04 Dec 2025

Digital that Delivers: Inside Canary Wharf's Digital Transformation

Episode summary:

What if the biggest barrier to digital transformation in construction isn’t the technology, but the way we think about it? Roman Baran, who leads the digital construction strategy at Canary Wharf Group, joins Deconstructing Digital to unpack why lasting change starts with people, not platforms. Fixing broken processes, empowering on-site champions, and building tech around real-world needs - this is how digital delivers at the scale and complexity of Canary Wharf.

Listen now:
Guest:
Roman Baran - Deconstructing Digital Podcast
Roman Baran
Senior Digital Construction Manager

Digitising construction isn’t about rolling out the latest software - it’s about solving the right problems in the right order. Roman shares how he approaches digital delivery on some of the UK’s most ambitious projects, starting with manual fixes before any tech comes into play. It’s a grounded, people-first approach that’s built for real-world complexity - not just boardroom slides.

Topics covered:

  • Fix the process first – Technology can’t solve a broken workflow. Identify what’s not working manually before bringing in tools.
  • People, process, then technology – Real transformation comes from putting users at the centre and building systems around them.
  • Start small, improve often – Digital success isn’t a one-off launch. It’s a journey of continuous feedback, iteration and refinement.
  • Avoid the ‘shiny tool’ trap – Choosing tech based on appearance or trends often leads to low adoption and wasted investment.
  • Value over consolidation – Sometimes, multiple best-in-class tools work better than a single all-in-one platform — if they deliver value.


If you’re navigating the challenges of digital transformation in construction, this episode is packed with practical insight. Roman shares what it really takes to deliver value at scale - from fixing the basics to building systems that people actually use. Whether you're just starting out or refining your digital strategy, there's plenty here to take back and learn from!

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