In Episode 2 of the Smart Facilities Podcast, we are joined by Tony Fish, a seasoned investor, author, and thought leader in digital identity and governance. Together, we unpack a provocative concept that is reshaping the built environment: Housing as a Subscription.
From Maker Culture to Urban Systems
Tony introduced himself humbly, surrounded on the video call by CNC machines, 3D printers, and woodworking tools - a nod to his engineering roots and maker mindset. "I'm an engineer, built into me through my granddad and dad," he said. That foundation led to a portfolio career spanning finance, tech startups, and the launch of Fab Lab London.
But whether he's prototyping hardware or consulting boards, one thread has remained consistent: building things that matter.
Smart Cities, Smart Data, Smarter Decisions
Tony's entry into the smart city space came through the Fab Lab network, where he explored the cycle of collecting urban data, making sense of it, and ultimately using it to empower decision-makers.
"I can make the sensors... do something with the data... but most of my world is how do you help boards make better decisions," he explained. His holistic approach focuses on uncovering questions we didn't realize we needed to ask.
Housing as a Subscription: Rethinking Ownership
Asked about a current project he's proud of, Tony spotlighted Housing as a Subscription - an alternative to traditional mortgages and rentals. "Mortgages give you security," he said, "but rental markets are expensive and offer no permanence."
This new model sits between the two. Residents pay a monthly fee, customize their homes, maintain them, and - if they care for them - get 100% of their money back when they leave. "It's like a savings account," Tony explained. Embedded sensors deliver maintenance alerts, while an app guides residents on upkeep.
