
The gap between BIM and smart buildings is not a technical issue, but rather a consequence of the project-to-operations gap. Inspired by a conversation with Alex Plenty of Skanska, I explored solutions to the issue for Digital Construction Plus.

The gap between BIM and smart buildings is not a technical issue, but rather a consequence of the project-to-operations gap. Inspired by a conversation with Alex Plenty of Skanska, I explored solutions to the issue for Digital Construction Plus.

A look at how strategic engagement defines key focus areas and facilitates thought leadership, exemplified by the “BIM to Smart” initiative.
6 March 2025

Facilitating a pivotal discussion on the evolving MSI role, clarifying delivery models and shaping future digital buildings.
12 December 2024

Lessons from MSIs: part of a series I instigated to drive best practice and knowledge share for common good.
2 September 2024

Explore how I helped bridge the digital construction-operations gap by coordinating insights from DBC members for a key industry article and event.

Explore how I coordinated diverse industry voices for a PBC Today article on BIM-IoT integration, showcasing collaborative thought leadership and advancing key industry discussions.
Welcome to my blog, a record of my active engagement across the smart buildings ecosystem. Here, I focus on bringing diverse stakeholder groups together for common good and share perspectives from my ongoing work and insights. This includes my facilitation of the international Start With Smart Group.
Learn more about my background below, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Justin Kirby is a leading industry commentator, connector, and facilitator with over two decades of experience in catalysing stakeholder engagement and business transformation. He is a passionate advocate for bridging the persistent gap between the design-and-build phase and the long-term operational life of a building. This is the central mission of Start With Smart Group, a community he recently launched to bring together a global network of forward-thinking professionals.
Justin’s work applies the same strategic and entrepreneurial drive he used as the Executive Director of the Digital Buildings Council (DBC), where he helped to establish a collaborative platform for industry leaders and facilitate key initiatives, including the crucial Review of The RIBA Smart Buildings Overlay.
A respected voice in the field, Justin has been appointed to the Editorial Guidance Panel for Build in Digital magazine, and was nominated to the prestigious Digital Construction Power Players 2025 list by Digital Construction Plus, which he contributes to and helps judge their Digital Construction Awards partnership with Digital Construction Week. He is adept at turning complex industry challenges into clear, actionable conversations and initiatives.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or get in touch there.