BIM Champion of the Year

Ahmed El Samni is Senior BIM Manager at Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, two exceptional, regenerative tourism destinations that aim to set new standards in sustainable development and put Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. Ahmed joined RSG in 2021 as an experienced Architect with a Master’s in Construction Management. Leaning on many years of project information management across different industries, he has played a significant and instrumental role in the successful implementation of Digital Delivery systems, BIM processes, and information management platforms across RSG’s project portfolio.

A team player, with strong leadership skills, and an intelligent manager with an encyclopedic knowledge of information standards, technology platforms including modelling, document management and data analytics, Ahmed has led and inspired RSG’s project teams to develop their digital engineering skills. He successfully led RSG’s BIM Implementation for Red Sea International Airport (RSI), the biggest deployment of BIM Implementation in the Middle East. He also ensured that RSG followed ISO 19650, winning the company BSI Kitemark certification. As an inspirational digital delivery project leader, Ahmed has championed the development of BIM skills and competencies, and has demonstrated the business value of BIM.

Amarnath has spearheaded an ecosystem of technologies, processes, and policies that revolutionize project lifecycle management through innovative design technology. Leading the implementation of BIM across multiple divisions, namely Architecture, Structural Engineering, MEP, Interior Design, Urban Design, Landscape, Façade, and PPMOF (Prefabrication, preassembly, modularization, and offsite fabrication), he has enabled a model-based approach that significantly enhances collaboration and information sharing.

His foresight in integrating a cloud-based Common Data Environment prior to the pandemic ensured organizational resilience and facilitated a seamless transition to remote work. Amarnath's efforts have accelerated project schedules, improved risk assessment, and fostered cost efficiency by enabling early involvement of specialist design teams and leveraging fabrication-level drawings earlier in the project lifecycle. His efforts led to BIM being perceived as a technology stream, and the resulting innovation was recognised as an independent value and used in marketing efforts. His role in digitization and technology adoption has not only transformed Sobha Realty's operations but has also set a new benchmark in the real estate industry for utilizing digital technology in construction.

Anthony Nzoka has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Senior BIM Manager at AtkinsRéalis, driving the widespread adoption and innovation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodologies. As a pioneering BIM champion, Anthony has transformed project delivery through the introduction of new processes, technologies, and collaborative initiatives across the organization. Anthony served as a trusted subject matter expert, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship to project teams, overcoming technical challenges, and maximizing the benefits of BIM.

He spearheaded the development of customized Revit families, Dynamo workflows, and cloud-based platforms, implementing robust protocols for coordinated design reviews, clash detection, and issue tracking. He leveraged his expertise in building performance simulations to pioneer the use of BIM for extensive sustainability evaluations during the design phase, optimizing building envelope and MEP systems. His transformative legacy and influential role as a collaborative leader have positioned AtkinsRéalis at the forefront of BIM advancement, delivering immense impact for the business and the broader industry. Anthony represents the best of human values and capabilities amplified through BIM, making him a highly deserving recipient of the BIM Champion of the Year recognition.

Karim Shalaby is currently the Lead BIM Manager at Khatib & Alami (K&A) Beirut Design Center and is one of the essential members of K&A’s Global BIM Unit. He joined K&A as a BIM Coordinator two years ago and has since played a crucial role in successfully implementing BIM initiatives. His innovative leadership and strategic vision led him to achieve a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest Lead BIM Manager at K&A. Karim has a multi-disciplinary background rooted in a contracting role, with a strong understanding of design transfer to construction sites.

He has worked on various building projects where he was appointed to several BIM roles and developed various levels of detail (LOD). His curiosity about BIM made him recognize its importance in managing information on construction projects throughout their life cycle. He was appointed BIM Manager for his first project, where K&A was the executive architect and lead appointed party. His significant achievements, excellent communication skills, and high client satisfaction led to his appointment as the Project Lead BIM Manager for 11 projects. Later on, he was assigned to K&A's Global BIM Unit as the Lead BIM Manager of the Beirut Design Center.

A dynamic and driven BIM Leader. Mohamed stands out for his exceptional technical prowess and proficiency in BIM documentation and software. With a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring the practical implementation of BIM methodologies. Mohamed's proactive approach has seen him champion various BIM initiatives, adeptly tackling both technical and management challenges. Mohamed's ability to bridge technical expertise with technological innovation has been key to driving efficiency and effectiveness in our projects, resulting in tangible business outcomes.

He has integrated Power BI and Power Apps with BIM models, and this has presented a dynamic solution for tracking and visualizing clash resolution, model quality, and development progress. Leveraging Power BI's robust data analytics capabilities, stakeholders gain real-time insights into clash detection and resolution timelines, allowing for proactive decision-making and enabling users to update clash statuses and quality assessments directly. Technical aspects include utilizing Power BI's forms to calculate clash resolution rates and model quality metrics, while Power Apps leverages connectors to seamlessly interface with BIM software APIs for data extraction and manipulation. This integrated approach not only enhances project transparency but also facilitates agile responses to evolving model development needs.

Irfan is a highly skilled and experienced BIM professional who has demonstrated a dedication to improving digital construction processes through the implementation of various technologies and tools. He has played a key role in evaluating carbon calculator tools for integration into BIM and has successfully mentored a young Emirati woman as part of an internship program. He has also shown that he is committed to achieving a gender balance in the digital construction team.

He has demonstrated success in resolving clashes on the construction model, resulting in time and cost savings for all stakeholders. He has also implemented various technologies such as 4D sequencing and reporting, Robotic Total Station, Laser Scanners, Virtual and Mixed Reality, Augmented Reality and digital handover, which have resulted in significant time, cost, and quality improvements. Overall, his contributions to the field of BIM and his dedication to improving digital construction processes make him an excellent candidate for the BIM Champion of the Year award.

Mohammed Nadeem Ali is the BIM Lead at Al Geemi Contracting Company. Mohammed Nadeem Ali introduced BIM in AGCC. He has almost 12 years of expertise in infrastructure projects. He also has experience with metro, rail, hospitality, and commercial building projects, and currently, he is the infrastructure leader for both BIM implementation and management. He is responsible for the creation and enhancement of BIM libraries, project template production, compliance with BIM standards, model inspection, clash detection, and staff training to contribute to better project efficiencies.

His knowledge and experience in implementing BIM using ISO19650 and building digitalization strategies for the organization and clients. Mohammed Nadeem Ali used BIM to contribute to the AGCC and, as an example, the Al Hudayriyat projects., which had an LOD 500 for all infrastructure networks: sewerage, stormwater, potable water, irrigation, traffic control systems, Monitoring Control Center, telecommunications, electrical LV, MV, FOC, Street lighting, Roads, irrigation pumping station & other pump stations. His knowledge, passion, and teamwork were crucial in delivering a successful iconic project.

Nadeem, a BIM Manager at Mott MacDonald, stands out for his extensive expertise in Building Information Modeling, covering the entire project lifecycle. He has more than a decade of experience spanning various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and urban development, with a special focus on digital twin projects. Nadeem's role as a BIM trainer has been instrumental in disseminating knowledge and skills, shaping the next generation of BIM professionals. His ability to educate and mentor reflects his deep understanding of BIM processes and his commitment to the advancement of the field.

His comprehensive experience is complemented by a range of prestigious certifications. As RICS BIM certified professional, project management professional, and a member of the Institute of Asset Management, Nadeem demonstrates a holistic grasp of BIM, project management, and asset management. Nadeem's proficiency in various software environments is marked by his innovative approach to BIM, particularly in digital twin technology, enhancing project performance and productivity. His strategic focus on sustainable and efficient practices in construction and infrastructure projects demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. Nominated for his outstanding contributions and leadership in BIM, Nadeem drives innovation, technical excellence, and comprehensive project lifecycle management, and continually pushes the boundaries of BIM in the industry.

Rachel Rosas Alcantara is the BIM Manager at Besix. She worked throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East for almost a decade, eight of those years in the UAE. Her diverse set of abilities in BIM, digitalization, and project management unites the team as they successfully complete mega projects worldwide, from tender, design, construction, and handing over to the fulfilled client. She provides full support, leadership, and expertise concerning the BIM process as per ISO 19650. Rachel ensures that the organization and subsequent projects, including Dubai Creek Harbour, which aspires to become the world's tallest tower, take advantage of BIM during the ECI stage.

She always explores innovative strategies to improve as the industry evolves. Rachel has several skills needed to succeed in BIM. To boost project performance, she obtained these abilities and managerial skills: PMI-certified PMP, IASSC-certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Advanced Autodesk and Tekla, and ASEM-certified PEM. She often presents on BIM in APO-PICE. She provides several Besix BIM training courses. Training updates the team on BIM success technologies and processes. She focused on her passions and is aiming to become a champion.