Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast

Distilled Buildings Tech
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail. Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation. Pour yourself a glass and join us.

  1. Sip'N'Security Crossover Episode

    12/22/2025 ·  Video

    Sip'N'Security Crossover Episode

    In this special crossover episode, Distilled Buildings Tech joins forces with Sip'N'Security for a candid conversation that blends smart buildings, cybersecurity, OT/IT convergence, and exceptional whiskey. What begins as a bottle share quickly evolves into a deep, practical discussion on identity, segmentation, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the built environment. 🥃 What’s in the Glass Sam Houston 15 Year (103 proof) – rich, dark, and bold Penelope Cigar Series & Old Fashioned – dangerously smooth favorites International pours from Iceland and Colorado Award-winning rye and seasonal holiday selections Bonus: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and creative cocktail ideas👥 Hosts & Guests Jason Shearer – Distilled Buildings Tech Akram (AK) Khalis – Distilled Buildings Tech Justin Fields – Sip'N'Security Dave Abbott – Sip'N'Security🧠 Topics Covered🔐 IT & OT Security Convergence Why segmentation remains one of the hardest OT challenges The reality of securing devices with 10–20+ year lifecycles Why many OT vendors still “just want DHCP and outbound access”🆔 Identity First Identity as the foundation of IT and OT security Limits of standards like MUD and real-world adoption challenges The importance of visibility and behavioral profiling over theory🏗️ Cybersecurity in Building Design Why cybersecurity is buried in Division 27 specifications The case for cybersecurity as a first-class building requirement The emerging need for an IT-focused general contractor🤖 AI in Security How AI accelerates both attackers and defenders AI-driven SOCs, anomaly detection, and automation Risks around AI supply chains, model trust, and prompt injection🎧 Podcasting & Community Origin stories behind both shows Lessons learned on platforms, editing, and branding A surprise fan encounter proving the audience is growing🔑 Key Takeaways There is no silver bullet for OT security Identity + visibility outperform rigid architectures Cybersecurity must be addressed early in building design AI is powerful—but only with proper governance and trust

    59 min
  2. Fall Catch Up Episode

    11/18/2025 ·  Video

    Fall Catch Up Episode

    Jason and AK wrap up an action-packed year of travel, customer workshops, and real estate events with a relaxed, guest-free conversation—and a couple pours of Penelope whiskey to stay on brand. 🥃 Whiskey to StartThe episode opens with AK’s Penelope Cigar Series old fashioned (torched orange + maple syrup), and Jason uncorks a Penelope “F-Cancer” collaboration bottle—smooth, complex, and freezer-ready thanks to its higher proof. 🏢 What We’ve Been Up ToAfter 12 guest interviews this season, the hosts reflect on a heavy conference cadence: Realcomm in Savannah, Partner Summit, Panduit GSIC, and Cisco Live Melbourne. They highlight a growing demand from owners, landlords, and tenants for real occupancy intelligence—a shift from buzzwords to practical, data-driven planning. 📈 Market Trends Shaping 2025Occupancy as a PriorityOrganizations want clearer insight into how space is truly used. Wi-Fi telemetry, AI-enabled cameras, and collaboration tools are becoming mainstream inputs for workplace design. Return-to-Office StabilizesMost enterprises now average 3–5 in-office days, especially in Class A markets. Hybrid remains, but the “magnet vs. mandate” era is fading. Hybrid Work 2.0: Humans + AgentsA standout theme: agentic AI. The next wave of buildings must support human teams and digital/robotic agents—requiring higher Wi-Fi density, precision indoor location, and unified data across systems. Energy Pressures & Eco-Mode BuildingsWith electricity demand spiking due to AI data centers, energy optimization is becoming central. HVAC still drives ~60% of building consumption. Tenants increasingly want dynamic “eco modes” tied to occupancy, even when constrained by base-building systems. 🔌 Ecosystem GrowthFault-Managed Power (Class 4) awareness has exploded—over 80% of integrators at GSIC recognized it—showing how energy-efficient, low-voltage infrastructure is going mainstream. Partner ecosystems are also evolving, with more firms building real estate practices alongside IT. 🤝 Breaking Down SilosOne major takeaway from global customer visits: surveillance, workplace tech, access control, and IT teams finally see the value of sharing data. These unified insights drive smarter design decisions and stronger outcomes. 🎧 Closing ThoughtsJason and AK wrap with gratitude for the community, excitement for what’s next, and a toast to a strong close to the year. Follow the show for upcoming episodes and deeper dives into future-proof workplace design.

    53 min
  3. Harnessing the power of the sun and PoE with David Robinson of Mecho

    11/03/2025 ·  Video

    Harnessing the power of the sun and PoE with David Robinson of Mecho

    🥃 Dealer’s ChoiceHosts Jason Shearer and AK kick off Distilled Building Tech with their cocktail ritual. Guest David Robinson, Director of Automation at MECHO, goes classic with an Old Fashioned (Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek). Jason pours Sweetens Cove bourbon aged in sugar-maple barrels, and AK enjoys a Penelope Four Grain. 💡 Guest SpotlightWith over 30 years in lighting and daylight control, David’s career spans South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. He now leads automation for MECHO—part of Springs Window Fashions, the largest window covering manufacturer in the U.S.—bridging the gap between artificial and natural light. ☀️ Controlling the Largest Light SourceDavid explains MECHO’s move from electric lighting to daylight automation. Their SolarTrac system models each building in 3D, tracking the sun’s path and using rooftop radiometers to measure visible, infrared, and UV light. Algorithms compare those readings to ASHRAE standards and dynamically position shades for optimal thermal comfort and daylight balance. 💰 The ROI of Smart ShadingAutomated shading boosts both comfort and savings: Reduces HVAC load by blocking solar heat gain before it enters the space. Dims artificial lighting through daylight harvesting. Saves time and labor—one Los Angeles project saw full payback in under a year from eliminating manual shade adjustments.⚙️ Integration & ControlMECHO systems connect through BACnet, dry contact, or increasingly API integrations. Their Power over Ethernet (PoE) motors provide low-voltage power and addressable control, with each motor supporting up to eight API addresses for flexible zoning and sequencing—mirroring how advanced lighting systems are orchestrated. 🔌 Why PoE?Moving from line voltage to PoE drastically simplifies cabling, lowers installation cost, and enables software-defined control. Each shade motor runs on Cat6 cabling directly from a PoE switch—no heavy conduit, no localized power panels—making systems faster, scalable, and future-proof. 🧠 IT/OT ConvergenceAs networks merge, MECHO designs with full TLS and 802.1X security, ensuring smart building systems meet enterprise cybersecurity standards. The team stresses resilience over isolation—secure, connected automation beats “air-gapped” legacy setups. 🌐 The PoE ConsortiumDavid also serves as President of the PoE Consortium, uniting 30+ companies to set standards, interoperability, and education for PoE. The mission: make low-voltage, network-powered systems mainstream across lighting, shading, and building automation. Learn more at poeconsortium.com and mechosystems.com/poe.

    47 min
  4. The Power of PoE in Modern Finance with Adriaan Klaassen

    10/20/2025 ·  Video

    The Power of PoE in Modern Finance with Adriaan Klaassen

    In this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and AK sit down with Adriaan, CTO of Chardan Capital Markets, to explore how a boutique investment firm reinvented its Manhattan office into a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)–driven smart workspace. From low-voltage lighting to AI-assisted investment strategies, Adriaan shares how converging IT and real estate creates smarter, more efficient environments. 🥃 Episode HighlightsFrom Hockey House to Wall Street CTO: Adriaan’s unconventional path from Rutgers and NJIT to Deloitte and ING taught him the fundamentals of networking, teamwork, and translating between technical and business worlds — a skill that defines his leadership today. The Translator Mindset: Why generalists who “know a little about a lot” thrive in IT-OT convergence. Adrian explains how communication and empathy are now core technical skills — especially as AI reshapes every industry. Smart Buildings Meet Wall Street: Adriaan led a full rebuild of Chardan’s 22,000 sq ft office near Madison Square Garden — powered entirely by Cisco PoE switches, Molex sensors, and Mecho motorized shades. The system delivers massive efficiency gains: 40–50% lower labor costs vs. traditional electrical work VLAN-segmented IoT and production networks Remote management and OTA updates Five 24-port switches powering lighting, shading, and sensors for the entire floorConstruction Challenges & Wins: Joining late in the build forced Adriaan to rethink sequencing and GC relationships. Lesson learned: Include IT from day one — not just for Division 27 wiring. Low-voltage cabling accelerated deployment and simplified the schedule. Operational Intelligence: From programmable light levels to occupancy-based controls, users can personalize spaces instantly. Boardrooms feature Cisco Webex Navigators with preset lighting and shade scenes for meetings or privacy — all IP-controlled. Data-Driven Real Estate: With occupancy analytics, firms can reduce OpEx by dynamically powering down unused floors or restacking employees based on actual utilization. Financial services and healthcare are leading this charge toward intelligent, responsive workplaces. Future of Workspaces: From PoE-powered sit-stand desks to fully flexible office layouts, Adrian envisions environments that reshape themselves daily based on who’s in the office and what work is being done. 💡 Key Takeaways PoE and low-voltage systems simplify design, cut costs, and speed construction. Real-time data enables dynamic energy and occupancy management. Smart offices improve employee experience and financial performance. AI depends on the quality of building data — and modern infrastructure delivers it. Early IT involvement is essential for success.🔗 MentionsCisco, Molex, Mecho, MHT Lighting, and the AV User Group (AVUG) community. 📍 Recorded At MHT Global Corporate Offices — New York City🎧 Listen & ConnectFind Distilled Building Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow, rate, and share — and join the conversation on how IT, real estate, and AI are redefining the future of intelligent buildings.

    53 min
  5. Grappa, Neural Networks & Smarter Buildings with Giovanni Frezza

    10/06/2025 ·  Video

    Grappa, Neural Networks & Smarter Buildings with Giovanni Frezza

    🧊 Overview:In this episode of Distilled Building Tech, Jason and AK welcome Giovanni Frezza, Head of Smart Building at Molex. What starts with a tasting and history of grappa quickly evolves into a compelling discussion on the future of smart buildings, AI-driven optimization, IT/OT convergence, and the changing role of facilities management. From physics labs in Rome to the forefront of digital infrastructure, Giovanni brings a unique, data-informed perspective to how we shape the built environment. 🍇 Grappa & Origins Giovanni shares his love for grappa, Italy’s post-wine distilled spirit. AK and Jason scramble to find their best substitutes. Discussion of varietals, aging, and cultural context.🧪 From Physics to Facilities Giovanni’s early career in theoretical physics and neural networks (studied under Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi). Transition to semiconductors and leading Molex’s Smart Building division.🏢 The Smart Building Imperative Origin of Molex’s CoreSync platform and early collaboration with Cisco. Four core value drivers:Energy efficiency & carbon neutralityPredictive maintenanceOccupant wellness & comfortData-driven optimization🤖 AI & Automation in the Built World LLMs help simplify complex building systems for FMs and stakeholders. Edge ML enables behavior modeling and real-time insights. Comparison to autonomous vehicles—buildings are becoming adaptive, not just automated.🧑‍💼 New Roles, New Realities The rise of the AI-native facility manager. Skills shift as experienced FMs retire and systems grow more complex. AI as a tool—not a replacement—for human decision-making.🌐 IT/OT Convergence Why networked power (PoE) is key to infrastructure design. Successful projects require early collaboration between IT, OT, HR, and real estate. The future is unified racks, segmented networks—like the evolution from legacy telephony to VoIP.🔗 Learn More: Visit molexcs.com to explore the CoreSync platform. Connect with Giovanni Frezza on LinkedIn.🥃 Final Sip:From aged spirits to adaptive systems, Giovanni reminds us that the smartest buildings are the ones designed for people, powered by data, and driven by purpose.

    43 min
  6. Data Driven Decarbonization with Olivier Corradi

    09/22/2025 ·  Video

    Data Driven Decarbonization with Olivier Corradi

    🔥 Episode SummaryIn this energy-rich episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis welcome Olivier Corradi, the founder and CEO of Electricity Maps, to explore how real-time data, open APIs, and machine learning are transforming the energy grid. From wind forecasting in Denmark to predictive emissions data for global grids, Olivier walks us through his journey from math and ML at IBM and Google to launching a startup that’s now powering decisions for the world’s largest companies. He shares how Electricity Maps became the “Google Maps of Electricity”—a real-time, open platform helping buildings, cities, and individuals decarbonize through smarter timing and usage. 🛠️ Topics Covered Olivier’s career journey from applied math to founding Tomorrow → Electricity Maps Why he wanted to build the “Google of Sustainability” The evolution of Electricity Maps from a data viz to a global API platform Enabling smart scheduling for devices (EVs, dishwashers, data centers) Carbon intensity, electricity prices, grid alerts, and predictive signals Validating massive open data sources and building trust at global scale How community contributions built the platform, one GitHub pull request at a time How Europe’s regulatory environment accelerated open grid data The future of smart cities, grid-scale forecasting, and ultra-granular electricity maps Why timing is everything when it comes to clean energy use Olivier’s dream: Every flexible device helping the grid decarbonize💡 Favorite Quotes “The last 30% of decarbonizing the grid is the hardest—and that’s where smart flexibility matters.” “We want to be the Switzerland of electricity data—open, trusted, and neutral.” “You don’t need to spend big CapEx to make buildings smarter. You just need to connect them.”🥃 This Episode’s Drink Olivier: A classic whiskey sour (egg white, foam, and all) Jason & AK: Matching sours—plus a pro tip on dry shaking for the perfect foam📅 Release ScheduleNew episodes drop every other Monday, mixing high-proof spirits with high-impact technology. 🎧 Who Should Listen? Energy and grid professionals Sustainability and ESG leaders Smart building innovators Open data and API developers Home automation geeks (shoutout to Home Assistant!) Climate-conscious manufacturers and ISVs📣 Connect & Follow Website: electricitymaps.com Follow on Twitter/X: @electricitymaps Free tools: Public-facing maps and downloadable datasets API Access: Subscription-based for enterprise use Open source contributor? Head to the Electricity Maps GitHub Repo

    36 min
  7. Hunting as a Pack with Scott Panzer

    09/08/2025 ·  Video

    Hunting as a Pack with Scott Panzer

    🔥 Episode SummaryIn this dynamic episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis sit down with Scott Panzer, founder of Digital Building Solutions (DBS) and Vice Chairman at JLL, to explore how low voltage, power over Ethernet (PoE), and smart systems are revolutionizing real estate. With a bold background in M&A, real estate, and decades of industry leadership, Scott offers an unfiltered perspective on breaking silos, dismantling outdated practices, and using technology to create connected, efficient, and future-proof spaces. From major law firm deployments to global scale-outs, he shares the DBS playbook for integrating intelligent infrastructure in both new and legacy buildings. 🛠️ Topics Covered Scott’s unconventional career path: from marine biology to real estate tech leadership The origin and mission of DBS (Digital Building Solutions) Why LED + PoE + Integrated Controls are disrupting traditional building systems Resistance from trades and how DBS navigates union partnerships and MEP pushback Real-world examples from clients like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Sherman & Sterling, and Goldman Sachs Using occupancy analytics, desk sensors, and environmental data to power smart buildings How DBS enables smart retrofits in legacy buildings like Cisco Paris Global scale through strategic partnerships (e.g. SigmaByte in India) Why low voltage trades are the future—and how AI will reshape skilled labor needs Lessons from managing 4.5+ million square feet of PoE-enabled real estate💡 Favorite Quotes “The unions are deathly afraid of low voltage—because it’s safe.” “AI is going to make a lot of humanity superfluous. But people with hand-eye coordination? They’ll thrive.” “Your office can be the engine of your business—if you wire it right.”🥃 This Episode’s Drink Scott: Bulleit Bourbon, one big rock (as any self-respecting martini drinker would pivot to on a cold Connecticut day) Jason & AK: Classic bourbon pour to match the energy📅 Release ScheduleNew episodes drop every other Monday, blending strong spirits, smarter buildings, and strong opinions. 🎧 Who Should Listen? Real estate developers and building owners MEP engineers and electrical contractors IT/OT integration specialists Smart building consultants Anyone interested in scalable, intelligent infrastructure📣 Connect & Follow Website: dbs-poe.com Follow Scott Panzer on LinkedIn — for insight, bold takes, and the occasional spicy post Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Like, rate, and share the show to support smart building innovation

    41 min
  8. How Technology Converts Space into Profit with Erin McDannald

    08/25/2025 ·  Video

    How Technology Converts Space into Profit with Erin McDannald

    🔥 Episode SummaryIn this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis talk with Erin McDannald, multi-time CEO and founder of Elevated, about the intersection of human health, smart building design, and measurable environmental wellness. Erin shares her personal journey from interior design to lighting to smart building technology—and how her experience as a mother navigating her daughter’s neuroinflammatory health challenges inspired a radical approach to workplace design. She walks us through her company’s “living lab,” using CO₂ levels, light temperature, and even sound decibels as real-time indicators of wellness, productivity, and cognitive performance in the workplace. This conversation is a masterclass in building smarter, healthier, and more human-centric environments. 🛠️ Topics Covered Erin’s path from lighting to founding a digital building company How her daughter’s health shaped her mission for wellness in built environments What happens to health metrics when people return to work in a poorly ventilated space Why CO₂, color temperature, and sound are the new pillars of workplace productivity How real-time environmental data led to a 40% drop in insurance claims and $140K decrease in premiums Tuning lighting for calm and critical thinking instead of productivity pressure The business case for de-densification and rethinking compressed office footprints Using data and automation to shape better collaboration, movement, and wellness Building a “healing building” and the vision of a workplace that improves human health The role of neuroinflammation and indoor environments in chronic conditions Insights on writing her upcoming book and connecting genetic science to smart infrastructure💡 Favorite Insights “We were losing cognitive function at 800 ppm of CO₂. That’s lower than most classrooms.” “Decibel levels on a Tuesday tell me if we’re having a good sales week.” “We’ve been trying to prove that if you dial in the people and the tech, there’s ROI—and it’s lucrative.”🥃 This Episode’s Drink Erin: Vodka Lemonade (the only thing in the fridge!) Jason & AK: Vodka Soda with Lime – perfect for a humid southern summer day📅 Release ScheduleNew episodes drop every other Monday, blending spirits, building science, and bold ideas. 🎧 Who Should Listen? CEOs, CIOs, and workplace strategists Smart building and wellness consultants Real estate developers and property managers HR leaders focused on employee experience Indoor air quality and sensor technology innovators📣 Connect & Follow Elevated Website: poweredbyelevated.com Erin’s Email: erin@lightingenvironments.com Find Erin on LinkedIn – she’s actively sharing ideas and engaging with the community Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail. Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation. Pour yourself a glass and join us.

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