Chris Crookes, the MD of BIMBox shares his career advice

You can read more about Chris’ and the clear vision he brings with his team at BIMBox here.  He’s a trusted digital construction career advisor because of his 20 years’ experience and egoless approach to BIM.  His no nonsense, pragmatic, myth busting approach has made him, and his team, highly effective BIM advisors – with positive after effects!

Here are Chris’ top 5 career tips:

TIP 1:   TAKE A HOLISTIC VIEW

You may define yourself as an Architect, Structural Engineer or Project Manager but now more than ever, consider the impact of your actions upon the rest of the team. As technological advances permit teams to collaborate more closely, in greater detail and at a higher frequency than ever before, old fashioned ‘silo thinking’ is quickly being replaced with a new focus upon a collaboration of specialists with the best interests of the project at their heart.

TIP 2:   LEARN HOW TO BUILD IT

Modern computer technology allows us to create incredible geometry and visualisations that would have been impossible only a short time ago.  It’s important, however, to consider the practical details – remember what looks fantastic rendered in a bid document is going to prove pretty unpopular when analysis by the construction team shows that it defies physics and will leak like a sieve.

TIP 3:   BE OPEN TO CHANGE AND NEVER STOP LEARNING

In an industry that is often accused of being resistant to change the impact of digital cannot be underestimated. It is still early days in the adoption and proliferation of this new way of working but the pace of change is increasing rapidly. Those who stand still are in danger of being left behind. Be excited about the new opportunities and be open to new discoveries whether that be a software, strategy, standard or new way to engage with customers or colleagues. The industry of 5 years hence will look very different to how it does today – be at the forefront.

TIP 4:   DON’T BE A BIM HERO

Despite what numerous people on Twitter would have you believe, nobody knows it all. You may have created a phenomenal dynamo script, understand every nuance of IFC’s or have produced a fully parametric Death Star but showing off to people starting out on the digital construction journey only sets the industry backwards. BIM can be very confusing – in order to really see change we need to bring everyone with us on the journey whether they be fresh out of college or holding 40 years’ experience at a major contractor.

TIP 5:   WORK ON YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Make sure you can get your message across by working on developing clear, simple language skills – and use a spell checker! BIM has brought with it a whole host of new acronyms and terminology but nothing that cannot be explained in a relatable and understandable way. Before talking about MIDP’S, AIR’s, BEP’s & IFC’s take the time to ensure that your audience have at least a basic grasp of what you are trying to communicate …and remember in BIM brevity is…