The BIM Technician in 2025 with Josip Bandur

A Candid Look into Digital Construction

In a recent episode of the Digital Construction Podcast, Josip Bandur, a seasoned BIM leader with over two decades of experience, offered a refreshingly honest and unfiltered perspective on the realities of digital delivery in our industry. He passionately delved into critical issues impacting quality, talent, and leadership, challenging conventional wisdom and advocating for a return to fundamental principles that prioritise craft, communication, and people. Josip's insights are a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of the digital construction industry.

The Eroding Craft of Drafting

Josip highlights a concerning decline in drawing standards, describing drafting as a true "craft" that, in the past, demanded meticulous thought and precision, whether on a drawing board or in 2D CAD. Today, intense pressures on project timelines and budgets often lead to compromised quality. While 3D models are celebrated for data storage and coordination, the final contractual deliverables remain PDFs and DWGs. Josip argues that the ability to quickly modify a 3D model doesn't automatically translate to equally rapid and accurate documentation updates, often leading to a decrease in overall quality as time is then spent rectifying documentation. He stresses that quality should always be the paramount consideration, even if it means advocating for more time or a different approach.

The Disappearing Skillset of Technicians

Technicians are the "backbone" of project delivery, crucial for translating designs into constructible documentation and models. However, Josip observes that their role is often undervalued, with engineers increasingly undertaking tasks traditionally performed by technicians, despite not having trained for it. This suppression of the technician's craft, coupled with intense delivery pressures, is causing experienced talent to move into BIM management roles or leave the industry altogether. This exodus creates a significant "mentorship gap," leaving younger generations without the experienced guidance needed to develop essential skills.

Leadership Disconnects and the Increase of RFIs

Josip points out a growing disconnect between leadership expectations and the realities of project delivery. The industry is seeing an increase in Requests for Information (RFIs) rather than the expected decrease in a collaborative BIM environment. This paradox stems from the earlier reduction in detailing and information provided in documentation to meet initial cost or time savings. Leaders, often influenced by the perceived speed of 3D modelling and "one-button" solutions, sometimes lack a deep understanding of the effort and time required for quality delivery. Josip advocates for open, honest communication between all levels to bridge this gap, sharing the 'how, why, and when' behind project decisions to foster empathy and understanding.

The Hidden Costs of Unbalanced Outsourcing

While not entirely against outsourcing, Josip strongly believes that the balance in Australia is "way off". Heavy reliance on offshore resources for cost reduction comes at the expense of investing in local talent development. This approach means new local hires are forced into a "sink or swim" environment with little time for foundational learning. Furthermore, the lack of standardised documentation across different Australian states and even within organisations makes it incredibly challenging to maintain consistent quality from offshore teams without significant local oversight and mentorship. This ultimately places immense pressure on the remaining local teams, pushing them towards burnout.

Burnout: A Symptom of Pressure and Lack of Empathy

Burnout, according to Josip, is a direct consequence of relentless time and budget pressures, compounded by a lack of empathy from leadership. He notes that local teams are often hammered with managing offshore quality issues on top of their own tasks, leading to disillusionment among experienced professionals. To retain good people and prevent burnout, leadership needs to have genuine conversations, understand the time and effort required for quality work, and offer support and flexibility. Josip, who remains deeply involved in project delivery, stresses the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and an open mindset at all levels to navigate these complex challenges.

The Future: Adaptability, Craft, and Critical Thinking

Looking ahead, Josip envisions a future where the technician's role remains vital, ideally locally, with individuals who can create quality products and mentor others. He hopes for a return to clear distinctions where engineers focus on design and technicians on documentation, with mutual trust. While technology continues to advance rapidly, Josip cautions against over-reliance on "one-button" solutions, which can decrease fundamental knowledge and create vulnerabilities when they inevitably break. The key to future-proofing the technician's role, he believes, lies in adaptability, problem-solving, a deep understanding of workflows, and effective communication. Those who can understand the "why" and "how" behind their work, and can seamlessly navigate different project environments, will be invaluable and less susceptible to automation or outsourcing. The industry must prioritise the value of the product and the people creating it, rather than just chasing numbers.

Key Takeaways:

• Drafting standards are declining due to project pressures, despite its foundational role as a craft.
• The transition to 3D models often compromises final documentation quality if not managed carefully.
• The technician's role is critical but undervalued, leading to a significant loss of experienced talent and a widening mentorship gap.
• Increased RFIs indicate a failure in initial documentation quality, shifting the burden to later project stages.
• Unbalanced outsourcing, driven by cost, hinders local talent development and contributes to widespread burnout.
• Authenticity, adaptability, and open, honest communication are essential for effective leadership and quality project delivery.
• Future success for technicians hinges on adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of workflows to counter automation and outsourcing.