Behavioural Scientist
Dr Orin Lockyer turns research insights into real-world change for the building sector.
Dr Orin Lockyer is a behavioural scientist researching some of the biggest challenges facing the industry, from climate change to emerging technologies – and asking what must change for it to be ready.
For Orin, progress depends not just on new technologies or materials, but on how people are trained. His doctoral thesis on sustainable construction examined why building apprentices have limited opportunities to learn about sustainability, and how it can be embedded into everyday practice.
His early research for BRANZ examined builder–client relationships, bringing together both sides of the home building process to understand challenges and create guidelines on effective communication.
Orin has since broadened his research to include circular construction, effective natural hazard response, and credentials building simulation and modelling tools – work shaping how the sector learns, retrains, and responds to change.
"I’m drawn to the challenge of workforce transitions in a changing social and environmental climate: how people learn, retrain and adapt, and how education and training systems act to support that transition."
Orin Lockyer
Behavioural Scientist
Qualifications
- PhD (Sociology), Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
- MA (Sociology) with Distinction, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
