Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group, talks tech

What is your current role?

I’m the CEO of Space Group, which is made up of Space Architects, BIM.Technologies and bimstore: three technology driven businesses focused on Making Buildings Smarter.

I’m also a co-founder of BIM Show Live, which for eight years has played its part in promoting digital excellence in the construction sector.

What does BIM mean to you and how do you use/implement digital construction methodology on your projects?

BIM and digital technology is at the core of us achieving our purpose of “finding answers to the questions that will shape the future of our industry.”

With digital information we are able to improve project predictability, share information and continually learn from what we do. It gives us new opportunities to address performance in operation, all of which will help improve outcomes across the built environment.

Digital contrition is consistent across all of our projects, as it helps us provide better outputs. it also helps us innovate and develop improved workflows.

When did you first start working with BIM?

We started working in digital construction and BIM before either term existed and in 2000 we began exploring the emerging parametric 3D software. From here we began to invest in the software, training and hardware and within a few years we had converted the entire organisation to working in 3D.

The sector has matured and we developed with it, using multiple models for coordination and exploring how data could provide opportunities in the future.

Why should BIM Show Live visitors attend your talk?

I do the “State of the Nation” every year. I think this is a privilege. I look back on what has happened in digital construction and the wider sector over the previous year and back to the progress made since the first conference in 2011.

We have seen huge progress over 2018 and it is always fantastic to see such momentous achievements which are being made in our sector, which is often known for being somewhat conservative!

What technologies in the AEC industry currently impress you the most?

Personally, I am less driven by the technology itself and more so on the outcomes and the improvements it can make to efficiency and quality.

We have seen technology advance hugely and this year we have talks on generative design, block chain and artificial intelligence.

We also have talks which focus on cultural aspects such as diversity and I believe that this is as important as tech if the sector is going to continue to progress and attract the best future talent.

What do you think will be the next big thing in BIM and digital construction?

I’m not sure there will be a next big thing. BIM Show Live has proved that we are making progress every year in many aspect of the Built Environment.