5 minutes with … Lisa Ashworth at the Building Services Research and Information Association

Why did you choose construction as a career?

When a respected colleague moved into the building services industry a few years ago, their perspective on its complexity and critical importance for future sustainability really struck me. Hearing how much the quality of buildings and infrastructure impacts not only environmental outcomes but also the wellbeing of occupants was eye-opening, especially as we both came from media, a completely different world. Intrigued by the role this industry plays, I was inspired to explore similar opportunities.

When I met with the BSRIA hiring team, their enthusiasm and the scope of the work made this challenge one I could not resist. Now, several months in, I am thrilled with the move; it has proven every bit as rewarding and impactful as I had hoped.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I am most proud of conceiving, developing and leading the launch of India’s first intra-national newswire service. I started by building a strong business case for the concept, then coordinated the entire development process to reach 15 major metro cities in 10 local languages.

Seeing the service become an invaluable resource for real-time news across India was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced my belief in the power of localised communication to unite diverse audiences.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

Repositioning PR Newswire Europe from a struggling business to a thriving enterprise, especially under the intense pressure of a six-month turnaround mandate from United Business Media. By overhauling the business model and focusing on strategic growth areas, we not only saved the company but achieved a 14% compound annual growth rate over 14 years – outpacing even China’s growth in the same period (2002–16).

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

It would be to give building services the recognition it deserves for its vital role in making buildings work better. Building services is not just about functionality – it’s about creating safer, more efficient, and more comfortable environments for people.

Too often, the industry’s contributions are undervalued, even though they are essential to sustainable development and the long-term success of our infrastructure.

What is some of the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Stay calm when others lose their composure. If someone screams and shouts at you, don’t take it personally. They simply haven’t learnt to control their emotions since throwing their toys out of their pram as a child!

Name your favourite building in the world?

So many! The Digital Art Museum in Hamburg, Germany, is immortalised on my study wall. The Flatiron building in New York, as it is so incredibly cool. Cayan Tower in Dubai for its bend. The CCTV Building in Beijing as I found it awe-inspiring on arriving in that great city. Anything Art Deco… and my actual home, which is a lovely dairy built by Sir Edwin Lutyens

Which famous building do you most dislike?

I’m not a fan of the South Bank Centre.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Don’t compromise safety and design to save money.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

Strict town planners who prevent unsightly developments from compromising the character of a beautiful town or village.

I am also inspired by the Cook Islands’ government, which limits building heights to preserve natural views, and the Turkish government’s restrictions along parts of its southern coastline to protect its natural beauty.

I really admire the commitment to thoughtful, sustainable development that respects both community character and natural landscapes.

What’s it like being you (and doing your job)?

It’s amazing. No day is the same and they are all full of thrills from the satisfaction of ticking tasks off my to-do list to uncovering insights that drive the business forward.

I am a big believer in finding joy in the small things, whether it’s the freedom of a countryside drive with the top down, laughing with my team, or just savouring the silly moments. It is a mix of structure, spontaneity and teamwork that keeps each day rewarding.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Don’t follow group-think.

What do you think your best quality is?

Humour.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

I am a bit too susceptible to marketing tactics – it’s the marketer in me, I suppose! This sometimes fuels my spendthrift tendencies, though luckily it remains in the low-value/high-volume box.

In other people, meanness is never a good look.

Name three things that you like?

Iceland – it simply blew my mind when I first visited; I felt like I had landed on another planet. I had a weird sense of being “home” and the sights and experiences were incredible.

Flying – I’m like a child with excitement en route to an airport: the noise, the smell and the energy inside airports enthrals me. The thrill of take-off and landing, and the quiet moments midair, where I can just watch the world below, is my ultimate happy place.

Foreign language box sets – I got hooked on them watching the Swedish version of Wallander with Krister Henriksson and I haven’t looked back. I am truly surprised I’m not fluent in all the Nordic languages by now.

I have even taken a holiday driving around southern Sweden to see the amazing landscape with my own eyes. And I am taking my husband to stay at Montalbano’s house in Sicily for his 60th birthday present.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have?

So secret… I haven’t discovered it yet. I can’t paint, can’t sing, can’t play a musical instrument, but I can hail a cab before it comes round the corner, spot a celeb undercover and I can fall asleep at the dentist having major work done. Do these count?

What is your most prized possession?

How can you limit me to one?! Hubby, kittens, home, car, anything and everything from my late mother and father, all my photos, my stationery, my gadgets, my books, my handbags, my ornaments… I love all my stuff.

Early bird or night owl?

I could say I’m both, as I’m used to waking up before I go to sleep when following hectic travel itineraries… but I guess “night owl” when watching a thrilling box set.

What is your favourite food?

Anything raw, Japanese or shellfish.

What would your superpower be?

I already have it – the ability to sleep anywhere, anytime, (in a flat-bed obviously). It comes from being a global commuter!