German-born Klaus Stroehl has been a Building Information Modelling Consultant for more than 10 years. In our interview, he tells us about the passion he has for his job and how it’s progressing the building and construction industry in Tasmania.
BUILDING WITH BIM
“In layman’s terms, what I do moves the building and construction industry away from plan-based building design and documentation to a more integrated approach. It involves using 3D models for design and fabrication. The knowledge I gained studying civil engineering at university, with a focus on structural engineering, now helps me streamline construction processes. I believe BIM and the associated technologies are the key to realising productivity gains in the construction industry. I use my experience to bring these advances, developed in Europe and around the world, to Tasmania.”
BETTER BUILDING PRACTICES
“BIM is the best way for local building and construction to stay competitive. Working here, I believe my expertise in this field makes it easier to design better and more sustainably for the benefit of all Tasmanians. What I enjoy is seeing the local industry developing positively. Part of my job includes cooperation with a wide range of disciplines including building services, architecture, as well as landscaping. What I do helps them execute their work better through technology.”
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
“Flexibility is one of the big benefits of my current role. It allows me to shuffle my working hours so I can enjoy my life outside of work. My proudest achievement? I’d say that would have to be the more environmentally-friendly, land-based growing facility for salmon that I worked on. It’s a project that has attracted fish farmers from around the world, all eager to see and learn more. It’s perfect demonstration of BIM benefitting construction and leading the world in its practical execution.”
UPSKILL TO UPGRADE
“I love that my work in the industry is so diverse and never boring. I hope the next generation will continue to embrace these new and better technologies. My advice to anyone thinking about a career in building and construction would be to start in a traditional way as an apprentice or trainee and gain initial experience in doing things manually. I’d say never stop learning and take every opportunity to upskill as you progress. The skills you learn when you’re working on a jobsite are often transferable to management roles. There’s a great career path in the building and construction industry for anyone who wants to continue to upgrade their career and develop for the rest of their working lives.”
