In this week’s My Digital Life, David Miller, director and principal architect at David Miller Architects, highlights the importance of ISO 19650 adoption by clients and the joys of robot vacuum cleaners.
What new built environment digital innovation that you have seen really excites you?
We are currently excited about a couple of everyday operational developments that have the potential to really improve workflow and quality.
First, BIM 360 Clash Detection. By having all the design team working within the same cloud-based solution, any shared models within the CDE can be automatically clash detected as part of our everyday workflow, with a report being published directly within the CDE. This will save us time by removing what was a reasonably lengthy weekly task of downloading consultant’s models, running the detection, then generating and circulating a report.
Second, we are enjoying the work the team have been doing with George Stevenson at Active Plan to include some of their processes to track building safety critical components through the project life cycle by using their Active Plan building blocks and Revit plugin.
What single thing would help accelerate construction digital adoption?
Ironically, I think the global pandemic has helped. Who would have imagined 18 months ago that we would be so comfortable working remotely and collaborating almost exclusively on the cloud? Going forward I would simply like to see ISO 19650 processes being demanded by clients: while it’s optional it will always fall away when other project demands start to bite.
Who do you follow on social media about BIM and digital construction and why?
I follow much of the BIM community on social media and love that the dialogue is still positive, helpful and uplifting, which is unlike much of the rest of my Twitter feed. If I had to single anyone out to follow it would be Paul Wilkinson @EEPaul and Su Butcher @SuButcher. If they are following an event, you know you’ve got it covered.
What was the last app you downloaded and why?
Navionics, it’s a sort of sat-nav for sailors. I have been doing a lot of virtual voyaging during lockdown.
What is the technology bane of your life?
The engine warning light in my car.
Mac or PC/ IoS or Android?
PC for work and Apple for pleasure.
Do you have any smart home features or other digital gadgets?
We have not long finished refurbishing our flat and it is humming with tech, data points in every room, smart heating and lighting, linked Wi-Fi speakers and an electric rooflight that closes automatically when it rains. My favourite gadget is a robot vacuum cleaner we’ve named Lazy Robert who texts me to tell me when he gets stuck under the bed.
