BIMvoice

In the fifth episode of openBIMvoice, I talk with Thomas Zwielehner, an architect who now manages BIM workflows on large railway infrastructure projects in Germany. On his current project there are more than 500 IFC files. His team asked one question that changed everything: why are designers the bottleneck for data that has nothing to do with their design? Most projects never ask which properties actually require a modeller to enter them. Thomas asked. The answer was 80% do not. That single question changed how his entire team works. What we discuss: From Architecture to Infrastructure. Thomas explains what changed when he moved from small building projects to railway at scale. With 500 or more IFC files on a single project, every inefficiency multiplies fast. The 80% Discovery. How they audited every property requirement and found that most properties had no reason to live in Revit or Civil 3D. This single finding changed how the whole team thinks about BIM data. Building the Database. What they actually built: a browser-based system where anyone on the project can enter data directly, with live IDS-compatible validation at the point of entry. No more waiting weeks for a quality report. Geometry and Data Separated. Why they deliberately keep the 3D geometry and the property data in separate systems, and how they use IFC OpenShell to merge them back into a compliant IFC file at handover. AI as an Amplifier. Thomas's view on what AI tools actually do in a workflow like this. Good domain knowledge gets multiplied. Bad domain knowledge gets multiplied too. Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petruconduraru/ Questions: petru@bimvoice.com

Stop Modeling for the Project. Start Modeling for the Asset Lifetime with Alexander Worp | openBIMvoice 04 In the fourth episode of openBIMvoice, I talk with Alexander Worp, Asset Information Manager at Waternet, the department responsible for drinking water and sewage in the Amsterdam region. Alexander manages infrastructure that goes back to 1850. Some of those original drawings are still more useful today than digital models produced 25 years ago because the data was correct. That is the whole point. Correct data outlives every tool, every format, and every project. Most BIM teams have not understood this yet. What we discuss: Modeling for the asset lifetime. Why every BIM modeler needs to understand they are not creating a picture for the project. They are creating information that will be used for the next 50 to 150 years. Data as an asset. Why information has the same value as physical infrastructure under ISO 55000, and why most organizations still do not manage it that way. The pirate approach. How Alexander drives openBIM adoption inside a large public organization without waiting for management permission. Show the value first. Explain later. IFC and the digital twin. How Waternet connects IFC models to a graph database and combines asset management, documents, and geometry into one linked data platform, vendor free. Certification in contracts. Why Alexander wants buildingSMART Foundation certification as a contract requirement for every modeler on his projects, and why that is not a high bar to set. Questions? Contact me (Petru Conduraru): 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petruconduraru/ 📧 petru@bimvoice.com

I Stopped Opening Revit. My Entire Workflow Is Now IFC with Jocelyn Sapin | openBIMvoice 03 In the third episode of openBIMvoice, I talk with Jocelyn Sapin, a BIM consultant from Switzerland who made a decision most BIM professionals have not: he stopped opening Revit models entirely. His whole workflow runs on IFC. In this conversation he explains exactly how and why he got there. Jocelyn works exclusively on the client side, which means he receives models, checks them, and uses them without ever opening the native file. If you have ever wondered what it actually looks like to go full IFC in practice, this conversation will show you. What we discuss: The full IFC workflow. How Jocelyn stopped relying on native models and what his day-to-day work looks like when IFC is the only format on the table. The Swiss client model. Why public clients, banks, and hospitals in Switzerland require IFC deliverables and leave designers free to use any tool they want. Faster quality checks. Why checking model quality in IFC is three times faster than in native Revit files, and how Jocelyn uses IDS templates on every model he receives. The FM model mistake. Why trying to plan the facility management model from day one is wrong, and why building it from scratch at the end of the project is cheaper and smarter. Open format for the long term. Why any asset owner thinking in decades should never accept a proprietary file as a final deliverable. Questions? Contact me (Petru Conduraru): 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petruconduraru/ 📧 petru@bimvoice.com

OpenBIM from the Contractor's Perspective with Daniel Phillips | openBIMvoice 02 In the second episode of openBIMvoice, I talk with Daniel Phillips about how openBIM is actually being used on the ground by general contractors. We discuss his journey from 14 years of structural modeling to using Bonsai BIM and Python to fix model loopholes in 2026. Daniel shares his experience working on massive hospital projects in Norway and why state of the art models still face challenges when they hit the construction site. If you want to know how a BIM coordinator handles missing data and model maturity in the real world, this conversation is for you. What we discuss: The GC perspective. Why general contractors need openBIM to control what they receive from designers. Bonsai BIM and Python. How Daniel uses open source tools and AI to fix IFC models faster than native software. The IDS dream. Why Information Delivery Specification is the tipping point for project quality and instant feedback on requirements. Reinforcement success. Why structural models are currently the most advanced part of the Norwegian industry. Model based construction. The honest truth about why drawings still exist on site and what it takes to go truly digital. Questions? Contact me (Petru Conduraru): 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petruconduraru/ 📧 petru@bimvoice.com

openBIM Needs an Open Mind with Menno Mekes | openBIMvoice 01 In the first episode of openBIMvoice, I talk with my friend Menno Mekes about why openBIM adoption is more about mindset than technology. We dig into how the industry is changing in 2026 and what's actually working. Menno shares how he moved away from proprietary silos toward workflows where data is the single source of truth. If you've ever struggled to explain to clients or colleagues that a model is more than just 3D shapes, this conversation will help. What we discuss: - The open mind shift. Why cultural change is the hardest part of openBIM adoption. - IDS. How Information Delivery Specification moves us from checking for mistakes to checking for answers. - Data vs geometry. Why Menno focuses on property sets over visuals when working with contractors and clients. - The Dutch perspective. What's happening with IDS and digital building permits in the Netherlands. - The drawingless future. How close are we to building without traditional 2D plans. Questions? Contact me (Petru Conduraru): 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petruconduraru/ 📧 petru@bimvoice.com

🎙️Building with Data: Emma Hooper's Vision for Information Management in Construction Join me in a captivating conversation with Emma Hooper, associate director and head of R&D at Bond Bryan Digital an Information Management consultancy.  We delved deep into the world of information management in construction, discussing the pivotal role of open standards like IFC, the tools that are shaping the industry, and the future of collaborative construction.  Emma's insights, backed by her extensive experience and recognition in the field, shed light on the challenges we face and the solutions on the horizon. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn

🎙️Pelle Meholm on BIM Challenges and Solutions BIM professional Pelle Meholm from Conclass showcases conVoid, a tool that revolutionizes building design. ConVoid is a valuable aid for architects and engineers, facilitating the design and coordination of areas where utilities like electricity and water are routed.  Conclass homepage: https://www.conclass.tech/ Disclaimer:  this interview is not a paid advertisement. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn  

🎙️Building Beyond Boundaries: Bruno Postle's Open-Source Approach   Meet Bruno Postle, a visionary who's blending art and technology to reshape the world of architecture. In this conversation, he takes us on a journey through his work with open-source tools like Homemaker and BlenderBIM.  It's not just about buildings and designs; it's about a philosophy that values collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.  Whether you're an architect, an engineer, or simply curious about how the spaces we live in are created, Bruno's insights offer a fresh perspective on the future of building design. Join him in exploring a world where creativity and technology come together in harmony. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn  

🎙️Exploring the Digital Shift in Construction with Alexandru Patache In this video, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alexandru Patache, a civil engineer from Splendid Development, a Romanian company that is making strides in the use of advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques.  Alexandru shared his personal journey in the industry, his role as a BIM coordinator, and why having an engineering background is crucial to understanding the processes involved.  We delved into the company's focus on design for projects across Europe and their diverse services, which range from structural engineering to design automation, visualization, and even gamification.  Alexandru emphasized the importance of open standards like IFC for asset management and the future of the construction industry.  We also discussed the challenges and solutions in automating workflows and the need for a balance between innovation and practicality.  A significant part of our conversation revolved around the shift from analog to digital in the construction industry and the role of professionals in driving this change. . Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn

Learn the hidden facts and common misunderstandings about openBIM in this engaging talk. Nando Mogollon, the director of Build Digital, uncovers the truths about openBIM, the difference between teamwork and swapping files, and why we really need to work together in the AEC business in this episode.   This chat will open up your mind about teamwork and openBIM, offering useful ideas about the changing world of BIM.   Prepare for an engaging talk that clears up these important subjects, grow your understanding, and keep up with the fast-paced BIM world. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn  

Dropbox and Verifi3D: Collaboration and Data Validation in AEC Xinaps CEO Frank Schuyer and Shirin Arnold from Dropbox discuss their tech advancements in AEC. They talk about how Dropbox and Verify 3D are reshaping data management and teamwork. Frank and Shirin recount their journey to simplify data validation in AEC. They detail how Dropbox has grown beyond file sharing, now a major data hub, and how Verify 3D brings smart capabilities, making data checking easy for all. They underline the smooth combo of Dropbox and Verify 3D, allowing for efficient tasks and instant sync for up-to-the-minute info. They explore the need for version control, auditing, and tracking in the AEC field. They also highlight the user-friendly nature of Dropbox and Verify 3D, including support for many file types and browser compatibility. They touch on their role in model coordination and conflict spotting. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Frank Schuyer’s LinkedIn Xinaps Website Verifi3D by Xinaps Shirin’s LinkeIn

OpenBIM Beyond Borders: Eugenio Yanes on Global Collaboration and Innovation Eugenio Fontán Yanes is an experienced BIM Manager and Architect based in Hong Kong. Eugenio shares his insights on the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the challenges faced in the construction industry, particularly in Southeast Asia. Eugenio discusses the importance of OpenBIM and how it can improve collaboration and efficiency in the construction process. He also touches on the use of ArchiCAD and other tools like Solibri and Rhinoceros in his projects. Eugenio emphasizes the need for the industry to embrace technology and move past traditional methods. Additionally, Eugenio talks about the BIM mandates in Southeast Asia, highlighting the progress in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Eugenio’s LinkedIn Enyzme APD

Open-Source Revolution in Architecture: Insights from Ryan Schultz and Bruno Perdigão Ryan Schultz and Bruno Perdigão, two passionate advocates for open-source software, particularly BlenderBIM, share their insights in this enlightening discussion. Ryan, based in the United States, and Bruno, operating from Brazil, have been instrumental in the growth and development of the BlenderBIM community. Ryan and Bruno recount their experiences of using BlenderBIM for architectural projects, emphasizing its power and flexibility. They discuss how BlenderBIM has allowed them to transition away from mainstream software like Revit and AutoCAD, becoming an integral part of their workflow. Highlighting the advantages of BlenderBIM, Ryan, and Bruno particularly note its adaptability and the control it offers to users. Ryan and Bruno express admiration for the rapid development and improvements in BlenderBIM, praising the work of the open-source community. They share their belief that BlenderBIM is future-proof, offering a way to work in a format that will remain relevant and accessible. Toward the end of the discussion, Ryan and Bruno talk about their efforts to encourage others to use BlenderBIM. They believe that with some dedication to learning Blender and BlenderBIM, professionals in the field can start using them for small projects. They emphasize that BlenderBIM is not just for architects but can also be beneficial for engineers, planners, and other professionals in the industry. This insightful conversation about the future of architectural software and the potential of BlenderBIM is a must-listen. I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss this out. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Ryan's LinkedIn Profile Ryan's Github Ryan's Twitter Bruno's LinkedIn Profile OpeningDesign  

Lloyd Bussio on Transitioning to BlenderBIM: An Architect's Perspective Lloyd Bussio, also known as the  @IfcArchitect is a registered professional architect operating out of Johannesburg, South Africa, and is known for his extensive use of BlenderBIM from his YouTube channel which exploded recently. Lloyd shares his journey of using BlenderBIM since its inception in 2019. He explains how he found the software to be a powerful tool for his architectural projects, allowing him to move away from using Revit and AutoCAD. He mentions that he hasn't touched Revit or AutoCAD since October 2022 and is now doing everything with BlenderBIM. Lloyd discusses the advantages of BlenderBIM, emphasizing its flexibility and the control it offers to users. He also talks about the importance of 2D drawings in his work, explaining that while some countries like Norway are moving away from requiring 2D drawings, in many places, including South Africa, they are still a crucial part of architectural projects. He also shares his thoughts on the rapid development and improvements in BlenderBIM, with Lloyd expressing his admiration for the work of Dion Moult (the lead developer of BlenderBIM) and other contributors. He shares his belief that BlenderBIM is future-proof, offering a way to work in a format that will remain relevant and accessible. Towards the end of the discussion, Lloyd talks about his efforts to encourage others to use BlenderBIM. He believes that with a week of learning Blender and BlenderBIM, professionals with previous experience in the field can start using it for small projects. He emphasizes that BlenderBIM is not just for architects but can also be beneficial for engineers, planners, and other professionals in the industry. I promise you, you do not want to miss this one. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Lloyd's LinkedIn Profile IfcArchitect YouTube Channel

Lejla's Insider Insights on BIMvoice about Revit and IFC4.3, and Autodesk Forma Tune into BIMvoice with Lejla Secerbegovic as she talks about Revit and IFC 4.3, Autodesk Forma, her blog and YouTube channel  @BIMmeup  and more! Lejla Secerbegovic is a BIM Specialist and a Digital Technology Enthusiast based in Munich, Germany. Lejla has an educational background from the Technical University of Vienna​ and she is currently working at Autodesk. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Lejla's LinkedIn Profile BIM me up! YouTube Channel Bim me up! Blog

IDS Demystified: Simplifying Information Delivery with Menno Mekes Join us as we delve into the world of Information Delivery Specifications (IDS) and its impact on Building Information Modeling (BIM). In this informative video, Menno Mekes, an experienced BIM expert explains the difference between Bimbase IDS and the IDS standard developed by BuildingSMART. Discover how IDS improves communication and data exchange among architects, engineers, contractors, and clients in construction projects. Through real-world examples, learn how IDS enhances the quality of project information, reduces errors, and streamlines workflows. Explore the challenges and benefits of implementing IDS, emphasizing the importance of client involvement and change management for successful adoption. Whether you're a BIM professional, project manager, or simply interested in the digital transformation of construction, this video provides valuable insights into the potential of IDS. Unlock the power of IDS to revolutionize your BIM projects and enhance collaboration from design to facilities management. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve efficiency and precision in your projects. Watch now and discover how IDS can transform your BIM workflow! Menno Mekes (b. 1976) is a BIM expert who has dedicated over two decades of his career to Arons en Gelauff architecten, an architecture firm founded by Floor Arons and Arnoud Gelauff in 1996. As a crucial member of a team of 23 architecture enthusiasts, Menno Mekes brings a unique blend of expertise to each project, contributing to the creation of distinctively unique architectural works. Menno's approach to his work is deeply thoughtful and process-oriented. He is known for his dedication to 'Joy in repetition', a mantra that he adopted years ago to streamline the company's processes without diminishing the human pleasure derived from designing. His focus on automation of repetitive tasks has led to the production of more consistent and superior models in Building Information Modeling (BIM). This approach ensures that attention is concentrated on design and engineering processes. In addition to his work at Arons en Gelauff architecten, Menno serves as Secretary of the BIM basis ILS expert committee, where he has been a member since June 2018. His role allows him to contribute to the quality of BIM in the Netherlands, reflecting his interest in innovation and improvement within the architecture and technology sectors. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Menno's LinkedIn Profile Arons en Gelauff Architecten Arons en Gelauff Architecten

Open vs Closed BIM Workflows: Insights from Bojana Dukanovic of BIMcollab Bojana Dukanovic from BIMcollab breaks down open BIM workflows and compares them to closed workflows. She talks about how BIMcollab helps push open BIM principles and how these methods can make projects run smoother. Bojana also shares how Europe and the US use BIM differently, and the problems that can arise when teams use different BIM tools. Discover the potential of the upcoming IDS standard that aims to make BIM requirements easier to handle. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Bojana's LinkedIn Profile BIMcollab

OpenBIM: Paving the Way in Romania with Stefan Constantinescu In this video, I chat with Stefan Constantinescu, who is in charge of BuildingSMART Romania and co-founded the BIMtech Association. Stefan shares his experience, and talks about what buildingSMART Romania does, and how it's changing the way buildings are made. BuildingSMART Romania is trying to get more people to use open Building Information Modelling (BIM) standards in Romania. They talk a lot about open BIM, Open Standards, and different tools like IFC, aiming to help everyone understand how to use them better in their work. Stefan also talks about the yearly BIMcon conference. This event brings experts from all around the world to share their stories and advice. BuildingSMART Romania also works on translating technical guidelines, called ISO standards, into Romanian, so more people can use them. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Stefan's LinkedIn Profile BIMTECH buildingSMART Romania

BIM for Electrical Engineers: A Deep Dive with David Robison Join me as I talk to David Robison from Design Master Software about BIM (Building Information Modeling) for electrical engineers. David shares how BIM can make an electrical engineer's work more efficient and the role of Design Master Software in this field. Watch, like, share, and subscribe for more content like this. Keep learning and stay inspired. Disclaimer: This video is not a sponsored or paid advertisement. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources David's LinkedIn Profile Design Master Software

BIMvoice with Artur Tomczak:  bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary) Welcome to the second part of the interview with Artur Tomczak, PhD Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and a product manager for bSDD at buildingSMART International. In this video, Artur breaks down the concept of bSDD, its benefits, and its role in shaping the future of the AEC industry.  Whether you're an AEC professional or a tech enthusiast eager to learn about the latest advancements in the industry, this video is for you! Join us as Artur navigates the ins and outs of bSDD, revealing its potential to revolutionize construction and design processes. Artur's expertise in sustainable development, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence makes him a valuable asset to the field, and his work with bsDD at BuildingsmartInternational is driving innovation and progress in the industry. Throughout the series, we delve deeper into these topics and provide valuable insights into how technology and innovation can promote sustainability and improve the built environment. Subscribe Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Google | Stitcher | Player.fm | iHeart Resources Artur's LinkedIn Profile bSDD bSDD Github Interactive API Documentation Search Page Circularity in BIM IDS IDS Github BlenderBIM Blender OSArch Community OSArch Wiki AEC Free Software Directory OpenBIM Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) IFC Specification Database Which IFC Class Should I Use