• Wendy Osborn, head of strategic operations at CITB
• Kevin McLoughlin FCIOB, managing director of McLoughlin Group Holdings and member of the CITB board

• Are apprenticeship pathways into retrofit-related careers working?
• How is the perception of retrofit skills and competence evolving, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry?
• How is CITB working with employers to support the recruitment of new talent and upskill the existing workforce?

The built environment can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, for better or worse.

Factors such as quality of housing and infrastructure, as well as access to green spaces and design choices, can influence both physical and psychological health.

So, how can construction professionals create buildings with positive psychological effects that help people live happier and healthier lives?

In March’s episode of the 21CC podcast, three experts from engineering consultancy Buro Happold convene to answer this question and explore the existing guidelines and standards that support the design and construction of ‘healthy’ buildings.

The speakers are:

• Ben Channon, head of inclusive environments, who is an author, speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, as well as the co-founder of the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum;
• Jean Hewitt, inclusive environments technical lead, who is a member of the BSI Committee for ‘Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Environment’, and the technical author of PAS 6463, which is the first building design standard produced by a national standards body that addresses neurodiversity needs;
• Madeleine Granland, inclusive design consultant, who specialises in neurodiversity design.

This engaging discussion highlights the value of thoughtful design and construction, and includes two case study examples of inclusive design in action.

If you would like a transcript of this episode, please email cristina.lago@atompubishing.co.uk

Artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up many processes in construction, from design and scheduling to contract and risk management, but it won’t lead to any across-the-board productivity gains as long as the industry’s fragmented business model remains the default.

“Reformation, not transformation” was a consensus view in our reality-check panel discussion with four people on the front line of integrating AI into construction:

• Nasrine Tomasi, engineer and head of AI at Mott MacDonald;
• Guy Beaumont, director and digital leader at Turner & Townsend;
• Nils Rauer, head of intellectual property for construction law firm, Pinsent Masons;
• Graham Robinson, global business consultant, Pinsent Masons.

They spoke candidly about what they’re doing now with AI for their companies and clients, what they’re working toward in the coming year or two, and what risks they see emerging.

The discussion will interest anyone working out how to take advantage of this fast-developing technology for their construction business.

Have your say by filling out the 2025 Global Built Environment Survey organised by Bentley Systems, Mott MacDonald, and Turner & Townsend, which focuses on the impact of AI on the built environment.