The BIM Student

Rick has over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur in delivering software and web-based information services. Rick started in the late 1980’s developing a business for an environmental law publishing company that had a side interest in construction lead publishing.  Next, he turned his attention to the construction industry and launched ConFax Publishing, the first information service to distribute construction sales leads electronically. After Southam Inc. purchased ConFax in 1995, Rick and his partners launched Ingenium Technologies that was focused on software development of information technologies for the construction industry. As Co-Founder and CTO of Ingenium, Rick developed the first successful web-based software as a service (SaaS) application for sales management in the construction industry. This service was acquired by McGraw-Hill and became the industry standard for construction lead management.  Following these successes, from 2011, Rick invested this experience in efforts that led to founding BuiltSpace.  Rick is both the CTO and President of our company, leading both business and technology strategy for us.

This episode Chetna talks to Nicole Mater of Proving Ground ,  about how #AEC professionals can use data as a medium for telling their design stories..!!  Nicole has been at the forefront of R&D, firm operations, and quality assurance efforts throughout her career. Until very recently, she worked as a practicing architect and Lead Designer on a diverse range of project types; most recently focused on arenas, stadiums, athletic training facilities, and international entertainment destinations. She utilizes her breadth of experience to align Proving Ground's product vision to the needs of its user base.  Among her credentials, Nicole holds an M.S. in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, a Master of Architecture with Distinction from the University of Kansas, and an MBA. She is also an EcoDistricts AP, Fitwel Ambassador, and LEED Green Associate. Nicole is a passionate advocate for Equity in Design and the Profession, and encourages all professionals, but especially Women in BIM, to connect with her. You can find Nicole on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, where her handle is, for lack of creativity, @nicolemater. She lives in St Louis, Missouri, USA with her spouse, toddler, and beloved Australian Shepherd - who you may or may not hear in the background of this recording.

This episode Chetna talks to Brian Skripac - Director of Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) at Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), Brian is responsible for shaping how VDC brings optimal benefits to design-build’s “whole team” approach to project delivery.

Continuation of the episode E2212.  

Find Part 1 here: https://anchor.fm/thebimstudent/episodes/E2211--GCs-vs-Consultant---Whos-BIM-game-is-better-----Part-1-e1llr0d

Ever since I started this podcast, I have talked to many professionals about their experience, and their BIM adoption journey. Some of those were Project Designers and consultant and some of them were general and specialized contractors. I have realized that many times there is a lot of communication gap between the ones who use the technology to design and the ones who use the technology to construct. So, I thought why not to bring them both together on this platform and address some common concerns I have heard from both side. So today, I invited two professionals One from the GC’s side and one from the Consultants side and see who is slaying their BIM game and what exactly are the hinderances in the path of Collaboration and technology adoption. I will be talking to Yigit Karanfil- DT lead from IN studio and Shawn Lamrock - Team Lead - Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Construction Operations at Pomerleau

Geza R. Banfai is a Counsel with McMillan LLP, practicing infrastructure – construction law and mediation. He is the recipient of the 2016 Award of Excellence in Construction and Infrastructure Law from the Ontario Bar Association, and was named the 2017 Toronto Construction Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in Canada. He is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, and is listed in Chambers Global, Construction – Canada, the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (Lexpert/American Lawyer), Best Lawyers in Canada (Woodward/White), International Who’s Who of Professionals, Who’s Who Legal, Canada and International Who’s Who of Public Procurement Lawyers. In his extensive construction law practice, he has represented participants at every level of the construction pyramid, from negotiating and drafting construction and related contracts (including alliancing and joint venture agreements, and P3 and similar lender-driven arrangements) to claims and disputes of many kinds. His past directorships include the Canadian Construction Association, Consulting Engineers of Ontario and Toronto Construction Association. In addition, he is a member of the Construction Law and ADR Sections of the Ontario Bar Association, the Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association and the Society of Construction Law. He sits as the ex-officio legal representative on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee, and was chair of CCDC’s IPD Task Force which created the CCDC 30 standard form Canadian IPD contract. He served as a member of the Advisory Group assisting the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the finalization and implementation of the new Construction Act. He continues to write and lecture extensively on various issues involving the industry.

Geza R. Banfai is a Counsel with McMillan LLP, practicing infrastructure – construction law and mediation. He is the recipient of the 2016 Award of Excellence in Construction and Infrastructure Law from the Ontario Bar Association, and was named the 2017 Toronto Construction Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in Canada. He is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, and is listed in Chambers Global, Construction – Canada, the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (Lexpert/American Lawyer), Best Lawyers in Canada (Woodward/White), International Who’s Who of Professionals, Who’s Who Legal, Canada and International Who’s Who of Public Procurement Lawyers. In his extensive construction law practice, he has represented participants at every level of the construction pyramid, from negotiating and drafting construction and related contracts (including alliancing and joint venture agreements, and P3 and similar lender-driven arrangements) to claims and disputes of many kinds. His past directorships include the Canadian Construction Association, Consulting Engineers of Ontario and Toronto Construction Association. In addition, he is a member of the Construction Law and ADR Sections of the Ontario Bar Association, the Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association and the Society of Construction Law. He sits as the ex-officio legal representative on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee, and was chair of CCDC’s IPD Task Force which created the CCDC 30 standard form Canadian IPD contract. He served as a member of the Advisory Group assisting the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the finalization and implementation of the new Construction Act. He continues to write and lecture extensively on various issues involving the industry.

Annik is a partner at McMillan LLP whose practice is focused on the construction, infrastructure and development industries. A practicing engineer before becoming a lawyer, Annik acts for all industry stakeholders, including general contractors, owners, architects and engineers. She is frequently sought after for her expertise in contract drafting and negotiation and regularly advises her clients on project delivery and administration, contractual allocation of risk, and claims management. Annik also supports clients in obtaining the front-end approvals and permitting necessary for development and construction projects, including official plan amendments, rezoning, severances, minor variances and building permits.

Suman has an architectural background with expertise in BIM Lifecycle Management. She  is a creative thinker, a problem solver, and loves to learn, explore and educate. Her passion for BIM evolves from the gaps she noticed in the industry in the early stages of her career and hence, she now with her knowledge and expertise is continuously working on developing workflows and processes to reduce ample extra time and cost that isn't realized. She is passionate about her goal to help the industry to work efficiently using the resources (tools & technology) that we have access to in today's world.  She believes that by making the right use of the data and information we have in the industry, we can bring a big change!

Since its founding in 1939, the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) has strived to be the leading advocate for our members to help them build a better Ontario. Representing a diverse group of professional general contractors, the OGCA informs, advocates and elevates member successes. Our members represent some of Canada's safest and most innovative general contractors. Together, we account for approximately 70% of all of Ontario's Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) projects and most of all Alternative Finance Projects (APFs).

Magdalena has more than 20 years of international experience in the design, construction and facility management technology implementation in Europe, the Middle East and Canada.

She is the Founder and CEO of GET-TECH Innovative Solutions: consulting, service and software provider optimizing design, construction, and operation processes in buildings and infrastructure.

In her role at Get-Tech she oversees and supports all company operations, including development of new platforms Flair3D and Utopia, high level sales and marketing strategies, identifying business opportunities in Canada and internationally to provide the latest advanced solutions, methods and tools. She is specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, Scan-to-BIM, standards implementation, 3D/4D visualizations, renderings, VR and AR presentations, 360º virtual tours and software training. As one of the first CanBIM Certified Professionals she is actively involved in promotion of new technology adoption in construction and Real Estate industry.

Leonard Ivey is the Co-founder of Softdrive, a cloud application helping AEC firms with their computer performance problems, remote work and supply chain issues.

With more than 20 years’ experience in architecture, engineering, construction, and IT, followed by 10 years at Autodesk as the Director of Product Management for Revit and the Director of Product Strategy for AEC Generative Design, Anthony has always sought to improve building practices through the strategic application of advanced technologies. As co-founder and COO of Hypar, he helps accelerate AEC projects by providing a cloud platform for computational building design.

Patrick Saavedra is the University Architect and is the Director responsible for Planning, Architecture, Engineering and Design at York University. Patrick oversees approx. 200 projects a year and several large capital projects as it relates to Planning, Urban Design, and Architecture. Over the past 11 years at York Patrick has led over $400M in capital renewal projects as well as over $420M in new capital projects. Over his career, Patrick has led projects in Toronto, and internationally including Dubai, Trinidad and Tobago, to New York and Washington DC metro area.   He is dual trained and holds a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University, and two professional degrees, a Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning both from the University of Michigan and has completed Design Studies at University of Copenhagen. With approx. 15 years overall teaching experience he was an adjunct professor at The Catholic University of America in Washington DC teaching in the graduate program at the School of Architecture focusing on the design of complex mixed-use hybrid projects. He currently teaches foreign trained architects at Ryerson University in a post-professional program. Patrick is involved in several advisory roles as a member of The City of Toronto’s Public Art Commission, the City of Mississauga’s Urban Design Review Panel and has also been an advisor to City Councilors on community related redevelopment projects. In October of 2019 Patrick was recognized by his peers and was elevated to Fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada. Also in 2019, September to be exact the Canada BIM Council / Smart Buildings Canada recognized Patrick with a national Professional Achievement Award for his significant contribution to the advancement of digital innovation in the Canadian AEC industry.

Education, Training and Skills development do not stop when you finish School. It starts after that. In the times when we see a new technology being introduced every day and an existing one becoming obsolete every 6 months, if someone wants to stay relevant, they cannot stop their education at any point. Continuous training has become an integral part of every person and every company’s growth plan. BIM and Digital transformation AEC are no different. We as an industry must embrace continuing education beyond just a few hundred Coned hours every few years. It must be task, project, and company specific training. As a matter of fact of the companies that have been most successful in their digital transformation journey have a very solid companywide training plan. In my today’s episode, I am talking to Susan Brattberg, Cofounder of Global e-Training.

Susan is an advocate for lifelong learning and has over 15 years of expertise in implementing innovative training programs for organizations of all sizes and industries and has become a trusted source of training advice by top executives at major global corporations, prestigious universities, and government agencies. Susan applies her academic knowledge acquired through two University of Calgary degrees: a B.A. in Sociology with a focus in organizational dynamics, and the highly regarded Alberta/Haskayne Executive MBA. Susan is past board member of the Canadian BIM Council (CanBIM) and is a seasoned public speaker and has presented at many BIM conferences around the world.

Its a Wrap..!!!

This episode, Komal Sharma and Sandeep Jampani talked about their BIM journey and what are their expectations from the future....!!! Both Komal and Sandeep are a very valuable members of BIMWize Team taking care of different aspects of BIM and Project Management in the company. Listen in to know "What it means to them to be a BIM student..!!!"

Every process requires a management system. Traditionally, BIM execution planning has looked like managing a few sets of documents and excel sheets. These documents define the scope and schedule for models, project requirements etc. Then there is an additional layer of Standards, LOD matrix and some appendices and addendums.

In today’s episode, I sat down to talk about Plannerly, a BIM management platform. A platform that just not replaces your traditional BIM execution plan, but offers much more and helps you, the BIM manager focus on what you are best at, Coordination and management of digital assets and information on your projects.

Lets listen to Clive Jordan, co-founder of Plannerly who will talk about how Plannerly is helping in making the process of BIM management better.

Clive is a Civil Engineer turned Contractor, architect, and then Owner - with a BIM+Lean obsession in all roles. As a Co-Founder at his second BIM/AEC startup, Clive now helps teams simplify the implementation of ISO 19650 standards.

Learn more about Plannerly at https://www.plannerly.com/

In today's episode, I am talking to Carl Storms, Technical Solutions lead at BIM track. Carl draws from his 20+ years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction, and shares a practical and well-rounded understanding of BIM with clients. He assists the AECO community with the adoption of design technology and BIM processes Through implementations, instruction, mentoring, webinars, and global speaking engagements, As someone who truly enjoys the process of building information modeling, Carl spreads his love of all things BIM via his social media handles , or as a co-host on AECO Industry Podcasts: BIMThoughts, The BILT Academy Podcast, The Simply Complex Podcast, and BluePrints.

Today I have not one but two very smart women who will drop some real wisdom bombs on the Collaboration aspect of BIM process. Anneka Chand and Xenia Gordienko. Both Anneka and Xenia are VDC Managers working for General Contractors in Vancouver. Anneka is currently working for the US-based, Turner Construction, whilst Xenia is working for BC-based, ETRO Construction. Prior to their current posts, the two were former colleagues at EllisDon Corporation. The two have been working in the design and construction industry for over 10 years and draw from their experience in the UK, Europe, Russia and North America. Anneka has a unique background in studying Architectural Technology and Nuclear Design and Technology. Xenia carries a valuable combination of Computer Science and Engineering, and Architecture and Design degrees They are also the co-founders of The BIM Kitchen, a virtual and physical space, in which a whole variety of perspectives are captured across the industry, as well as, their shared love of food and the like parallels they discovered between the kitchen and the office!

Adrian Mitchell- VP Sales & Business Development at Kreo Modular. Kreo modular is a AI powered software for developers, manufacturers, and contractors that are involved in modular construction and looking to save time and money while improving the quality and speed of their feasibility assessment. All this while integrating seamlessly into any BIM authoring tool.

Our guest today, Adrian, has a diverse construction background with expertise in prefab and modular methods. A former director of sales at both Horizon North Modular and BONE Structure; Adrian understands how new and modern methods of construction can leverage technology to achieve mass adoption.

Let’s listen to him and get a deeper dive into the world of possibilities that Kreo modular can bring on to modular construction.

Checkout the latest episode of #TheBIMStudent.  In this episode we talk to Derek Cheung, Manager BIM and Strategic Sourcing at Mattamy Homes Canada, about how are they leveraging Design technology to create a product that most people take pride in - owning a home.  Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned builders in North America, Mattamy Homes is Canada's largest residential home builder and top-25 builder in the United States. Derek Cheung runs the Building Information Management Program at Mattamy Homes Canada alongwith various technology-centric and innovation-related projects. He is also a Board Director at CanBIM. He comes with the background in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) and held a senior management role in a distribution logistics firm in the Far East. Let’s listen to what Derek has to share about BIM and Home building industry in Canada.

Scan to BIM : Process of digitally capturing a physical space or site as laser scan data, which feeds into the initial creation, development and maintenance of a Building Information Model.  This is what are we going to talk about, with Albert Mansour from Planit measuring in this episode of #theBIMStudent.

Content creation is the one of the most important aspect of BIM implementation. Irrespective of the software you like to work on, BIM content forms the basis of the process. After all, content is the medium through which, information is recorded and transferred.

Dylan Beimann, BIM Coordination specialist from IBI group and Navid Hoorzad is design technology lead at Quasar consulting group discuss their strategies, workflows and challenges when they work on a project and need to create content.

While talking about BIM and Digital transformation in AEC industry, the talk about BIM authoring tools is the starting point of the discussion. And when talking about tools, there is always a discussion, what tools is best for what kind of work and which kind of Project. If you are someone who has been on this path of BIM adoption, where do you start? Do you start with the most popular tools that everyone is using, or you try out different tools that suit your design and documentation process? And Also, do you even think that there is any option, anything more, than what market is driving to wards anything that would suit your unique process in a much better way. Also Do you even think there is any other way to implement BIM. Do you challenge yourself, and your colleagues to look beyond what market is dictating…!! 

Joe Magas is the one who used and implement more than one BIM authoring tool has seen both sides of the coin. Let’s listen to him and ask him, is there really a way to take a path in BIM adoption that is not the most popular but has surely all the ingredients that we would help the success of the BIM implementation process.

What is the most common acronym used when we talk about BIM? LOD. Some say LOD means Level of design, or Level of development or Level of detail…everyone has their own definition and standard conforming to LOD. Also definition is one thing, LOD level is another thing, 100 for schematic, 200 for design development 300 for Construction documentation 400, 500, 600… and so on for construction and fabrication level models etc. LOD matrix has become an important part of our BIM process. We see it in BIM execution plans, clients ask for a certain level of LOD and Project managers, Designers and Engineers define their scope budget and time based on this.  This episode we talk to Daniel Doherty about all things LOD Daniel is Manager of Operational Support at PCL Construction. Throughout his almost 20 years in design and construction, his goal has always been to create a more sustainable building industry. His focus is on restructuring the value chain in order to leverage technology, eliminate waste, and improve collaboration. Daniel has a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management (B.Tech), is a certified engineering technologist (CET) and holds both CM BIM and CM-Lean designations. Daniel also sits on the CanBIM board of directors and Construction Management think tank.

If Architects Design a structure, and Structural engineers make sure of its structural safety and integrity, Its MEP engineers that make that structure habitable. I mean just imagine a perfectly designed and engineered building without any HVAC, Plumbing and electrical systems…How would that look like? A beautiful structure without any actual use.

When talking about digital transformation in AEC, MEP engineers have a very important part to play. The software, the training, the industry standards, collaboration and coordination protocols, everything needs to be devised to incorporate the wholistic view of how we view our digital construction technologies and at the same time they also need to be customized to meet the requirements of MEP designers and modelers...!!

I believe that in this dichotomy of Standardization and Customization there must be a balance between the two, especially for MEP designers and modelers. Our guest today is Laura-Lee Moran who currently is the WSP Canada Mechanical + Electrical BIM Manager in the GTA and Southwestern Ontario, as well as their National M+E BIM Deployment Lead. Despite graduating with an Architectural Science degree, she made the move to the Engineering sector almost immediately, dedicating her career to the strategic development of BIM in the AEC industry. She first gaining experience as a mechanical designer before stepping into broader corporate and industry roles as National BIM Manager.  After more than a decade dedicating herself to developing and implementing BIM standards, Laura-Lee joined WSP Canada to build upon her experience and to help create a BIM environment that is paramount. Laura-Lee is currently deploying national training programs, as well as content and company standards, ensuring each project is produced to the highest level and as efficiently and innovative as possible. She enjoys guiding industry colleagues as they seek out effective methodologies to leverage new technologies. Laura-Lee combines practical project experience with big picture thinking, extending her unique passion for the growth and application of BIM technologies across WSP within Canada as well as globally.

An Entrepreneur, Investor and Technologist, after exiting the Automotive sector, Thomas has worked in Project Management, built Virtual Design and Construction departments, led strategy as the Chief Technology Officer for one of North America’s largest construction companies, and co-founded industry non-for-profits. Thomas currently manages a construction technology consulting practice, acts on the board of directors for several startups and is the President & CEO of CanBIM, which is Canada’s largest Building & Infrastructure focused technology & Innovation Organization. As a Construction industry consultant, Thomas helps Canada’s most advanced builders develop new innovations to create new profits and remain competitive

In this episode, we are talking to Stephan Fai about a project called, Imagining Digital twin of Canada.  Stephen Fai is a full professor in the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University. Having served as the acting director of the School (2002 - 2004), director (2004 - 2005), and associate director—graduate programs (2006 – 2010), he is currently the co-chair of the PhD program. Professor Fai is cross appointed to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature, Art and Culture (ICSLAC). He is also the director of the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS). CIMS is a multidisciplinary research unit that addresses theoretical and applied research questions related to the integration of digital technologies in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner operator (AECOO) industry. #DIGITALTWIN #Canada #AECInnovation #AECtechnologies #BIM

In this Episode we will be talking about Digital twins with our Guest Kirk Stalkie. 

Kirk explores the connections between design, technology and how they create the world around us. He believes that technology expands the capabilities of those who leverage it, improving the built environment as a whole. As a Design Technology Manager at NORR Architects & Engineers, Kirk constantly examines and implements new tools and workflows to improve how NORR's integrated design teams deliver projects. Kirk is also the Executive Director of Digital Built - National Capital Region (dbNCR), facilitating the connections between people, the built environment and technology in the nation’s capital. As an Instructor at Algonquin College, he urges the next generation of professionals to continue advancing the industry through the creative use of technology. Kirk is also involved in the national BIM Community, sitting on the Education and Industry Engagement Think Tank of the Canada BIM Council, and working with the Affiliate program of buildingSMART Canada.

This is literally how we came up with the idea of starting a podcast that will encourage the dialogue around BIM adoption, challenges and various aspects related to BIM adoption. 

This podcast is for anyone who is interested in Digital Transformation in AEC and Evolution of BIM.