In the third part of our end of year review we ask more BIM experts what they’ve asked Santa to bring them and what they’ll be doing differently in 2018.
David Jellings, managing director UK, BIMobject
So what’s going to be the tech things on your list to Santa this year for work?
A bespoke babel Fish (as per Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) – ie a universal translator with specific emphasis on BIM terminology and three letter acronyms. This would give me the ability to both understand what certain BIM consultants mean and to give them this feedback so they know themselves.
For play?
A “selfie drone” – then there would be no need to play the contortionist when my wife insists on taking endless snaps of our happy smiling faces.
If money was no object?
Two tickets (best in house) and first class travel/accommodation to all England rugby games – home and away – for life! Bottomless cash is far too important to waste on technology.
What’s been the standout moment/development this year for you?
Engaging with the Ministry of Justice – these guys know their BIM and any business partnership is a healthy mix of challenge, reward and respect.
Biggest disappointment?
The time we all waste trying to accept the inability of our politicians to say what they mean, mean what they say and their conviction that anybody actually believes them.
New Year’s resolution?
Work smart and don’t take things so seriously – life is too short and should be fun.
Andrew de Silva, associate, David Miller Architects
What’s going to be the tech things on your list to Santa this year for work?
Moleskin’s Smart Writing Set. I enjoy sketching when trying to workout solutions to problems or to communicate ideas.
To not have to scan and digitise these, but simply send once drawn with the “smart” pen would be great!
For play?
The Beeline bike navigation device. Great for getting to destination B when you have no idea how to get there.
If money was no object?
Would be nice to have a helping hand up those hills sometimes rather than push the Brompton.
What’s been the standout moment/development this year for you?
Visiting Le Corbusier’s Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France. Amazing to experience and reflect on the sensitive, yet bold design which is some 60 years old.
Biggest disappointment?
Not easily disappointed as I am a realist most days!
New Year’s resolution?
Spend more time on the bike exploring London in the weekends.
Marie Grieve, managing director, Costello Palmer Communications
What’s going to be the tech things on your list to Santa this year for work?
We love our Alexa in the office. I can’t remember ever being without out her – Alexa has certainly become an invaluable member of the team.
That’s why I’m drawn to the Amazon Echo Show with its seven-inch display screen, if Santa could spare one, our team would be very happy this Christmas.
For play?
I would simply adore an electric scooter, for perhaps “scooting” to the local shops for a pint of milk – I’m aware this may be a little self-indulgent when there’s nothing wrong with my good-old pedal bike (which is probably better for me), but this would be pretty cool!
If money was no object?
If I had a few spare million just sitting around, I’d say goodbye to the electric scooter and hello private jet, and I’d be channel hopping to Bordeaux for a delicious bottle of red (forget the milk too!). A private plane would certainly be my ultimate tech toy.
What’s been the standout moment/development this year for you?
2017 for Costello Palmer has been a stand out year. There are many moments which have made it special, such as working with Space Group on bringing BIM Show Live back to its northern routes in Newcastle, our visit to Australia to see one of our clients’ new products in development (launching 2018 so top secret for now) and of course welcoming Lisa Carnwell to the team back in October.
It has been a busy year, but a rewarding one too. We’re definitely ready for a rest and a few mince pies!
Biggest disappointment?
Tony Robbins once said: “Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions.” And that’s an attitude I try to adopt, if something doesn’t go to plan, look for a solution to turn it around and make it into a success. With this in mind, at the top of my Christmas list is a Tiffany watch with a beautiful pink face, so let’s wait and see if my biggest disappointment is yet to come and if so, I’ll be off to the Next sale…
New Year’s resolution?
For the past few years, I’ve had a wish to visit Montenegro, and I think perhaps it’s time to stop talking about it and book a long weekend.
