Dr Damien Buie to give JCT Povey Lecture 2020

“Safety in Numbers: Resilience and Certainty Through Data” will be the topic of the 2020 JCT Povey Lecture, presented by Dr Damien Buie, group technical director at Laing O’Rourke.

For the first time the JCT Povey Lecture will be streamed as a live-broadcast interactive webinar, with the opportunity for attendees to take part in a Q&A via the streaming interface.

Dr Buie’s presentation will show how harnessing the power of data has helped Laing O’Rourke achieve closer alignment to the needs of clients, create a safe working environment for employees, and consistently deliver quality engineering solutions that are on time, on budget, and sustainable across the full project lifecycle.

However, achieving this vision relies upon change and collaboration. Dr Buie will discuss how COVID-19 has forced Laing O’Rourke to re-evaluate, the impact of the digital revolution across the construction sector, and the modern methods of construction that can facilitate new ways of working.

He will describe how data can provide transparency and insight, as well as maximise standardisation of design, delivery and contracting to eliminate needless complexity and risk.

Understanding the changes, and the role we all have to play across the industry, will be crucial, and Dr Buie’s presentation will provide fascinating and new perspectives for those interested in the construction industry’s future.

Damien, said:

“Construction is an industry that has been on the cusp of transformation for too long. With the damage caused by the Covid-pandemic, we must seize the opportunity to change and transform our sector’s productivity to build back better.

“Modern methods of construction, based on digital technology, have the potential to revolutionise the way we deliver our built environment and the world-class infrastructure this country needs. To succeed, we must gather, understand and utilise data in new ways.

“I am honoured to have been invited to give this year’s JCT Povey address and look forward to sharing some of my thoughts on how we can do this to create a more resilient construction sector that offers clients certainty.”

The JCT Povey Webinar will be hosted by JCT chair, Richard Saxon CBE.

Richard Saxon, said:

“Digital information has become a central factor in designing, making and operating buildings. It will also be key to future forms of contract.”

The Webinar will take place at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 November 2020. Attendees can register to attend by visiting the registration portal at jct.multichanneltv.com/povey-lecture-2020.

About the speakers:

Dr Damien Buie
Group technical director, Laing O’Rourke

Dr Damien Buie oversees Laing O’Rourke’s technical and digital functions across both its operating hubs – Europe and Australia. He sits on the Group Executive Committee and plays a key role in supporting and accelerating Laing O’Rourke’s transformation agenda.

Richard Saxon CBE
JCT chair

Richard Saxon is an adviser to clients and businesses in the built environment sector, with particular focus on harnessing the potential of digital and emerging technologies. Former chair of one of the UK’s largest firms of international architects, designers and engineers, BDP, he was UK BIM Ambassador for Growth in 2012-13 and author of both ‘Growth Through BIM’ and ‘BIM for Construction Clients’. He was appointed CBE in 2001 for services to architecture and construction. Richard’s term as JCT Chair completes in February 2021.