Eugene Mazo of Atrius’ Intelligent Spaces Group highlights the evolution of smart buildings through IoT, AI, and the transformative potential of seamlessly integrated edge with cloud systems for enhanced efficiency and autonomy.
As the General Manager of Atrius, part of Acuity Brands’ Intelligent Spaces Group, Eugene Mazo has spent nearly two decades shaping the landscape of smart building technology. From pioneering IoT-based solutions to implementing AI-driven analytics, Mazo has a front-row seat to the transformative shifts in how buildings are managed. In this interview, we explore his insights into the evolution of smart spaces, the edge with cloud synergy for building management, and the future of IoT and AI in creating intelligent environments.
Here’s our conversation with Eugene Mazo, capturing his experiences, strategies, and vision for the smarter buildings of tomorrow.
Software Platforms and Measuring Progress of the Smart Building Concept
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: Can you tell us about your experience dealing with smart buildings?
Eugene Mazo: I’ve been in the smart building space for nearly two decades, witnessing a massive transformation in building management technology. Early on, we saw the shift from pneumatics to digital controls, making HVAC, lighting, and security systems centrally manageable. By the 2010s, IoT sensors revolutionized this space, monitoring everything from air quality to occupancy, leading to advanced analytics for energy optimization and occupant comfort.
Atrius, as part of Acuity Brands’ Intelligent Spaces Group, focuses on edge with cloud solutions to deliver smarter, safer, and greener spaces. Our software platforms connect, organize, and normalize building data, solving real-world challenges with seamless integration and enhanced user experiences.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How are buildings getting smarter, and how do we measure this progress?
Eugene Mazo: A smart building can sense, think, and act autonomously to deliver efficient, comfortable, and sustainable outcomes. While layering new technology is tempting, the real measure lies in outcomes—energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability.
Integration is key. Seamless orchestration of HVAC, lighting, security, and collaboration tools is essential. This includes using real-time data to adapt spaces dynamically, such as preheating or pre-cooling rooms for scheduled meetings. The ultimate test of “smartness” lies in whether these technologies work together to create measurable, positive results over time.
I’ve been at the Google office here in Southern California more than a couple of times. They’re definitely thinking along the lines [of advanced integration], but again, I think we’re very early in this journey. The industry as a whole is very early in this journey and not quite there yet.

Evolution of the Smart Building Concept: Think of an Edge with Cloud Combo
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What’s evolved since the emergence of the smart building concept?
Eugene Mazo: Initially, building automation focused on centralized systems with web-based controls. The IoT boom in the 2010s added layers of sensory data and analytics, but today, the focus is on integrating these advancements with AI and machine learning. The goal is autonomous decision-making, reducing human intervention while improving efficiency and comfort.
One of the advantages of being part of Acuity Brands, a large public organization, is the collaboration within our Intelligent Spaces Group. This group combines advanced digital controls—what we consider to be among the best in the world—with Atrius’ cloud capabilities. The digital controls provide the on-premises edge infrastructure, while Atrius delivers the cloud functionality.
Being part of the same group allows us to closely collaborate and bring the edge with cloud concept to life. This synergy enables us to create solutions that can set an industry standard for what intelligent spaces should look like, seamlessly integrating edge and cloud systems.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: Can you explain how the edge and cloud can work together in building management?
Eugene Mazo: The edge includes on-premises infrastructure like controllers and sensors, providing low latency, operational continuity, and local data processing. The cloud, meanwhile, offers scalability, centralized management, and remote accessibility. The challenge lies in achieving a seamless edge with cloud synergy where these systems work as one cohesive unit.
A real-world analogy is the Uber app, where some functions (e.g., mapping) happen locally (edge), while others (e.g., ride matching) occur in the cloud. Building management systems should aim for similar intelligence, distributing workloads efficiently while ensuring uninterrupted operations even if connectivity is lost.
IoT Devices and AI for Building Construction and Management
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What IoT devices are most important for smart buildings today?
Eugene Mazo: The most valuable IoT devices are those that align with a building’s operational goals, adding new layers of sensing and data generation. For instance, smart soap dispensers might seem trivial, but they optimize maintenance schedules and improve resource efficiency.
The trend is moving away from point solutions toward integrated systems that contribute to a broader strategy of efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced occupant experiences.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How is Artificial Intelligence being used in building construction and management? What are the concerns?
Eugene Mazo: AI’s potential in building management is immense, particularly in analyzing massive data sets to separate actionable insights from noise. AI can enhance operational efficiency by identifying patterns and taking corrective actions autonomously.
However, improper implementation is a risk. Poorly trained systems or incorrect data inputs can amplify noise instead of filtering it, creating inefficiencies. As the industry matures, ensuring robust, well-trained AI models will be crucial to unlocking its full potential.