What if your future career combined technology, problem-solving, teamwork, and making schools, hospitals, and large buildings smarter and healthier? What if you could use coding, graphics, engineering, cybersecurity, and real-time data to control how entire buildings operate — all while helping save energy and improve indoor comfort for thousands of people?
In this presentation, Chris Ruth from Integrated Facility Services shares how he turned an interest in graphic design and technology into a 20-year career in building automation. Chris explains how smart building systems control heating, cooling, lighting, air quality, and energy use in places like schools and hospitals. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the technology that powers modern buildings, including digital floor plans, smart controllers, live energy data, programming, and systems that can monitor buildings from hours away. Chris also explains how his team helps reduce wasted energy by making buildings more efficient and sustainable.
Chris shows that this career path is much bigger than just engineering. Whether you enjoy coding, graphic design, working with data, cybersecurity, problem-solving, meeting people, or leading teams, there are many ways to get involved in the field. He also talks about how technology is constantly evolving with tools like AI and why curiosity and continuous learning are some of the most important skills in the industry. If you’re interested in technology, sustainability, innovation, or building smarter communities, this presentation offers an exciting look into a career that combines creativity, science, and real-world impact every single day!