Thrive In Construction with Darren Evans

Darren Evans
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'Thrive in Construction' is the only podcast that delves into the personal journeys of sustainability leaders and innovators in the construction industry across the UK. Our show differentiates by offering unscripted, passion-fueled conversations that go beyond the buzzwords to the heart of what's driving the industry forward. It's tailored for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and anyone with a keen interest in the sustainable evolution of construction. We're here at a time when the call for sustainable development is not just a trend, but a societal imperative, empowering listeners to build a career that contributes to a greener future.

  1. 11月3日

    Ep. 92 Build Test Solution's Luke Smith on Measurement, Retrofit & the Future Home Standard

    Send us a text How do we close the gap between how buildings are designed and how they actually perform? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Luke Smith, CEO of Build Test Solutions, about his journey from architectural technologist to industry innovator—developing new tools that make it easier, faster, and more accurate to measure real building performance. Luke explains why measurement must become mainstream if we’re serious about net zero, retrofit quality, and energy efficiency and how Build Test Solutions is helping the industry move from guesswork to evidence. Key Highlights • From RAF Childhood to Retrofit Pioneer – Luke’s early influences, his practical mindset, and how hands-on curiosity shaped his career in sustainability and building science. • The Birth of Build Test Solutions – How a university PhD project became Pulse, an innovative air-tightness testing system now adopted in UK building regulations. • Beyond Air Testing – Developing a suite of new tools for measuring heat loss, ventilation, and real-world performance across homes and non-domestic buildings. • The Performance Gap Problem – Why most new builds and retrofits don’t meet design targets—and how measurement can help bridge the gap between theory and reality. • Measurement in Practice – How Pulse compares to blower door tests, the benefits of speed, simplicity, and accuracy, and how it’s transforming compliance testing. • Retrofit, Heat Pumps & Reality – How measuring heat transfer and real energy use helps optimise retrofit strategies, validate carbon savings, and right-size heating systems. • Future Home Standard & What’s Next – Why the next decade of construction will depend on measurable proof of performance—and how smart data will empower consumers, not just developers. This conversation is essential for construction professionals, sustainability leaders, retrofit coordinators, and anyone passionate about smarter, data-driven delivery in the built environment. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Luke Smith's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsmith88/ Build Test Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/build-test-solutions/ Build Test Solutions Website: https://www.buildtestsolutions.com/ Support the show

    53 分钟

  2. 10月27日

    Ep. 91 Designing Spaces for Learning | Kevin Higgs on Safety, Purpose & Net Zero

    Send us a text How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability. After a career in property and retail development—including nearly a decade at Tesco—Kevin joined Happy Days Nurseries to help shape spaces that support both children’s growth and environmental responsibility. From designing safe, nurturing spaces to embedding sustainability in every project, Kevin shares what it takes to build for purpose rather than profit. Key Highlights • From Retail to Early Years – Why Kevin left corporate development to work in education, and how purpose reshaped his career. • Safety & Responsibility – How safeguarding and building compliance underpin every decision when designing nurseries for young children. • Designing for Education, Not Efficiency – Balancing open, flexible learning spaces with the technical challenges of heating, cooling, and sustainability. • Human-Centred Design – Why architects and contractors must see buildings through a child’s eyes—every corner, height, and transition matters. • Sustainability in Practice – From “last-person-out” switches to all-electric systems and BMS controls, how small details make a big difference. • Building Relationships – What makes great partnerships between clients, developers, and contractors—and why shared values matter as much as capability. • Purpose & Impact – How Happy Days uses its buildings and curriculum to teach sustainability, connect generations, and shape lifelong habits. This episode is essential for architects, developers, sustainability professionals, and anyone designing for people, not just profit. Kevin’s insights reveal how thoughtful property decisions can create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-higgs-30119590/ Happy Days Nurseries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-days-nurseries-south-west-ltd/posts/?feedView=all Happy Days Nurseries Website: https://happydaysnurseries.com/ #Sustainability #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #EarlyYearsEducation #HappyDaysNurseries #BuildingDesign #NetZero #HealthyBuildings #PropertyDevelopment #BuiltEnvironment #SafetyFirst Support the show

    38 分钟

  3. 10月20日

    Ep. 90 Andy Hay on Sustainability’s Next Chapter & Leadership in Uncertain Times

    Send us a text How do we keep moving forward in an uncertain world? And what does true leadership look like in sustainability and construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Andy Hay, Managing Director at Hollis, about leadership, adaptability, and thriving through change. From starting his career at Adidas to leading one of the UK’s most respected real-estate consultancies, Andy shares powerful lessons on agency, mindset, and the courage to keep evolving. Key Highlights • The Toblerone Philosophy – Why every challenge can be approached three ways: like it, change it, or deal with it—and how this mindset builds agency and resilience. • From Adidas to Hollis – Andy’s unconventional journey across industries—from sport and finance to real estate—and what he’s learned about transferable skills and reinvention. • Change & Adaptability – Why shifting roles and “changing lanes” is vital for both personal growth and organisational innovation. • Leadership in Sustainability – How today’s turbulence in the net-zero and ESG space could signal maturity, not decline—and why the sector must refocus on what truly drives impact. • Dealing with Uncertainty – Navigating market shifts, political instability, and evolving business priorities with optimism and ownership. • Raising Standards & Taking Ownership – Why success comes from effort, consistency, and leaning in fully to your goals and responsibilities. This conversation is a masterclass in resilient leadership, career reinvention, and finding opportunity in uncertainty, essential listening for sustainability professionals, business leaders, and anyone committed to growth in the built environment.  #Leadership #Sustainability #ThriveInConstruction #ChangeManagement #CareerGrowth #RealEstate #Hollis #BuiltEnvironment #Resilience #NetZero #ConstructionPodcast  If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Andy Hay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hay-8bb57221/ Hollis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollis-global/ Hollis Website: https://www.hollisglobal.com/ Support the show

    36 分钟

  4. 10月13日

    Ep. 89 Rethinking Risk & Change: Bryony Coombs on Construction Innovation

    Send us a text How can AI, emotional intelligence, and better communication transform the future of construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans sits down with Bryony Coombs, civil engineer and Director at ALICE Technologies, to explore how innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking are shaping the next generation of the built environment. Bryony shares her journey from graduating as a civil engineer to becoming a leader in construction technology. She reflects on the challenges of entering a male-dominated industry, the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices, and how AI can revolutionize project planning—without replacing the people who make it all possible. Key Highlights • Women in Construction – Why inclusion isn’t just about representation, but about creating environments where everyone feels safe to contribute and thrive. • Reverse Mentoring in Action – How pairing junior women with senior leaders builds empathy, understanding, and better decision-making. • Demystifying AI in Construction – What ALICE Technologies does to optimize schedules, reduce inefficiency, and help engineers focus on problem-solving rather than admin. • Risk, Flow & Innovation – How Bryony’s experiences in skiing and rugby taught her to balance calculated risk with creativity, mirroring the innovation construction needs to move forward. • Emotional Intelligence & Communication – The most underrated skills in engineering—and why mastering them accelerates both careers and culture change. • The Future of Work – Why embracing digitization and AI is not about losing jobs, but about unlocking time, creativity, and human potential. This episode is essential for construction professionals, engineers, tech innovators, and diversity advocates who believe that progress in the built environment starts with courage, communication, and curiosity. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Bryony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryony-coombs/ ALICE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alice-technologies-inc/ ALICE Website: https://www.alicetechnologies.com/home #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #AIinConstruction #DigitalTransformation #EngineeringLeadership #ALICETechnologies #Innovation #DiversityInSTEM #BuiltEnvironment Support the show

    51 分钟

  5. 10月6日

    Ep. 88 Retrofit, Data & Community: Mark Allen on Future-Proofing Housing

    Send us a text How do we retrofit homes to be sustainable, affordable, and truly comfortable for the people living in them? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mark Allen, Head of Technical Services at Fortem, about the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting social housing and delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments. With decades of experience in retrofit, asset management, and technical strategy, Mark explores how to move beyond compliance and tick-box exercises to create homes where people thrive. He argues that the real conversation isn’t fabric first vs fabric fifth—but about finding the optimal retrofit strategy that balances energy efficiency, comfort, cost, and long-term asset value. Key Highlights: • Fabric First vs Fabric Fifth: Why the debate misses the point—and why optimization is key to healthier, more efficient homes. • Social Housing & Fuel Poverty: The hidden costs of mould, damp, and poor ventilation—and how better housing design can reduce NHS pressures and asthma rates. • Data-Driven Retrofit: Using asset management insights to reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve building performance. • Community & Comfort: How engaging residents creates pride, reduces rent arrears, and improves wellbeing. • New Build vs Retrofit: Why retrofit is essential for net zero, with 80% of UK housing stock still standing in 2050—and why demolition carries major embodied carbon risks. • Future of Retrofit: From post-occupancy evaluations to smarter monitoring, how housing providers can deliver better outcomes for tenants and clients. This conversation is essential for housing associations, construction professionals, architects, sustainability consultants, and policymakers who want to understand how retrofit can drive both social value and climate action. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-a-7524778/ Fortem Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortem-solutions/ Fortem Solutions Website: https://www.fortem.co.uk/ Support the show

    39 分钟

  6. 9月29日

    Ep. 87 How Octopus Energy Is Powering Net Zero Homes | Emma Fletcher

    Send us a text Can we truly create homes with no energy bills while tackling climate change at scale? In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, about her journey from rural surveyor to national leader in sustainable housing. Emma shares the bold innovations behind Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes, reflects on her pioneering work building one of the UK’s first rural district heat networks, and explains why community-driven projects and visionary developers are key to the energy transition. Key Highlights: From Rural Surveyor to Climate Leader: How Emma’s career journey led to transforming communities through land, development, and low carbon innovation.Taking a Village Off Oil: The story behind creating the UK’s first rural district heat network, proving community-scale solutions are possible.Zero Bills Homes Explained: How solar, storage, and heat pumps combine to eliminate household energy bills for up to 10 years.Future Homes Standard & Solar at Scale: Why developers must think beyond compliance and embrace full-roof solar and future-proof designs.Community Action & Funding: Why climate solutions need local champions, strong teams, and innovative funding pathways.Second Careers in Construction: Why Emma believes the industry should welcome talent from diverse backgrounds and promote new pathways into sustainable construction.This conversation is a must-watch for developers, architects, policymakers, housing associations, and sustainability leaders looking to shape the future of homes and communities. Links: Emma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmafletchercambridge/Octopus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/octopusenergy/Octopus Website: https://octopus.energy/careers/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=learn_more_button#ZeroBillsHomes #NetZeroHousing #ThriveInConstruction #OctopusEnergy #CommunityEnergy #FutureHomesStandard #ConstructionPodcast #BuiltEnvironment Support the show

    38 分钟

  7. 9月22日

    Ep. 86 Future-Proofing Housing: Mohamed Gaafar on Solar, Storage & Net Zero

    Send us a text How do we make the energy transition accessible, affordable, and scalable for millions of homes? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mohamed Gaafar, CEO & Founder of Gryd, a company transforming the way new homes access renewable energy. After a career designing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across the UK, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, Mohamed left consultancy to build Gryd—an innovative model that installs solar and battery systems on new-build homes without upfront costs. By shifting energy from a hardware investment to a subscription model, Gryd is making the benefits of renewables accessible for homeowners while helping developers future-proof housing stock. Key Highlights: The Energy Transition Challenge: Why most homeowners can’t afford the £10–15k upfront for renewables—and how Gryd removes this barrier.Gryd’s Innovative Model: Solar + storage provided at zero hardware cost, with a monthly subscription similar to broadband or Netflix.Future-Proofing New Builds: Why putting just 2–4 solar panels on a roof isn’t enough—and how Gryd scales systems up to cover 70–75% of household needs.Learning from Global Experience: Mohamed’s insights from Saudi Arabia and Sudan on designing for extreme climates and building resilient infrastructure.Advice for Developers & Buyers: Why regulations should be seen as a minimum, and how to make better long-term decisions on housing and energy.Entrepreneurial Lessons: From conviction to resilience, Mohamed shares what it takes to leave a stable career and build a mission-driven company.This conversation is essential for developers, policymakers, sustainability leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of housing and energy. #NetZeroHomes #ThriveInConstruction #EnergyInnovation #SolarPower #SustainableHousing #ConstructionPodcast #GrydEnergy #FutureOfHousing #BuiltEnvironment  Support the show

    46 分钟

  8. 9月15日

    Ep. 85 Unlocking Development: Rights of Light & Future-Proofing with Barney Soanes-Cundle

    Send us a text How can the construction industry balance legal risk, sustainability, and innovation while designing buildings for people? In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Barney Soanes-Cundle, Senior Associate at Hollis, to explore how rights of light, ESG, and technological change are reshaping modern development.  With nearly 10 years’ experience in Neighborly Matters and a passion for creating better, future-proof buildings, Barney breaks down complex legal frameworks, explains why early engagement is crucial, and shares how to align traditional practices with today’s sustainability demands. Key Highlights: - From Interior Design to Rights of Light: How a non-traditional path led Barney to become a specialist in neighborly matters, daylight, and rights of light. - Why Rights of Light Still Matters: The legal risks developers can’t ignore—and how early planning avoids costly delays. - Old Laws vs. Modern Needs: Why 100-year-old light standards no longer reflect today’s reality and how the industry can evolve. - Sustainability & ESG in Practice: Why ESG must move from a bolt-on to an integrated mindset in construction. - Innovation & People-First Design: Using technology, data, and European-inspired urban design to create resilient, enjoyable buildings. Packed with practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and real-world examples, this episode is for developers, architects, consultants, and anyone who wants to shape the future of the built environment. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Barney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barney-soanes-cundle/ Hollis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollis-global/ Hollis Website: https://www.hollisglobal.com/ #RightsOfLight #DaylightDesign #ConstructionPodcast #ESGInConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #SustainableDevelopment #NeighborlyMatters #ThriveInConstruction #ConstructionInnovation Support the show

    42 分钟
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'Thrive in Construction' is the only podcast that delves into the personal journeys of sustainability leaders and innovators in the construction industry across the UK. Our show differentiates by offering unscripted, passion-fueled conversations that go beyond the buzzwords to the heart of what's driving the industry forward. It's tailored for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and anyone with a keen interest in the sustainable evolution of construction. We're here at a time when the call for sustainable development is not just a trend, but a societal imperative, empowering listeners to build a career that contributes to a greener future.

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