Keynote Speakers
We are proud to present our Keynote Speakers for the 19th Built Environment Conference to be held on 14 – 15 July 2025. Please click on the image for full biography details of our Keynote Speakers.
Don Ward
Chief Executive, CIB
Don Ward has been Chief Executive of the CIB for four years. The CIB is a not-for-profit NGO established in 1953 with the support of the United Nations. It is the world’s foremost platform for international cooperation and information exchange in construction and built environment research and innovation. Don was previously chief executive of the UK best practice and knowledge transfer organisation Constructing…
David Kadalie
Director of Leadership & Pioneering, Youth for Christ Int. / Africa
For over 40 years, David Kadalie demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and development as a leader. His academic background is in theology and business management. During his tenure as a leader and pioneer he was continually learning through, training, research, experiences and sharing what he has learnt with others.
Hisham Elkadi
Ph.D. (Liv), FRICS, FAIB, ARIBA
Professor Hisham Elkadi is the Chair and the former Executive Dean of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Salford. Prior to his appointment at Salford, Professor Elkadi was the Head of School of Architecture & Building at Deakin University in Australia and the Chair of the University Academic Board, The Head of School of Architecture and Design in Belfast, and the Director of Architecture…
Mohlomi Terah Raliile
PhD, Lecturer NMU
Keynote Title: Revolutionising Construction Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalisation in Construction
Dr Mohlomi Terah Raliile is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Construction Management at Nelson Mandela University, where he specialises in Construction Health and Safety Management. His researcher focus is on Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Risk Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Management, & Construction Innovation
M. Reza Hosseini
Senior Lecturer in Construction Technology – University of Melbourne
Keynote Title: From Employees to Entrepreneurs: Reimagining Construction Education in the Age of AI
Dr. M. Reza Hosseini is a distinguished scholar and global leader in the intersection of artificial intelligence and construction technology. Currently serving as Senior Lecturer in Construction Technology at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning;…
Mark Hastak
Professor, Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University
Dr. Hastak is Professor, Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University. He has served as the Associate Dean of Engineering for Facilities and Planning in Indianapolis. He was the Dernlan Family Head of Construction Engrg and Mgmt for 17+ years prior to its merger with Civil to form the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engrg, July 1, 2024. He has conducted research, taught, and assisted industry for the past 38 years in CEM including process
Coralie van Reenen
Research Group Leader – CSIR Infrastructure Innovation Research Group
Keynote Title: Building Better: Policies, Practice and Progress
Dr Coralie van Reenen is a Professional Architect and Research Group Leader of the Infrastructure Innovation Research Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Her research considers health, well-being and sustainability in the built environment, with a focus on driving the digital transformation and performance monitoring.
