S1 Ep1: Industrialise Podcast Episode 1 - Keith Waller, High Value Manufacturing Catapult

Darren Richards, Director of Cogent Consulting, is joined by Vassos Chrysostomou, Founder of IBE Humanoids and a construction productivity specialist with more than 40 years’ experience. Vassos explains the development of Leo, a construction-ready humanoid designed to work alongside people rather than replace them. He explores how embodied AI could support factory assembly, site logistics, maintenance and overnight preparation, while taking on dull, dirty, demanding and dangerous tasks. The conversation also examines the need to reimagine construction processes, how Leo will be trained through simulation and controlled testing, and why industry involvement will be critical to improving productivity, safety, wellbeing and inclusivity.

Darren Richards, Director of Cogent Consulting, is joined by Mark Farmer, Founder and CEO of Cast Consultancy and author of Modernise or Die. Ten years on from the landmark review, Mark assesses how far construction has progressed, why economic downturn and uncertain demand have disrupted modernisation, and what the collapse of volumetric modular can teach the sector. He also explores the shift towards panelised and hybrid systems, the need for government to create real pipelines, the potential of AI and digital platforms, and why construction’s skills challenge is as much about absorbing new talent as attracting it.

Darren Richards, Director of Cogent Consulting, is joined by Tim Carey, Head of Design at Mace Construct. In this episode, Tim unpacks Mace's construction to production philosophy, how a hundred-strong digital library of MMC solutions and a supporting decision matrix shape every project from the outset, and why an industry-wide reluctance to share data has held the sector back from scaling offsite manufacturing. He also give insights into Mace's Build Smart, Build Better report on productivity, makes the case for generative AI in technical checking and design, and explains why low carbon delivery, circularity and workforce reskilling are now inseparable from the industrialised construction agenda.

Darren Richards, Director of Cogent Consulting, speaks to Nigel Ostime, Hawkins\Brown. In this conversation, Nigel talks about a decade of the RIBA's DfMA overlay, the shift towards platform thinking and circular materials banks, and why mindset, client leadership and a new generation of integrators all matter in moving industrialised construction into the mainstream.

Darren Richards, Director of Cogent Consulting, speaks to Oliver Novakovic, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow. In this conversation, Oliver talks about scaling industrialised construction in housebuilding, Barratt Redrow’s investment in timber frame and wider offsite innovation, and why standardisation, culture and carbon reduction all matter when delivering homes at scale.