Thrive In Construction Podcast

How do we make circular construction scalable and healthy homes the new normal? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans brings together three leading voices shaping the future of sustainable building:- Chaline Church (540 World & Cradle to Cradle Partner)- Oliver Novakovic (Technical & Innovation Director, Barratt Redrow)- Paul Lynch (EcoCocon, […]

How do we close the gap between how buildings are designed and how they actually perform? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Luke Smith, CEO of Build Test Solutions, about his journey from architectural technologist to industry innovator—developing new tools that make it easier, faster, and more accurate […]

How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability. After a career in property and retail development, including nearly a […]

How do we keep moving forward in an uncertain world? And what does true leadership look like in sustainability and construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Andy Hay, Managing Director at Hollis, about leadership, adaptability, and thriving through change. From starting his career at Adidas to leading […]

How can AI, emotional intelligence, and better communication transform the future of construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans sits down with Bryony Coombs, civil engineer and Director at ALICE Technologies, to explore how innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking are shaping the next generation of the built environment. Bryony shares her […]

How do we retrofit homes to be sustainable, affordable, and truly comfortable for the people living in them? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mark Allen, Head of Technical Services at Fortem, about the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting social housing and delivering on the UK’s net zero […]

Can we truly create homes with no energy bills while tackling climate change at scale? In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, about her journey from rural surveyor to national leader in sustainable housing. Emma shares the bold innovations behind Octopus Energy’s […]

How do we make the energy transition accessible, affordable, and scalable for millions of homes? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mohamed Gaafar, CEO & Founder of Gryd, a company transforming the way new homes access renewable energy. After a career designing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across […]

Mental health isn’t a weakness, it’s the foundation of strong teams and sustainable careers. In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Vee Holt, Mental Health Trainer at St John Ambulance, who brings personal experience and professional expertise to the vital topic of mental health in the workplace. From overcoming their own […]

How do you lead teams, embrace technology, and deliver sustainable infrastructure in a rapidly changing world? In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans talks to Nathan Marsh, Chief Digital Officer and a visionary leader in the infrastructure sector. From his early days in elite sport and military service to shaping major infrastructure projects, […]