Keith Lowry
After building a strong technical career in engineering and building services, Keith Lowry was ready to see the bigger picture and understand the wider impact of facilities and workplace management.
Studying the BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management at Portobello Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Facilities Management helped him gain that strategic perspective.
On completing his degree, Keith progressed from his role as Engineering Building Services Assistant at the National Maternity Hospital to become Terminals Concessions Asset Oversight Lead at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport.
Looking Beyond the Technical Side of FM
Like many facilities management professionals who come to Portobello, Keith wasn’t starting from the ground up. He had already established a technical career, supported by an electrical trade qualification and a degree in electrical engineering.
At the National Maternity Hospital, Keith oversaw infrastructure upgrades and critical building systems in an environment where safety and reliability were essential.
“Over time, I gained technical experience across facilities and building services, but I became increasingly aware that progressing further in the field required a broader, more strategic understanding of facilities and workplace management,” explains Keith.
“I wanted to move beyond purely technical responsibilities and develop skills in areas like facilities management, workplace strategy, and operational leadership.”
Working in healthcare had also shown Keith how the quality and reliability of facilities could directly affect patient care and staff wellbeing. His interest extended beyond how buildings function to how safe, efficient, and fit-for-purpose spaces serve the people who use them.
“I recognised that the industry is evolving, and further formal qualifications are increasingly important for progressing into senior roles,” says Keith.
Gaining an industry-relevant FM qualification gave Keith an opportunity to broaden his expertise and open up new possibilities for his career.
A Worthwhile Career Investment
As Keith planned to remain in full-time employment while studying, he needed a programme that would fit around his work and family commitments.
The flexible delivery model of the BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management allowed him to continue working at the National Maternity Hospital while completing his degree.
“After conducting research in the sector, I chose Portobello Institute because it offered a flexible, practical approach that suited my circumstances,” says Keith.
“The course content was also highly relevant to my role, focusing on real-world applications rather than purely theoretical learning.”
The industry experience of his tutors added further value, helping Keith connect the topics covered in class with the decisions and responsibilities facilities professionals encounter in the workplace.
“While I knew balancing study with work and family commitments would be challenging, I also knew it would ultimately be worthwhile,” he reflects.
“It was an investment not only in my career but also in my confidence and ability to take on more responsibility in the future.”
Applying New Learning in a Live Healthcare Environment
At Portobello, professional experience is not separate from study; it becomes part of it. Keith’s role at the National Maternity Hospital gave him a valuable setting in which to examine new ideas and approaches.
“I was able to directly relate academic concepts to real-world situations in a live healthcare environment,” he explains. “I could focus on enhancing my understanding within my existing role.”
Modules covering project management, contracts, and financial management introduced Keith to approaches he could bring directly into his role.
Reflecting on how he applied his learning, Keith notes: “This not only helped me perform better in my role but also increased my confidence in contributing to discussions and decision-making.”
One of Keith’s most significant projects during this time involved upgrading electrical infrastructure across the hospital campus while it remained operational. The work required careful planning and coordination, with little room for error, and its successful delivery improved the reliability and efficiency of critical systems.
Keith adds: “I was also involved in projects that required coordination across different teams, which helped me develop stronger communication and leadership skills.”
Equipped to Contribute at a Higher Level
Keith’s degree changed how he viewed facilities management. Exploring workplace strategy, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability showed him how facilities decisions shape day-to-day operations and the longer-term direction of a business.
“The course had a real impact on how I approach my work,” he says. “It provided me with new tools and frameworks for thinking about facilities management in a more structured and strategic way.”
Rather than focusing only on immediate technical issues, Keith learned to consider long-term planning and wider workplace performance.
This broader outlook also strengthened his confidence in making decisions, contributing ideas, and taking on greater responsibility.
Progressing into a More Strategic Role at daa
That change in perspective soon translated into a significant career move, with Keith securing his current position as Terminals Concessions Asset Oversight Lead at daa.
“The qualification provided me with the strategic knowledge, confidence, and professional credibility needed to successfully apply for and transition into the role.”
He reflects: “Beyond helping me advance my career, the programme enhanced my ability to think more strategically, approach challenges from a broader business perspective, and focus on continuous improvement.”
For Keith, the outcome made the commitment involved in returning to study worthwhile.
“While balancing work, study, and family life was challenging, completing this course was a very rewarding experience,” he says.
“It required commitment and effort, but the outcome has been worth it. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to take the step if they are considering further education.”
Keith’s degree has already translated into tangible career progression. Now equipped with broader expertise and greater confidence, he says he is ready to pursue further professional development and take on increasingly senior and strategic roles in FM.
Looking to Progress in Facilities Management?
Like Keith, you can take the next step in facilities management with a qualification designed to strengthen your skills and enhance your career prospects.
Explore the Portobello Centre for Sustainable Facilities Management’s accredited facilities management pathways.
