John Eynon, Engagement Lead of BIM Alliance took part in a Live Twitter Q&A with Explore Offsite talking all things digital procurement, standardisation and transformation in the UK BIM alliance.
Read our conversation below:EO: We are now kicking off the #ExploreOffsite Outlooks Live Twitter Q&A with one of our fantastic speakers @56JONTS! How are you John? :)
J: I'm very well. looking forward to our Q+A! @UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS That's great, let's get started! Firstly then, could you please introduce yourself and explain your role at @UKBIMAlliance? #ExploreOffsite
J: ok well I'm an architect, design manager and BIM champ, I have about 40 years' experience in the industry. I am a founding member of the UK BIM Alliance and I lead on engagement across industry and communications.
EO: @56JONTS Wow, you are extremely busy and your roles have great relevance to our event! What is your history before starting your career at UK BIM ALLIANCE? #ExploreOffsite
J: I don't necessarily see the UK BIM Alliance as a career - none of us are paid to do this, we are all volunteers, and we do not receive any public funding. We are just a collective who have a common vision for a digitally transformed industry.
EO: @56JONTS Wow, you are extremely busy and your roles have great relevance to our event! What is your history before starting your career at UK BIM ALLIANCE? #ExploreOffsite
J: I don't necessarily see the UK BIM Alliance as a career - none of us are paid to do this, we are all volunteers, and we do not receive any public funding. We are just a collective who have a common vision for a digitally transformed industry.
J: I qualified as an architect in 1981. Since then I've had a varied career working in the public and private sectors. For the last 20 years or so I've been working with main contractors on Design Management and BIM implementation. @UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS Very impressive indeed! Could you briefly outline your Explore Offsite Outlooks presentation topic? We are all very excited to hear it :) #ExploreOffsite
J: Well I'll be presenting a case study from David Miller Architects about their offsite standardisation work on schools using BIM , and also talking about the work of the UK BIM Alliance, and how are developing this year.
EO: @56JONTS Lots of great topics then, how exciting! Speaking on BIM, how is the UK BIM Alliance leading implantation of BIM Level 2 across industry? #ExploreOffsite
J: We now act as the focus Level 2 across industry. We are drawing together and collaborating with various organisations to bring this about. Our recent merger with BuildingSmart UKI is the latest example. We are working with DBB Cambridge Centre and the DBB L2 public sector team.
J: Our vision is to become effectively the "United Nations for UK BIM" drawing together aligned organisations to work together and to speak with a united voice for industry about the importance of Level 2 and digital transformation - collaboration is everything! @UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS How interesting! We see that you're currently researching a PhD on the impact of BIM on Design Management - can you tell us a little about this?
J: I'm looking to analyse the impact of BIM on the Design Management role on projects. I hope to finish by 2021. It's a long haul! :o)
EO: @56JONTS Wow! Big project, you're obviously very committed to digital construction. So, as we know, other industries have made the digital leap earlier, do you believe that the construction revolution is now underway? #ExploreOffsite
J: Definitely! From small to large businesses and organisations there are many examples of implementation of BIM and digital technologies. It won't be long now before we have critical mass, possibly there already. Many have already adopted BIM as business as usual.@UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS What do you think the importance of digital transformation and standardisation are in offsite construction? #ExploreOffsite
J: I think as Mark Farmer identified in his report last year, "Modernise or Die", these are some of the key elements for the future success and survival of our industry. So the importance is critical, certainly in the digital transformation of industry. @UKBIMAlliance
J: The benefits of offsite procurement, DfMA should be well known by now, speed, economy, quality, safety, reduction of waste and risk, and reduced environmental impact.@UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS Interestingly @MFarmer_Resi has presented on this report at a previous #ExploreOffsite event! Why do you think it's important for the industry to attend events, such as #ExploreOffsite Outlooks?
J: To keep up to date with latest developments and thinking, we are all technologists now, and BIM and digital transformation affects everyone us in some way @UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS We Agree! Finally, are there any other speakers you're particularly looking forward to hearing from at #ExploreOffsite Outlooks? If so, who and why?
J: For me personally it would be Jaimie Johnston and Dominic Thasarathar. Jaimie because of the acknowledged reputation of Bryden Wood in this field, they're right on the cutting edge of this stuff, and Dominic because of the work Autodesk are leading amongst others @UKBIMAlliance
J: The far horizons are really important to us. This affects the next generations, and cutting edge eventually informs business as usual.. We need to know where we're headed! @UKBIMAlliance
EO: @56JONTS Yeah! It will be so refreshing to hear alternative takes on the industry! Perfect, that now wraps up our Q&A. Thank-you ever so much for getting involved, really looking forward to the #ExploreOffsite Outlooks event and your presentation - we've had some great insight!
J: My pleasure , more than happy to help and see you all on the 28th! best J. :o) @UKBIMAlliance
Explore Offsite Outlooks will be taking place on 28 February at BRE, Watford. To view the conference line-up, visit: http://www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/2018-events/explore-offsite-outlooks/conference-speakers/
Tickets cost just £125 + vat and includes entry into the conference and exhibition, lunch and refreshments. There will also be an option of a guided tour of the BRE Innovation Park. Book your place here: http://www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book/
