Recent upheavals in the norms that have hitherto underpinned both society at large and the building professions have underscored that 'business as usual' is no longer the maxim for lifelong effectiveness in built environments. Change is not always the solution however the unquestioned status-quo can unintentionally lead the industry to unexpected and flawed solutions. Advances in materials, technologies, techniques and expectations driven by enhanced scientific understanding and the unprecedented access and processing of information can, and will, motivate positive change. The 2019 Technical Symposium will provide an opportunity to examine and share research, development and applications that will drive change in the regulation, creation and maintenance of the built environment as well as evidence where there are still clear opportunities to benefit from established practices.