from rebranding to launching their first in-person event, the SEQ 2032 Digital Assembly, which drew 90+ industry leaders to Brisbane. Hosts Gavin and Adam reflect on their podcast series exploring asset management and agentic AI, international training across three continents, and whether we've hit the ceiling on generative AI or if real transformation is still coming. For 2026, they're going bigger: Digital Assembly expands to Melbourne in May to tackle housing, precinct and infrastructure challenges, plus deep-dive podcast series on energy, water, and transportation. They're heading Stateside do undertakr LA 28 Olympics research to gather insights for Brisbane 2032, as well as launching two communities of practice to break down industry silos. If you're navigating technology, infrastructure, and leadership in the built environment, this episode is your roadmap for the year ahead. The DBF Podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this kick-off episode of the "Digital Games Dispatch" series, hosts Adam Beck and Gavin Cotterill dive into the evolving role of digital enablement in the context of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Drawing on their recent experiences and insights from past events—including the Sydney, London, Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Games—they discuss how digital and data-driven strategies have transformed everything from planning and operations to legacy and fan experience. The conversation highlights the pivotal shift seen at the Paris 2024 Games, where digital integration moved beyond infrastructure to become embedded in workflows and decision-making. Adam and Gavin explore the unique opportunities and challenges facing South East Queensland as it prepares for the 2032 Games, emphasising the importance of procurement, fan experience, operational efficiency, and, above all, strong governance and leadership. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how digital innovation can create lasting legacies, the critical role of government in driving intelligent digital strategies, and the vision for making Brisbane 2032 the most "visible" and transparent Games yet. The episode sets the stage for future interviews and discussions leading up to the SEQ 2032 Digital Assembly in Brisbane in November, and beyond. The DBF Podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
Welcome to another episode of Season 6 of the Digital Built Forum podcast! In this episode. Host Adam Beck sits down with Katherine Tobias , co-founder and CEO of InsightWise . They discuss Katherine's journey from leading Smart Cities initiatives at KPMG to creating the leading platform for consultants and strategy teams globally with Insight wise. Katherine shares insights on how AI is disrupting the consulting industry, the importance of blending digital and human intelligence, and the role of specialised AI tools in enhancing strategic analysis. They also dive into the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, the future of work, and what lies ahead for Insight wise in the next 6-12 months. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the rapid evolution of AI in the consulting world. Here's what you will find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Katherine's Journey and Insight Wise 03:04 The Evolution of AI in Consulting 06:45 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 11:40 Customer Insights and AI Implementation 18:05 The Future of Work and AI 25:43 Rapid Technological Advancements 34:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBF Podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this episode of the Digital Built Forum podcast, co-host Adam Beck sits down with J acy Macnee , a seasoned urban planner and the planning lead for the Land IQ platform at Property and Development New South Wales. Together, they discuss the influence of artificial intelligence on urban planning, Jacy's career trajectory, and the future of planning technology. Jacy shares insights on how AI is transforming the workplace, the opportunities it creates for evidence-based planning, and the impact of maintaining an innovative mindset. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about the intersection of urban planning, technology, and AI. Here's what you will find in this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Digital Built Forum Podcast 01:07 Introducing Jacy Macnee: A Planner's Journey 04:05 From Policy to Tech: Jacy's Career Evolution 08:42 The Impact of AI on Planning 11:51 Navigating the AI Revolution in the Workplace 15:48 The Future of Planning with AI 21:24 Mindset Shifts and Embracing AI 27:00 Reflections and Career Advice 39:33 The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption 43:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBF Podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
Welcome to Season 6 of the DBF Podcast. Join us as we explore the future of the workplace and the role of artificial intelligence (AI). In this insightful episode, Gavin sits down with Mark Cameron , CEO and Director of Alyve, to discuss the future of the workplace with the integration of AI. Mark shares his expertise on the leadership and strategy challenges surrounding AI adoption, highlighting how treating AI as a capacity enhancer rather than just a tool for automation can lead to significant returns on investment. They discuss the evolving landscape of professional services, the potential impact of AI on consulting roles, the importance of developing an AI mindset, and how AI agents are reshaping organisational structures. Mark also offers practical advice for upskilling and adapting to these technological shifts, making it a must-listen for professionals at any career stage. Here's what you will find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 The Future of Work with AI 01:29 Challenges in AI Adoption 05:13 AI in Professional Services 11:51 AI Agents and Their Impact 14:57 Validating AI Outputs 20:24 AI's Role in Organisational Models 23:09 Risks and Concerns with AI 30:39 Upskilling for the AI Era 36:45 Future Predictions and Conclusion The DBF Podcast is powered by the Digital Built Forum , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this final episode of Season 5 of the Digital Built Australia Podcast, hosts Adam Beck and Gavin Cotterill chat with Tom Kurtz , Vice President for EAM Portfolio Strategy and Enablement at Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence. With over 30 years of experience in asset management, Tomprovides insights into creating a future-ready asset management strategy, the intersection of sustainability and asset management, and the role of data and technology in enhancing operational efficiencies. The discussion also covers the challenges and opportunitiesof digital transformation in asset management, the impact of regulatory compliance on data management, and practical examples of economic and sustainability returns from digital asset management initiatives. Learn valuable tips for navigating a successful digital asset management strategy and understand how to align business drivers with technology goals. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the DBA Podcast 00:40 Meet Tom Kurtz: A Veteran in Asset Management 02:35 Discussing Future-Ready Asset Management Strategies 03:22 The Role of Sustainability in Asset Management 09:41 Strategic vs. Technical Approaches in Digital Initiatives 15:06 The Importance of Data in Asset Management 22:31 Technological Tools and Innovations in AssetManagement 23:30 Exploring Digital Twin and Asset Management 24:48 Economic and Sustainability Impacts of IoT and DigitalTwin 29:45 Cynicism vs Optimism in Technology Adoption 37:27 Asset Management for Brisbane 2032 Olympics 43:35 Key Advice for Digital Asset Management Strategy 46:08 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by HexagonAsset Lifecycle Intelligence .
Welcome to Season 5 of the DBA Podcast! In this episode, Gavin sits down with Patrick Bossert and Martin Blyth to unpack the intersections of digital and data within operations and maintenance. As AI continues to evolve, they explore how generative AI, machine learning, digital twins, and data governance are reshaping asset management. Discover the various applications of these technologies, the challenges of integrating them, and the strategic insights required for their effective deployment. Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with expert advice and practical examples. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:44 The Role of AI in Asset Management 03:48 Understanding Machine Learning vs. AI 06:12 Customer Perspectives on AI 08:44 Challenges in Data Governance 15:30 Strategic Leadership and Data Value 21:34 Digital Twins in Operations and Maintenance 30:26 Advice for Implementing New Technologies 37:04 The Future Impact of AI on O&M 41:57 Conclusion and Closing Remarks The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence .
In this special 50th episode of the Digital Built Australia(DBA) Podcast, co-hosts Adam Beck and Gavin Cotterill celebrate their milestone with a lively and thought-provoking reflection on their journey. The duo discusses the highs and lows of producing the podcast over the last three years. They delve into their favourite episodes, unexpected moments, and insights frominterviews while addressing some critical yet often ignored industry issues. With AI-generated questions on hand, Adam and Gavin navigate a discussion on the challenges and achievements in digital transformation in the built environment. They contemplate the future of digital advancements, including AI, digital twins, and ambient sensing, offering their candidopinions on the industry's progress and pitfalls. Join them for an engaging celebration filled with laughs,reflections, and projections as they look ahead to the next phase of TEMPO Institute and its impact on the built environment landscape. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:48 Celebrating 50 Episodes 01:14 AI-Generated Questions 02:15 Reflecting on Tempo Institute's Journey 02:51 Unexpected Moments and Reflections 09:07 Digital Transformation in the Built Environment 10:38 Challenges and Advice for TEMPO 15:10 Current State of Digital Transformation 18:35 Local Government and Digital Dark Ages 19:54 Tempo Initiatives and Industry Resistance 24:19 Challenging Traditional Event Models 26:42 Future Vision: TEMPO’s Moonshot 28:22 Communicating Clearly in a Digital World 30:06 Building a Community and Preparing for AI 31:55 The Importance of Data in Digital Transformation 35:19 Skills for Future Digital Leaders 38:07 Advocacy and Strategic Leadership 40:02 Industry's Unspoken Truths 43:03 Closing Reflections and Future Predictions The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute ,an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this latest episode of the Digital Built Australia podcast, Adam sits down with Supratim Mukhopadhyay from Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence to explore the evolution of asset management. They delve into the transition from reactive to predictive decision-making in asset management, discussing the role of data, IoT, and AI in this transformation. Supratim shares his expertise on best practices, sector maturity, and the impact of technology on maintenance strategies. Whether you're in transportation, water management, or energy, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leveraging data for sustainable and efficient operations. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the DBA Podcast 01:47 Data-Driven Decision Making in Asset Management 03:01 The Evolution of Maintenance Practices 11:28 The Role of IoT and Sensors 17:06 Human Element in Asset Management 24:09 Industry Maturity in Data-Driven Decision Making 28:18 Impact of AI on Asset Management 33:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence .
In this episode of the Digital Built Australia podcast, Gavin dives into how digital technologies and data insights can enhance productivity and sustainability in asset management. He is joined by Chris Bridge , Principal for Asset Strategy and Improvement at SEQ Water, and Dennis Janossich , a seasoned solutions architect with Hexagon with over 30 years of experience. The conversation focuses on the current state and future of smart infrastructure, the rise of AI-driven operations, and the critical foundations needed to support new technologies. Key topics include the importance of accurate data, the cautious adoption of AI, and the real-world challenges and opportunities in implementing these innovations in utilities and other sectors. Here's what you'll find in this episode:00:00 Introduction to the DBA Podcast 00:37 Meet the Guests: Chris Bridge and Dennis Janno 02:08 The Importance of Data Quality in Asset Management 07:03 AI and Predictive Maintenance: Opportunities and Challenges 21:41 Implementing AI: Proof of Concept vs. Full Deployment 25:12 Future of AI in Asset Management 36:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence .
Adam chats with Jeff Sharp from Hexagon about digital twin technology. They dive into Hexagon's recently published Digital Twin Industry Report , exploring its key findings and discussing the evolving role of AI. They also provide industry-specific insights and explore the untapped potential for small to medium-sized businesses. Additionally, they highlight the ongoing challenges with data quality and collaboration in the AEC sector and discuss the benefits of digital twins in reducing cost overruns on large projects like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Digital Futures in Operations andMaintenance 00:43 Exploring the Digital Twin Industry Report 03:18 Expectation vs. Reality in Digital Twins 04:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Transformation 18:10 AI's Role in Digital Twins 31:08 Sector-Specific Insights and Untapped Potential 38:11 Government and Digital Transformation 45:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence .
Welcome to Season 5 of the Digital Built Australia (DBA)Podcast - a deep dive into the world of digital asset management, presented by Hexagon . In this episode, hosts Gavin and Adam are joined by Jeff Sharp from Hexagon to discuss the evolving landscape of digital asset management and current issues and trends. They delve deeply into the current state of the industry, capital investment challenges, and the vital role of data in driving digital transformation. Key discussions include the importance of data quality, breaking down data silos, and the impact of AI and digital twins on optimising operations and maintenance. The episode also highlights the need for innovative procurement approaches and the future role of technology in enhancing productivity and sustainability in the infrastructure and built environment sectors. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with expert perspectives and industry best practices. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Welcome to Season Five 00:35 Introducing Hexagon and Jeff Sharp 00:45 Current State of the Industry 04:08 Focus on Data and Digital Transformation 09:11 Challenges and Resistance to Change 11:01 The Role of Business Cases 14:14 ESG and Sustainability in Asset Management 22:44 Technology and Digital Twin Implementation 25:23 Future of AI and Automation 33:30 Key Insights for Starting a Digital Journey 35:56 Procurement and Market Innovation 42:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment. Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence .
Welcome to the final Digital Build Week 2025 session, hosted by TEMPO Institute. This episode dives into a packed agenda covering innovation, AI, digital twins, and the importance of proof of concepts. The session features esteemed panellists (James Strutt, Meredith Hodgman and Kelly Henderson) discussing the crux of failed technology programs, the importance of leadership and advocacy, and the role of digital literacy in successful digital transformations. The panel also explores AI's impact, the need for organisational culture shifts, and the role of change management. With input from live audience polls and interactive Q&A, this session provides valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively leveraging technology in the built environment. DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
Join in for an insightful Digital Built Week 2025 session hosted by TEMPO that delves deep into digital precinct planning, focusing on the Brisbane 2032 Games. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, including James Mulligan, Lucy Booth, Ed Jennings, Chris Isles, and Susan Skuodas, the panel discusses the current state, emerging solutions, and future directions for integrating digital technologies in precinct planning. Tune in to hear about the latest in digital transformation, innovative practices, and the crucial role of data, community trust, and legacy in shaping our precincts. Don't miss this engaging conversation that balances technical depth and strategic foresight. DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
Join the TEMPO team and a panel of experts at Digital Built Week 2025 as they dive into AI and Agentic AI applications in the built environment. The opening session to the week features insightful discussions on agentic AI, digital twins, and practical examples from industry professionals like Harmon Singh, Rob Price, and Angkana Whiley. Learn about the potential of AI in transforming our cities, understand the challenges of data governance, and explore the skills needed for the future. Don't miss this engaging start to a series of sessions dedicated to innovation in digital development and urban planning. DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
Join us for a captivating episode of the DBA Podcast as we delve into the concept of agentic AI and its implications for the built environment and our cities. Host Gavin discusses with Rob the emergence of agentic AI, how it integrates with existing tools and large language models, and its potential to revolutionize various sectors, including capital project delivery. The conversation touches on the practical applications, challenges, and the future trajectory of agentic AI, offering valuable insights for those curious about the intersection of AI and urban development. Learn about the transformative power of AI in enhancing decision-making, optimising business processes, and creating hybrid workforces. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI integration within the built environment. Here's what's inside: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:12 Understanding Agentic AI 03:22 Applications and Benefits of Agentic AI 05:15 Human-AI Collaboration 06:54 Challenges and Concerns 14:17 Real-World Implementations 20:29 Data and AI Integration 33:05 Future of Agentic AI 37:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this episode of the DBA Podcast, Adam interviews Will Cavendish, the Global Digital Leader at Arup. Will shares his journey from DeepMind to Arup and discusses the revolutionary impact of AI on the built environment. He explores the rapid adoption of AI technologies, the role of large language models, and the profound opportunities AI presents for sustainable design and infrastructure. The episode also delves into the global landscape of AI adoption, the internal capability development at Arup, and the future prospects for AI in various sectors. Here's what's inside: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:26 Early AI Experiences and Observations 04:20 AI's Role in the Built Environment 15:22 Global Perspectives on AI Adoption 24:44 Future of AI and Consulting 31:08 Looking Ahead to 2025 32:58 Conclusion and Farewell DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
In this episode, we delve into the world of artificial intelligence with Jeff, a seasoned expert with a unique perspective. Jeff debunks the exaggerated claims surrounding generative AI and discusses its real economic impact. He explains why AI won't revolutionise every industry overnight, pointing to the hype-driven narratives and the importance of focusing on realistic, practical applications. Jeff also shares insights on how businesses should approach adopting AI, stressing the need for quality data and gradual implementation. This episode provides a balanced, thoughtful analysis of AI's current and future landscape. Here’s what’s inside: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 The AI Hype: Reality vs. Expectations 02:19 Generative AI: Current Impact and Future Potential 04:29 AI in Different Sectors: Opportunities and Limitations 20:08 The Role of Data in AI Success 26:26 Skepticism and Realism in AI Development 30:25 Future Outlook and Conclusion DBA is powered by TEMPO Institute , an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.
