🧊 Overview:
In this episode of Distilled Building Tech, Jason and AK welcome Giovanni Frezza, Head of Smart Building at Molex. What starts with a tasting and history of grappa quickly evolves into a compelling discussion on the future of smart buildings, AI-driven optimization, IT/OT convergence, and the changing role of facilities management.
From physics labs in Rome to the forefront of digital infrastructure, Giovanni brings a unique, data-informed perspective to how we shape the built environment.
🍇 Grappa & Origins
- Giovanni shares his love for grappa, Italy’s post-wine distilled spirit.
- AK and Jason scramble to find their best substitutes.
- Discussion of varietals, aging, and cultural context.
🧪 From Physics to Facilities
- Giovanni’s early career in theoretical physics and neural networks (studied under Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi).
- Transition to semiconductors and leading Molex’s Smart Building division.
🏢 The Smart Building Imperative
- Origin of Molex’s CoreSync platform and early collaboration with Cisco.
- Four core value drivers:
Energy efficiency & carbon neutrality
Predictive maintenance
Occupant wellness & comfort
Data-driven optimization
🤖 AI & Automation in the Built World
- LLMs help simplify complex building systems for FMs and stakeholders.
- Edge ML enables behavior modeling and real-time insights.
- Comparison to autonomous vehicles—buildings are becoming adaptive, not just automated.
🧑💼 New Roles, New Realities
- The rise of the AI-native facility manager.
- Skills shift as experienced FMs retire and systems grow more complex.
- AI as a tool—not a replacement—for human decision-making.
🌐 IT/OT Convergence
- Why networked power (PoE) is key to infrastructure design.
- Successful projects require early collaboration between IT, OT, HR, and real estate.
- The future is unified racks, segmented networks—like the evolution from legacy telephony to VoIP.
🔗 Learn More:
🥃 Final Sip:
From aged spirits to adaptive systems, Giovanni reminds us that the smartest buildings are the ones designed for people, powered by data, and driven by purpose.
