Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes centered on smart building innovations, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fault Managed Power (FMP), AI, and quantum computing. Specific episode topics include the transformative impact of FMP on modern infrastructure, insights into the convergence of PoE and FMP, and an exploration of the evolution of smart buildings from traditional to advanced electrification, with examples such as Ronna Davis discussing safe energy delivery and Andrew Lu dissecting the economic drivers behind electrification.
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.
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 Start
The 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 To
After 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 2025
Occupancy as a Priority
Organizations 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 Stabilizes
Most 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 + Agents
A 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 Buildings
With 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 Growth
Fault-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 Silos
One 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 Thoughts
Jason 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.
Disclaimer
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