Author: Nigel Dong – Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, NZ Institute of Building National Bord member 

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 NZIOB/BIM+NZ Building our Digital Community conference (DigiCom 2023) held in Wellington at Te Papa. The event brought together construction professionals from across the country to discuss the latest technological advancements and trends within our Building Industry.

One of the most impressive aspects of the conference was the diversity of roles represented by the attendees. Members of the Institute of Building were present in a variety of roles, including Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Client bodies and more. It was inspiring to see so many talented individuals from different backgrounds come together with a shared passion for building and construction.

As someone who works in the field of Architecture, it was particularly interesting for me to learn from the perspectives of professionals in other roles. I believe that gaining a broader understanding of the construction process can only improve the quality of our work and help us better collaborate with others on projects.

At the conference, there were a variety of presentations and workshops focused on topics such as sustainable building practices, virtual and augmented reality technology, and digital construction tools. I was struck by how rapidly technology is changing the construction industry, and how important it is for all of us to stay informed and adaptable in order to keep up with these Technological changes.

As an industry, we need to work together to embrace new Technology and tools, while also remembering the importance of human expertise and creativity. At Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, we believe in using technology to enhance our design process and improve collaboration with Clients and Contractors. However, we also recognise that our team's talent and creativity are what truly sets us apart.

Overall, the conference was an excellent opportunity to connect with other construction professionals, learn about the latest advancements in BIM Technology, and reflect on the importance of collaboration and creativity in our industry. I'm proud to be a member of the Institute and look forward to seeing how we can continue to innovate and improve the construction industry in the years to come.