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This is a deeper dive based on a great discussion I had with Tino Urbina on episode 19 of the Executive Checkpoint: A Security Industry Podcast; which was certainly a fun experience. Click here for the original post and join the conversation in the comments. We all know that security is often an afterthought. But it's also underestimated. And that’s our fault. We waited for an invite when we should’ve arrived to the table as leaders. Now, with AI reshaping how buildings operate, we've been given another chance. Let's not waste it. Security is having a main character moment. The technology systems underscoring security functions can now provide added value outside of security, which is giving it more visibility. Let's make use of this attention. We don’t just need new tools, we need a new mindset. One that sees security as part of a building’s identity, not just its insurance policy. But first, a comment about the security industry: On the theme of future-proofing security, before we dove into technical talk on the podcast, I had to say something: while we’re out here future-proofing security designs, let’s not forget our own industry could use a little future-proofing too. Truth is, we’re not exactly winning popularity contests with young professionals, or even making it onto their radar. We need fresh talent, new ideas, and more consistent and diverse voices at the design table. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential that we evolve with it, not just in tools, but in culture. That’s why I’m encouraged to see leaders like Tino Urbina and Lee Odess embracing new media like podcasts, YouTube, and short form video (ex: TikTok), even if it makes us feel a little old just saying those words. This is the kind of outreach we need. If we want security to be more than just “the people who yell about cameras and card readers,” we need to show off the strategy, the collaboration, and the impact behind what we do. And yes, maybe tell a few war stories along the way. So, thank you to all of you that are leading the way on this! AI is making the human side of security more important than ever Let’s face it — security design used to be simpler. You’d show up, recommend some cameras, maybe add a few card readers, and everyone nodded like you just downloaded the secrets of the universe. Those days are long gone, which is a great thing, but the role of the Security Consultant also needs to evolve. As the built environment becomes more complex and connected, it's no longer enough to simply check boxes on camera coverage or access control integrations. Today’s security professionals must adopt a more holistic, forward-thinking approach, one that considers architecture, infrastructure, and (human) operations as equal parts of the security equation. Security isn’t a checklist anymore, it’s strategy. It’s storytelling. It shapes how buildings look, feel, and operate... and the way they operate is fundamentally changing in the age of AI. This concept was at the center of my recent appearance on the Executive Checkpoint podcast, where we discussed how to future-proof security systems by aligning design strategies with architectural intent and knowing how to broach early conversations with stakeholders that have nothing to do with security. My five strategies to future-proof security design during this technological revolution: Embrace architecture as part of what infuses humanity into the built environment and make that part of your decision-making Become hyperaware of what makes each environment (hospital, university, data center, etc.) unique, so you are equipped with the context to really fine-tune your solutions Stop. Designing. in. Silos(!) and start forcing collaboration where necessary. Start early and educate other designers on the level of collaboration expected of them. We will not have truly integrated systems unless we have truly integrated design. Fully Embrace AI, because it is fundamentally changing the way we do all things, not just security. As AI takes over the technical grunt work, our human insight—understanding emotion, intention, and experience—becomes the competitive advantage. Take an infrastructure approach (duh) but that is now more than IT racks, cables, and bandwidth. It’s about choosing platforms that integrate seamlessly, not just within security, but across all business systems. Infrastructure includes prioritizing open standards, interoperability, and decisions that future-proof the entire business ecosystem.
Now, if you take a step back we'll see that every recommendation functions as part of a broader framework, making security more of a strategy than anything else. From this vantage point security has a shot at being a main character in the story of the built environment—if we show up with purpose and perspective. 1. Embracing Architecture as a Form of Human Expression I say this often, because I truly believe it, but security consultants must learn to appreciate architecture, not as an obstacle, but as a creative framework. Too often security systems are bolted onto buildings as an afterthought, resulting in cluttered devices, inefficient placement, and systems that clash with the aesthetic and flow of the space. But here’s the thing, this skill isn’t just about being a better teammate on design calls. It’s about future-proofing ourselves. In a world where AI is rapidly evolving to generate first-draft designs, automate technical tasks, and even suggest layouts and device placements, what will truly differentiate a security consultant isn’t how fast they can draft a spec, but how well they understand the human side of design. Appreciating architecture is part of that. When we understand the intent behind space, light, flow, and experience, we can design security into those elements, not on top of them. That creates a better outcome and positions us as collaborators, not compliance officers. Architects can start to see us not as the “people who put ugly boxes on my walls,” but as partners in shaping a building’s function and feel. As more of the technical heavy lifting gets handed off to AI, it’s our humanity - our judgment, empathy, spatial awareness, and appreciation for design - that will grow in value. The security consultant of the future won’t just be a systems expert. They’ll be part strategist, part designer, and part storyteller. Appreciating architecture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about anchoring security in the experience of the space and that’s something no algorithm can replicate. 2. Being Hyperaware of What Makes the Environment Unique Technology has become so sophisticated that “off the shelf customization” is a reality. So now, great consultants REALLY know the environments they’re working in, so they can identify the customizations each design requires day 1. It’s almost like the basic technical portions matter less (especially if AI is going to handle it for you). Each market, whether healthcare, higher education, or mission critical, has its own operational rhythms, user profiles, and threat models. Furthermore, each client will have their own unique drivers that you’ll need to uncover as well. In higher education, for instance, the OneCard philosophy is often a driving force behind identity, access, and integration requirements. In healthcare, the most critical security challenges may happen inside the patient room, long after an intruder has passed through the facility’s perimeter. In data centers, speed to market is paramount; delays caused by inflexible security installations can cost millions. The best way to truly understand a market? Hire from it. Bring in practitioners from the client’s world—facilities directors, IT managers, or clinical staff. They know the pain points firsthand and can guide meaningful, lasting design strategies. 3. Stop Designing in Silos and Expecting Integration to Happen The age of siloed systems is over. It’s been over, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at many of the systems being installed today. Access control, building management, patient entertainment, visitor management (and on and on) can no longer operate as standalone tools. Integration is the future, not just within security, but across the entire building technology ecosystem: Security, HVAC, lighting, AV, and beyond. But true integration only happens when design teams operate as a unified force, not a collection of consultants passing around PDFs and calling it collaboration. We have to break past the structural and cultural habits that keep us fragmented. The status quo keeps everyone in their own lanes: MEP engineers and technology designers talk only about heat and power loads, not function. Manufacturers design for their traditional buyers, not for broader ecosystems. The spec divisions themselves (25, 26, 27, 28) reinforce separation rather than collaboration. Even the language we use reinforces silos. If we want integrated buildings, we need integrated conversations—early, often, and across disciplines. True integration doesn’t start with technology systems, it starts with our mindset as designers and project managers. While the technology is ready, the typical design workflow isn’t. Technology consultants are well positioned to lead the charge by reshaping how clients and design teams think about their role, the workflows, and collaboration. We have to challenge the status quo, bridge gaps between design disciplines, and orchestrate conversations across stakeholders that rarely happen on their own. Because real integration isn’t just technical—it’s organizational and it’s our job to make it happen. 4. Fully Embracing AI Because it's Reshaping Everything AI isn’t just transforming security tech, it’s redefining how buildings are designed, operated, and experienced. It's also changing how we interact with technology in our personal lives, gradually affecting our expectations of technology in all aspects of our lives. As AI changes workflows, automates decision-making, and reshapes business operations, the spaces we design for today may not be what’s needed tomorrow. Design (form) follows function, and function is about to look very different. Consultants can’t afford to view AI as a niche trend. It’s not just about smarter analytics, faster system layouts, or agents assisting with real-time threat analysis. AI will take over much of the technical heavy lifting, from drafting specs to optimizing system performance. Our value won’t come from technical execution alone, it will come from insight, empathy, and foresight, and we'll need to use those traits to help clients cut through the hype and pursue real, use-case driven adoption. To help them navigate AI's impact with clarity and purpose. To stay relevant, consultants must lean into their humanity: understanding people, anticipating change, and shaping systems that serve evolving needs. That means studying how AI is impacting industries beyond security—because that's where the ripple effects will show up in the built environment—and positioning yourself as a design partner alongside Architects to figure out what this means on paper. 5. Take an Infrastructure Approach: Build the Foundation Many clients don’t have the budget or capacity to implement every security recommendation immediately. That’s why future-proofing security means laying the groundwork now, even if full deployment is years away. Think of infrastructure in two parts: technical and organizational. Technically, build the network pathways, power sources, and physical room for future devices. Organizationally, help clients begin staffing security appropriately, creating internal champions, and writing policies that will support future systems. Starting with a blank slate isn’t a bad thing—it’s an opportunity to introduce clients to the right fundamentals. But even with legacy systems, incremental infrastructure development can lead to powerful transformation. Having the "Broccoli" Conversation Here’s a truth some may not want to hear: security is rarely the driver of large or innovative construction projects. It’s often seen as a downstream detail, added once the "real" design decisions have already been made. Tino Urbina perfectly captured this dynamic when he said security consultants are expected to have the "broccoli" conversation while architects and owners are focused on eating their cake. The perception is that security brings constraints when everyone else wants to talk about finishes, features, and innovation. Security is seen as what limits creativity, not what enables it. But that perception is outdated. When done right, security can shape user experience, improve operational flow, and reduce long-term costs. The key is getting to the table early—before the cake is baked—so security becomes part of the recipe, not the side dish no one asked for. That means we need to advocate intelligently. Not by shouting “security” in a vacuum, but by connecting the dots to broader goals: efficiency, operations, and the user experience. Today, technology systems are often the first point of interaction between humans and the built environment—through access control, wayfinding, visitor management systems, and more. This gives us the opportunity to deliver value far beyond safety. Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa once said, “The door handle is the handshake of the building.” These days, that handshake is often mediated by a digital system. How users access and move through a facility is a security concern—but it’s also a design experience and we must treat it as both. The best buildings balance nutrition and indulgence—broccoli and cake. Security, when baked in early, helps achieve exactly that. The Future Is Collaborative The future of security is not about better cameras or tighter protocols—it’s about better partnerships. Between security professionals and architects. Between designers and operators. Between technology and strategy. If we want to future-proof security, we must evolve our mindset from system specifiers to strategic advisors. From gadget experts to integrated thinkers. So let’s do more than just talk about the future—let’s design it. Collaboratively, strategically, and unapologetically human. This industry doesn’t need more specs. It needs more visionaries that stop checking boxes and start shaping the future. If you’re a designer, owner, technologist, or just someone who believes buildings should serve people better—let’s talk. Security deserves a seat at the table, and I’m here to help pull up a chair.
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