Ian Atkins, whose BIM career included stints at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Gensler, KPF, Heatherwick Studio and Populous, died in January. Here, David Shepherd remembers his friend.
When cherished colleagues, friends or family members pass away, their greatness and impact on our lives is truly revealed in the profoundness of loss experienced by those who remain.
That is why, when the BIM world became aware of Ian Atkins’ passing, the numerous social media posts expressing both grief and gratitude for his life and legacy continue to bear true witness to his greatness and the impact of his work on all of us.
Ian was born in Ipswich on 18 July 1979. His parents have fond memories of his kindness in early childhood that became his lifelong hallmark.
In his early life, Ian also developed a great love of the outdoors, especially the Malvern Hills. That love was nurtured through school expeditions and the Boys’ Brigade and continued into his adult life.
In 1998, Ian embarked on his lifelong passion to deliver great architecture using great technology. His achievement of First Class Honours in Architecture from the University of East London in 2001 would not have surprised anyone who knew of his prodigious intellectual curiosity. In 2005, Ian went on to gain his Diploma in Architecture from the Architectural Association.
A great friend
Rhys Lewis, EMEA director at Revizto, shares his memories of Ian.
Ian was not only a great friend, but also a valued customer and someone I deeply respected. I have so many fond memories from WKDs and pizza in NYC during his time at KPF to countless professional and personal moments in London. His humour, kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
His wife shared that Ian had a huge love for modular and offsite construction and the marrying of these worlds. He really loved design technology as a whole, not just BIM.
Everywhere he went he noticed buildings and shared stories of their design or technology – he had an endless passion for this.
Beyond work, Ian and I often connected over the joys and challenges of fatherhood, sharing stories, advice and the occasional dad tip. His loss is immeasurable, and my thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.
To honour Ian’s memory, I encourage those who knew him to support his wife’s requests of sharing their stories and photos so that she can share them with his two beautiful children as they grow up. You can do so via a Muchloved page devoted to Ian.
An event to celebrate his life will be held on 19 July. Follow this link to find out more.
A dear friend and a great leader within our community who will be sadly missed.
In fact, Ian’s prodigious intellect was readily apparent throughout his outstanding career. From 1999 to 2024, he led delivery in BIM of immensely complex design work for some of the greatest architectural practices in the world, including Heatherwick Studio, Gensler, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and Populous.
Revit user group
For most in the AEC industry, that alone would be enough of a challenge. Yet, from 2010, Ian was also vice-president of the New York City Revit User Group. On behalf of that noted group, the current chair, Andre Voss remembers: “We’ve known Ian as a forward thinker. He always had his finger on the pulse of what was going on right now and what was coming down the pike – be that single presenters and topics, or expanding to conferences and into podcasts before podcasts became a craze. We didn’t always have the wherewithal to implement his ideas, he was too far ahead of us.
“He was always kind, calm, collected, helpful. He stepped up and contributed. Even when at 2:00 am in London, he still attended our sessions.”
In 2014, Ian also completed studies at City University of New York in Subtractive Fabrication and Computer Numerically Controlled Technology.
In addition to his outstanding work ethic, Ian is widely remembered as someone who could remain calm, bring considered thought and his wry sense of humour to any situation.
Practical empathy
However, for many, including myself, it was his capacity for practical empathy that left the most lasting impression. In response to one post about a very negative career experience, he wrote: “It’s upsetting and infuriating to hear of your experience. But well done for speaking out, it’s important and right you did. We’ve all got a part to play to make sure change happens and for the better.”
Anyone who knew Ian also knew he had their back and that’s why so many in our industry looked up to him. More than just speaking the truth, Ian lived the truth, which is why he will be so sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Meera, and their children, to whom we extend our deepest condolences.
There is a well-known saying by Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
At this difficult time, may that truth bring comfort to his wife and family and to those who were his friends and colleagues.
Ian Atkins: 18 July 1979 to 15 January 2025.
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