The Building Information Modeling (BIM) industry has experienced transformative growth over the past decade, revolutionizing the way construction projects are designed, managed, and executed. BIM integrates various aspects of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) into a cohesive digital model, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
A distinguished figure in the BIM arena, serving as a Senior Solution Architect and PhD Researcher, Ahmed Zakzouk, reflects a seamless blend of practical industry experience and academic rigor.
His dual expertise has positioned him at the forefront of BIM innovation, where he continually leverages cutting-edge technologies to drive the field forward. Ahmed’s work is characterized by a deep commitment to integrating advanced computational methods with practical applications, ensuring that his contributions have a tangible impact on the industry.
Let us learn more about his journey:
Juggling between Careers
Ahmed has been fascinated by computers since childhood. Remembering the day when Ahmed got his first computer, he spent hours and hours trying to figure things out. Eventually, he developed an interest in a computer subject during school and realized that he wanted to continue in the field where he would develop things on a computer.
Ahmed scored good marks in high school and decided to pursue a degree in computer science. However, his parents wished that he should do architecture rather than computer science, believing that architecture had better opportunities at that time. He didn’t get along with architecture much and soon realized that he should move to computer science in postgraduation.
However, Ahmed didn’t want to lose the progress he had made in architecture, so he decided to complete his bachelor’s in architecture and then pursue a postgraduate degree in computer science. While pursuing graduation, Ahmed got a scholarship to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) informatics, where he learned computer science with a focus on Computational Engineering, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
After graduation, Ahmed started his first job as a BIM Automation Engineer at a top construction company in the Middle East, Consolidated Contractors International Company. Simultaneously, he continued doing a master’s in integrated engineering design in construction, where he did a lot of BIM research. Having both a good industry and academic profile helped him land his opportunity in Germany with HOCHTIEF ViCon, where Ahmed started as an intern and then got hired as a full-time employee.
Afterwards, he worked in different Software Developer roles for BIM systems in big construction companies such as Implenia as well as well-known AEC Software provider companies such as RIB Software where he worked as Software Developer for the Enterprise BIM Cloud Application ITWO40.
After almost three years, Ahmed got his current job at Autodesk as Senior Solution Architect. Besides, he is also doing his PhD in Construction Informatics at Dresden University of Technology, researching adaptive and Performative Building Components focusing on Brain-Controlled Smart Homes, developing a system that integrates Brain-Computer-Interfaces with Digital Twins to help people with disabilities gain control over their smart homes. He recently founded BIMbrain, a startup company that maintains the IP and the productization of his PhD research, which focuses on Brain-Controlled Smart Homes.
Accomplishing Responsibilities
Autodesk is a global leader in software solutions for the AEC industry. As Senior Solution Architect, Ahmed Zakzouk helped Autodesk customers by architecting new custom solutions based on Autodesk Platform Services and the different Autodesk products. Most of his work involves dealing with big construction and engineering companies, gathering their requirements, defining them, designing solutions, and developing and deploying them to deliver customer satisfaction.
Ahmed himself trains developers in construction companies on Autodesk Platform Services. Through his role, he demonstrates Autodesk’s mission to push the limits of what is possible in the world of construction and design.
Renowned for its innovative tools and platforms, Autodesk empowers professionals to create, manage, and visualize construction projects with unparalleled precision.
Turning Innovation into Revolution
Ahmed consistently explores new frontiers in BIM, ensuring that Autodesk remains the leader in technological advancements. He is always working with emerging technologies, either in his work at Autodesk or in his PhD research.
At Autodesk, Ahmed works on ascending technologies like Cloud Technologies, Solution Architecture, Software Development, and Software Customization. In PhD Research, Ahmed is working with Machine Learning, Digital Twins, brain-computer interfaces, Web Technologies, Web Bluetooth, Microcontrollers, and Smart Homes.
Inspiring Team, Embracing Innovations
Ahmed is able to foresee industry trends and advancements. By anticipating future needs and challenges, he consistently develops strategies and designs innovative solutions that not only address current issues but also prepare organizations for future developments. This includes understanding the broader implications of BIM for project lifecycle management and sustainability.
Ahmed’s effective leadership involves guiding and inspiring his team of professionals, encompassing developers, engineers, and project managers. As a Senior Solution Architect, he is adept at fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing to enhance work efficiency and productivity.
Ahmed inspires his team and guides them to find their potential. He always motivated his team by showing their value and potential in the solutions they developed. Ahmed adheres to giving flexibility but also focuses on details when needed and supports and coaches individuals.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Ahmed recognized that the digitization wave was always a bit behind in the construction domain. With rapid AI development, there has been a lot of unpredictability, as no one can tell where the construction industry is headed within ten years.
Ahmed identifies a huge responsibility to adapt to rapid AI development, and it is quite challenging from a resource point of view. Research and development are a must for construction companies; otherwise, they will not be able to compete within ten years if they can’t adapt to the new technologies very well.
Ahmed believes, “Artificial intelligence is going to change a lot. Text-to-CAD and text-to-BIM are going to be the future if not yet the present.” Brain-Computer Interface will influence different domains, and BIM and Smart Buildings based on his research will be affected as well.
Fostering Collaboration
Ahmed is consistently promoting a collaborative work culture at Autodesk. He knows that collaboration is a key element of the company’s success. As an Autodesk consultant, he always tries to involve the customer in the development process as early as possible. He ensures both team and customer are aligned, applying Agile methodologies to achieve success together at the end.
Internal collaboration is also a key element for success in big projects. Ahmed has a large team with different consulting roles, such as business consultants, implementation consultants, solution architects, project managers, and sales teams.
Words of an Expert
“It’s not always simple to provide generic guidance, but I usually urge folks to leverage their existing experience when transitioning to BIM,” Ahmed quoted. He shares, “If you are in project management, try to learn about BIM management as well as the 4D and 5D components of BIM; if you are in sustainability, attempt to include BIM into your workflows and simulations.”
Ahmed constantly urges people to study computational BIM and be able to automate their jobs, starting with Visual Programming Engines like Dynamo and then moving forward and learning C# to be able to master the Revit API and start creating plugins to automate different difficult and time-consuming tasks. He also urges people who wish to advance in BIM Software development to master Web Technologies and AI in AEC and stay up to date on upcoming technologies like Blockchain and Virtual Reality, among others.
