The Significance of Baker Baynes’ Sponsorship

Baker Baynes created the Extraordinary Women in BIM competition to honour women advancing digital transformation in architecture, engineering, and construction. As the proud sponsor of Prinell’s AU journey, Baker Baynes ensured her exposure to cutting-edge tools, connections with global leaders, and invaluable experiences to enhance her role in the industry. The sponsorship reflects Baker Baynes’ commitment to uplifting industry professionals by investing in growth, innovation, and real-world experience.

A Powerful First Impression at Autodesk University

Prinell’s arrival at Autodesk University was marked by awe and gratitude. “Seeing the massive AU banner and the energy of thousands of attendees reminded me that I was entering a world where innovation is celebrated,” she said. Attending the general session and hearing Autodesk’s CEO set the tone with powerful insights into AI and BIM transformation was a highlight. The experience reinforced Autodesk’s role in expanding AI and BIM capabilities, where technology enhances – rather than replaces – engineers’ expertise.

“Automation with BIM tools can shave hours off a task, letting us focus on high-value, creative work,” Prinell shared. As she explored sessions and interacted with BIM professionals from all over the world, the significance of AI became clear. Autodesk’s advancements in automation resonated with her, affirming her commitment to bringing these innovations back to her team.

Building a Global Network Through Baker Baynes’ Sponsorship

Thanks to Baker Baynes’ support, Prinell was able to build a global network of industry professionals, particularly women leaders in BIM. In AU’s speed networking sessions, she exchanged ideas with attendees from the United Kingdom, India, and the United States, all passionate about advancing BIM. These encounters provided her with new perspectives on document management and workflow optimisation.

The insights Prinell gained from her interactions were invaluable. “Meeting people who share my passion for BIM and learning about their unique approaches was energising,” she noted. “It was inspiring to witness the passion from individuals worldwide and realise the role we each play in shaping the industry.”

Sessions That Sparked Innovation and Learning

Among the sessions that stood out, Prinell found the structural sessions on Dynamo and Revit scripting particularly enlightening. With Revit’s automation tools, especially in timber connections, Prinell saw firsthand the potential to streamline design workflows. “The time saved by automating connection detailing is game-changing,” she explained.

Another standout session focused on creating simulations using Revit models, illustrating Autodesk’s versatility in optimising processes. Prinell’s experiences at these sessions have motivated her to integrate these workflows at Bosch Projects, envisioning a future where her team achieves even greater efficiency and accuracy.

Empowerment as a Woman in BIM

Prinell’s time at AU was transformative on multiple levels. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, AU’s diverse environment was empowering. The general session in particular left her with a sense of pride and belonging. “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people from all backgrounds, working towards a common goal of innovation,” she said.

The experience of being at Autodesk University, in person, made her appreciate the importance of representation and the support from Baker Baynes that made this possible. “Watching these sessions live and being fully immersed was a reminder of how essential it is to have strong advocates for women in tech. I felt proud to represent my country and my company on this global stage.”

Discovering New Autodesk Tools

Prinell came away from AU excited to implement new Autodesk tools and features back home, particularly in document management and Revit. She was especially eager to use Dynamo’s capabilities to automate workflows and optimise efficiency. She believes these innovations will drive her team’s productivity, empowering them to deliver with greater speed and precision.

Learning from a Global Perspective

A defining element of Prinell’s experience was seeing the global impact of BIM practices and understanding how much further the industry can go. Observing how international organisations implemented BIM standards strengthened her resolve to champion digital transformation in South Africa. “Thanks to Baker Baynes, I was able to see how we can bring consistency across our regions. Staying competitive means embracing BIM as the industry standard, and AU has given me a clear vision to lead our company in that direction,” she said.

Advice for Women in BIM Aspiring to Attend AU

Prinell urges other women in BIM who aspire to attend Autodesk University to communicate their passion and advocate for support within their companies. “This experience is life-changing, and the value far outweighs the cost of attending. It’s not only an investment in the individual but in the growth of the company,” she said.

For companies that wish to empower their teams, Prinell believes in the importance of seeing the big picture. “When companies invest in their people, they’re not just supporting individuals; they’re building a culture of growth and innovation.”

Looking Ahead: Prinell’s Vision for the Future

Prinell’s vision for the future, inspired by her AU experience, involves building a cohesive and dynamic BIM division at Bosch Projects. With AI integration and a team dedicated to continuous improvement, she envisions her company as a global leader in BIM.

Prinell’s goal is to optimise workflows and empower her team through the skills she acquired at AU. She’s passionate about building an environment where her colleagues can thrive and where the company stands out as a trendsetter in the BIM space. “With Baker Baynes’ support, I’ve seen the possibilities, and I’m more determined than ever to make those possibilities a reality for my team,” she affirmed.

Personal Growth and a Journey of Self-Discovery

Beyond the professional insights, the trip marked a personal journey for Prinell. It was her first solo international experience, navigating the nuances of travel in a foreign country and seeing iconic destinations like Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Lego Land. Reflecting on her travels, she shared, “The independence I gained was empowering. Navigating each day alone taught me resilience, and each new experience enriched my perspective.”

Prinell’s experience at Autodesk University has not only expanded her professional capabilities but also deepened her appreciation for her role within the BIM community. Exploring the Autodesk ecosystem firsthand has ignited a newfound confidence in what she can achieve, driven by the knowledge that the sky is the limit.

Conclusion: A Journey Fuelled by Vision and Innovation

Prinell Naicker’s journey to Autodesk University represents a powerful blend of personal growth and professional empowerment, made possible by the forward-thinking support of Baker Baynes. From witnessing groundbreaking technology to forming global connections, every aspect of her AU experience will leave a lasting impact on her career in BIM.

In closing, Prinell offers advice to aspiring women in BIM: “Dream big and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. I am deeply thankful to Baker Baynes for their support and for creating a competition that empowers women in our industry. This experience has shown me that with vision and the right support, we can make extraordinary things happen.” Her story reflects the immense potential of women in BIM and the transformative impact of investing in talent and innovation.