07/02/2026
Feeling refreshed by all the amazing ideas discussed at the Bim in series event, where we got to share a few of our processes with other professionals from Heatherwick Studio, Foster + Partners, Grimshaw, Mace, Vectorworks, ArchiTech Network, and others.
The highlight was a subject discussed in the panel regarding" Who’s responsible for ‘industry-ready’ graduates: universities or practices?”
I didn't get a chanse to exapnd on the subject as much as I wanted, but my take on this subject is somwhere along the lines of this:
Architecture is a very expansive subject, and even if architecture school takes 6 years, I believe it's difficult to reach an "industry ready" level without sactificing some of the other important moral skills an architect should aquire.
Also if we were to understand what "industry-ready" means, we would have to presume a requirement in BIM specific programs proficiency is a must requirement since all young architects enter the industry as drafting technicians. But each architecture business can have a completely different digital/BIM environment to the others, even with major star programs taking the lead. So does this mean that University should teach them all? IMPOSSIBLE !
This is why I think the responsibility is split amongst 3 entities:
1. Practices should do tranings for their specific workflows.
2. Students should target firms early, and start developing their skills for their desired career path, if they only rely on programs or proficiency levels taught in school they may find themselves laking.
3. Universities have it hardest in my opinion.
- They should set the young architects base as solid as possible,
- teach the BIM mindset as early as possible - teach risk analysis, why proceses and procedures are important, organization systems and task prioritization. Studens need to learn all subjects but in real life practice if they can't prioritize to deliver, their efforts may be for nothing, and if your mind is not structured in the BIM mindset learning will be gravely impaired in practice.
- Career path advice - teach students main programs but also advise them regarding the level where university is limited and their efforts should bridge the gap. Inform studens of real life practice needs, both in skills required early in their career and later on. Teach them that they need to direct their path early and start preparing for it.
arch. Andreea M.
Refreshed after getting immersed into a passionate and diverse subject at BIM in Series conference, hosted by by the Leicester School of Architecture at De Montfort University. Thank you Stefan Fratila, co-chair and awesome guide to the event, together with Victoria Farrow thank you for making it al...
