#15. Don't look back: Construction's missing feedback loop with Joe-Jack Williams.

We spend weeks perfecting tender documents for projects we might not even win, but how much time do we spend learning from the buildings we actually build? Spoiler alert: almost none. 

In this wide-ranging conversation, I discuss with Joe-Jack Williams from Bywater how the construction industry has developed a serious case of selective blindness when it comes to post-occupancy evaluation – and why it's such a missed opportunity.

But that's just one of the things we talk about!

Alongside some great insights to the use of timber in construction, Bywater's speciality, Joe-Jack takes us through challenges such as the tender-focused culture that leaves little time for actual learning, the moisture management issues that are critical for timber projects and how it all comes back to insurance! We explore why engaging insurers early unlocks timber construction potential, how moving beyond risk-transfer approaches could improve collaboration, and why the novation process creates genuine dilemmas for design teams trying to serve both contractors and clients effectively.

But here's the thing – Joe-Jack isn't just identifying challenges. He's armed with solutions. We discuss how targeted investment in trades training could transform our low-carbon transition, why post-occupancy evaluation builds better buildings AND better client relationships, and how moving beyond "standard" approaches isn't just beneficial – it's essential for meeting our embodied carbon targets.

Ready to cure construction's amnesia? This episode might just change how you think about what happens after handover.

Listen now and discover why the buildings we never revisit hold the keys to construction's future.

Things mentioned in the show:

POE / BPE: Post-Occupancy Evaluation / Building Performance Evaluation. Rigorous process of qualitative and quantitative assessment of building performance once it has been substantially occupied for a period (typically 12 months)

NABERS: CIBSE Website (CIBSE administer NABERS in the UK)

UKNZCBS: UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard. Standard developed through extensive industry collaboration setting out standards for energy and embodied carbon performance of new build and major refurbishment schemes. Currently in pilot.

EPDs: Environmental Product Declaration. Declaration from manufacturers setting out the impact of specific products impact across a range of environmental metrics.

BREEAM: Environmental impact rating system for non-domestic buildings and communities administered by the BRE. BRE also administer HQM, a similar standard for dwellings. BREEAM website.

CIBSE: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Novation: The practice of formally transferring members of a construction project design team between clients - typically from the land owner / developer / etc to the main contractor. Usually happens prior to development of the detailed design. More on Freeths website.

RIBA: Royal Insti

Website: https://www.hut22.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-couling/

Music credits:
March of the Bold by Balloon Planet (via Artlist.io)
Check out their stuff here: https://soundcloud.com/balloon-planet