What inspired you to pursue a career in BIM?
Sustainability motivated me to pursue a profession in BIM because, as they say, "we can't control what we can't measure." Collecting data and ensuring compatibility is a crucial part of the BIM process. Helping various teams collaborate in a sustainable way brightens my day and motivates me to do more.
What is involved in your current role?
My responsibilities include testing and troubleshooting new digital solutions, as well as correcting and updating current databases for Project Management Teams, Design Teams, Estimating Teams, and Manufacturing Teams. As Exyte Hargreaves continues to win new projects, we also provide weekly CPD seminars and apply BIM deliverables to every project.
What do you find most exciting about your role?
Working with industry-leading digital solutions and contacts inside new solutions is the best part of my job. It's incredibly exciting to have continuous support from our software providers, as well as a bridge to communicate this with respect to our work streams. I normally look forward to introducing a new function or technology to various teams.
What do you find the most challenging?
This year has been especially difficult because I haven't been able to say goodbye or have a closure on my grandmother's passing away. She has been my rock and my go-to person in difficult situations, as well as my haven when seas have been stormy. I'm in the process of educating myself on how to recharge and revitalize by recalling her calming advice on how to succeed in the kindest manner possible.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Being a finalist in the "We Are the City" rising stars awards in 2017 was a pivotal moment in my career. Being able to function at advanced levels in five of the most well-known BIM applications has been a huge accomplishment for me, and I'm excited to help others learn them as well. I'm also about to become a dual citizen of two of my favorite countries on the planet.
How have you felt supported as a woman in the industry and what more do you think we can do to improve gender equality?
Exyte Hargreaves gives excellent chances for women to advance and voice their opinions in the engineering and industrial fields. This includes things like training, promotions, and excellent maternity leave programmes. Closing the gender gap in the workplace is critical for creating sustainable societies. Gender equality audits, inclusion consultative groups, and identifying and capturing gender specific concerns in the construction industry will all assist to move the construction sector closer to sustainable development.
Who inspires you?
People that are willing to give information and communicate in a generous manner inspire me greatly. Within the Exyte Hargreaves team, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience, which fosters collaboration. All senior and junior members are inspired to work together to create user-friendly solutions and improve internal and external communications. We always make sure to give credit to our team members and nominate them for better opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining the industry?
Make it a habit to save your work to the cloud rather than your hard drive because large projects necessitate large amounts of data and multiple software connections, and everything may be ready for you prior to presenting a demo as a futuristic responsibility on digital engineering. In a hurry, visual memory and attention to detail always come in handy.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
On weekends, I enjoy taking my canvas and acrylic paints to the Peak District to paint some scenery on an A3 canvas. It's reviving and peaceful, although I occasionally cheat by utilizing ready-made canvases. I also quite like booking some cheese tasting or wine tasting sessions as an event to explore different parts of the country with friends and family.
