Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Tom De Smet

Through this article, Tom De Smet shares how DWP is modernizing its facilities to create sustainable, technology-driven, and people-centered workplaces. He reflects on transforming legacy infrastructure, embracing innovation and inspiring the next generation of utility professionals.

Reimagining Legacy Spaces for a Modern Workforce

Coming up through the construction field at DWP, I had the opportunity to work on and within dozens of our facilities—many of which were built as the Department expanded its infrastructure through the early and mid-20th century. These buildings carried an undeniable historic character, but they no longer reflected the needs or expectations of today’s professionals.

Now, as Director of Facilities Services, I oversee the modernization of our headquarters, the John Ferraro Building. Managing its refurbishment and the complex process of temporarily depopulating the building during construction has allowed us to do more than upgrade infrastructure—it has allowed us to redefine what a DWP workspace can be. We’re setting new standards for efficient, sustainable, and inspiring environments that reflect how our people work today and prepare us for the future.

Coordinating Upgrades Without Interrupting the Power Flow

In a utility environment, the priority is always clear— keep the water and power running. That constant focus on system reliability means that support facilities, such as substations and their office buildings, often have their own upgrades deferred. Over time, that results in aging infrastructure, inefficient mechanical and electrical systems, and workspaces that no longer match modern standards.

To address this, we take a proactive approach. Our team gets involved early in the planning process to align building renovations with scheduled station outages, ensuring that the timing, funding, and logistics all align. From securing long-lead materials to coordinating job plans, we provide every element is in place to modernize these facilities efficiently—without compromising service continuity.

Building Greener, Smarter and More Resilient Facilities

Sustainability is reshaping how we think about every aspect of facility design and construction. We’re witnessing a steady shift toward greener building materials—such as recycled aggregates, low-carbon concrete, and bio-based alternatives—that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.

Within our facilities, advanced HVAC systems, enhanced insulation, and intelligent control technologies are driving significant gains in energy efficiency, while creating more comfortable and responsive work environments. Outside, drought-tolerant landscaping using California-native and pollinator-friendly plants has significantly reduced water use and restored valuable habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife. Together, these innovations are redefining what sustainable utility infrastructure can look like for the future.

Turning Missed Moments into Lessons for the Future

Looking back, I would have invested more in advancing my skills in technology, computer systems, and organizational theory. Those areas became especially critical during the pandemic, when telework models transformed how teams operated. While our industry adapted well overall, many utility organizations—including ours—missed a rare three-year window to modernize facilities and work models while buildings were largely unoccupied.

That experience reinforced the importance of staying ahead of technological and organizational shifts. Today, we’re applying those lessons to ensure we never let an opportunity for progress pass us by again.

Lead with Curiosity, Technology and Heart

Facilities and utility services are evolving faster than ever, and staying relevant means being a lifelong learner. My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and embrace emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence—they’re transforming how we design, manage, and maintain modern infrastructure.

At the same time, never lose sight of the people who use the spaces you build. Take the time to understand their needs, because great design always starts with empathy. And above all, love what you do—passion is what turns good work into meaningful impact.