Insights
Today we’re delighted to introduce you to Enric Paradela Delgado, Workplace Experience & Technology Manager at Macro.
As part of Macro’s Centre of Excellence, Enric leads our Technology and Innovation initiatives, focusing on the integration of smart building solutions that adapt to the unique needs of each client. His work is centred on creating data-driven workplaces that optimise space, improve operational efficiency, enhance user experience, and deliver on sustainability objectives.
Since joining Macro in 2019, Enric has brought his passion for employee experience to the forefront of workplace transformation. By analysing industry trends and developing best practices, he helps translate complex workplace challenges into practical technology solutions that drive real impact for our clients.
This spotlight forms the first of our four-part Smart Buildings content series, which includes a virtual webinar taking place on Tuesday 30 September, 13:00 BST.
I got into facilities management (FM), through the Macro graduate programme in London. Having graduated in Business Management and with interest in architecture and buildings, I felt attracted by the challenges and variety of tasks associated with managing the operations of the built environment.
Working through different rotations, I became passionate about the concept of smart buildings and workplace experience. This inspired me to want to reinvent some of the ways in which FM operations are traditionally implemented - investigating new technologies and systems that can optimise services and create efficiencies using data and process automation.
I find smart building technology exciting because it fundamentally transforms how we interact with the built environment. It’s constantly evolving, which means I’m continuously learning and adapting. For many medium and large organisations, it’s now a top strategic priority.
What excites me most is the breadth of collaboration it requires, from deploying projects that improve energy efficiency, to working with facilities teams on service optimisation through data and automation, to enhancing occupant comfort and experience.
The fact that all these use cases can be delivered from the same technology foundation makes my role incredibly dynamic and rewarding.
You have to bring a proactive attitude and willingness to learn along with you, be curious to ask questions and be challenged outside of your comfort zone. Technology is a topic that marries many disciplines and departments together, therefore good knowledge of the various functions and business operations is key to drive successful strategy and implementation.
I think it’s essential to be approachable and someone people want to work with, as it stands you in good stead in both developing relationships and in working with a diverse range of people, especially when presenting to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
If a business wants to increase its use of technology in FM, where should it start?
If a business is at the beginning of its technology journey, the best approach is to take it step by step. The first priority is to set a clear objective, whether that’s reducing costs, optimising energy use, improving employee experience, or ensuring compliance. Having clarity on the ‘why’ helps avoid adopting technology for its own sake.
From there, the practical starting point is data collection. Without measurement, there can be no meaningful improvement. Simple IoT sensors or insights from existing systems can provide a baseline view of performance. Energy management is often the most effective early focus, as fluctuating occupancy and varying space usage create clear opportunities for savings. Smart BMS platforms, sub-metering, and occupancy sensors can quickly reveal where efficiencies can be achieved.
As businesses progress, it’s important to choose scalable, interoperable solutions with open APIs that can grow with evolving needs. Finally, invest in people as much as in systems, employee training on digital tools and data interpretation is essential, because technology only delivers real value when the teams using it are confident and capable.
What does 2026 look like for technology in FM?
Technology in FM is accelerating rapidly and by 2026 it will be smarter, more connected, and more sustainable than ever. Digital twins will likely become standard, enabling real-time simulation, monitoring, and optimisation of building systems. Integrated platforms will give facility managers centralised access to BMS, IoT, and analytics, creating true operational visibility.
We’ll see clients increasingly recognising the value of sensor-driven smart buildings across their real estate strategy, workplace experience, FM operations, and ESG goals. AI will become a real differentiator, particularly in predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automated scheduling, reducing the need for human intervention.
Finally, occupant experience will take centre stage, with AI-driven systems dynamically adjusting lighting, temperature, and space usage to meet user needs in real time.
What are the key FM challenges that you face in your role?
The biggest challenge for me is the change management process taking all stakeholders and end users on a journey to adopt new ways of working, new technologies, and new processes. There are plenty of innovations out there that completely redefine FM operations, especially with the use of data insights and automation.
However, technology is only as good as its users. We can deploy all sorts of solutions, but it’s up to the management teams and people on the ground to take it on board.
What learning experiences would you pass on to future facilities managers?
Performance at work is not defined by who works the hardest, but who works the smartest. So, I’d always encourage people to continuously challenge themselves and others, to try to find efficiencies, easier ways of undertaking tasks or processes, as well as to define what drives your motivation.
