Baker Baynes
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BIM AND THE DIGITAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Our 2024 winner’s grand prize is a Fully Paid Trip to Autodesk University in San Diego, USA worth R100 000
Meet our 2024 Crowned Extraordinary Woman in BIM Winner
We are thrilled to announce that Prinell Naicker has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Baker Baynes’ Extraordinary Women in BIM Nomination Competition! Prinell, a Structural Engineer and BIM Leader at Bosch, has made remarkable strides in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) industry, particularly in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her innovative approach, leadership, and passion for digital transformation have not only elevated her organisation but have also inspired countless professionals within the industry to embrace the power of BIM.
Prinell’s journey into the world of BIM is nothing short of inspiring. Initially drawn to accounting, she later discovered her true passion in engineering. Her dedication to advancing BIM processes began during her tenure at WSP, where she was mentored and encouraged to explore and implement cutting-edge BIM techniques. Today, as the leader of the structural division at Bosch Projects in Cape Town, Prinell is at the forefront of driving innovation and pushing her team to new heights in digital transformation.
Prinell’s achievements have earned her a prestigious prize—a fully paid trip to Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego, a milestone that will further her growth and contributions to the BIM community.
Want to learn more about Prinell’s incredible journey and what this recognition means to her? Read the full article
What is the ‘Extraordinary Women in BIM Competition’?
The ‘Extraordinary Women in BIM competition is a prestigious initiative by Baker Baynes aimed at honouring the influential contributions of female professionals in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) industry. This competition celebrates the ingenuity, leadership, and technical prowess that women bring to the digital built environment. New this year, we are excited to introduce a self-nomination feature, encouraging BIM champions who view themselves as leaders and innovators to step forward and share their stories. If you believe you’re transforming the BIM landscape, we invite you to nominate yourself and gain the recognition you deserve!
Why is Baker Baynes initiating this competition?
At Baker Baynes, we are committed to fostering innovation, diversity, and excellence in the field of architecture and construction. We recognise that women are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the built environment, particularly in the realm of BIM and digital transformation. By launching this competition, we aim to highlight and honour these trailblazing women who are leading the charge with their visionary contributions.
Key Attributes for Nomination
Nominees should exhibit:
Transformative Characteristics: Driving change and progress in BIM.
Success in BIM: Demonstrable achievements in enhancing project outcomes using BIM.
Leadership in BIM Adoption: Advocacy and leadership in BIM integration.
Real-World Experience : Examples of practical BIM project executions.
BIM Champion : Inspiring others through dedication and expertise in BIM.
How to Enter?
Watch this page and our social media on when our next nomination campaign will open. In the meantime, get involved in important conversations around BIM Matters.
Email bimmatters@bakerbaynes.com or engage with some of the opinions already shared here: https://bakerbaynes.com/bim-matters/
Competition Prizes
The winner of the ‘Extraordinary Women in BIM’ Nomination Competition, Prinell Naicker was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Autodesk University in San Diego, scheduled for October 2024, valued at R100,000.
What is Autodesk University?
Autodesk University is a premier conference curated by Autodesk, focused on learning and knowledge sharing among professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). It aims to advance the growth and impact of these industries through innovative sessions and networking opportunities.
Check out the highlights from AU2023:
The Prize Includes:
- 1 x General Admission ticket to attend Autodesk University (15-17 October 2024) in San Diego United States of America
- 1 x Economy Class International Return Flight
- Accommodation for one person for 5 days
- Daily Transport and Food Allowance
- Visa Application Fees
Esteemed Panel of Judges
Our panel of judges consists of industry experts dedicated to recognising excellence in BIM:
Jani Viljoen
BIM Counsellor and Professional Services Director, Baker Baynes
Jani Viljoen serves as the BIM Counsellor and Professional Services Director at Baker Baynes, bringing with her a rich background in architectural technology and strategic management. Jani has been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of Building Information Modeling (BIM) through innovative digital transformation strategies. With over two decades of experience in the architectural and construction industries, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to integrate advanced digital solutions into traditional building practices. Her work involves guiding firms in adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability in construction projects.
Under Jani’s leadership, Baker Baynes has grown to become a beacon of innovation in the BIM sector. Her ability to translate complex technological concepts into actionable strategies has helped numerous clients revolutionise their architectural and operational processes. Jani is not only a visionary leader but also a passionate educator who frequently conducts workshops and seminars to empower professionals in the industry. Her commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement makes her a pivotal figure in the digital transformation of the built environment.
Nikki van der Walt
Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk
Nikki van der Walt is a distinguished Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, where she has built a remarkable career enhancing customer experiences and team performances through the adept application of Autodesk’s product suite. Nikki’s journey began as a BIM & Information Management Consultant in Stockholm, where she spent over two years refining her expertise in BIM technologies and methodologies. Her role involved direct interaction with clients, providing them with essential support and strategic advice on Autodesk products, which set the stage for her current executive responsibilities.
Since joining Autodesk, Nikki has held multiple roles, each escalating in scope and impact. As a Senior Implementation Consultant and later as a Technical Solutions Executive, she has significantly influenced the way architectural and engineering professionals leverage software to achieve design and construction excellence. Her current focus extends beyond hands-on technical advice to strategic oversight, helping large teams optimise their workflows and embrace innovative tools effectively. Nikki’s experience in implementation and customer support equips her with unique insights into practical challenges and solutions in BIM adoption, making her an invaluable asset to the ‘Extraordinary Women in BIM’ judging panel.
Anien Nauta
Senior BIM Model Coordination Manager, AECOM
Anien Nauta excels as the Senior BIM Model Coordination Manager at AECOM, where her expertise significantly impacts major construction projects worldwide. Anien’s career is defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence in BIM and her commitment to leveraging technology to streamline and enhance the architectural and construction processes. With a robust educational background in architectural technology, Anien quickly recognised the potential of BIM to transform the construction industry. Her professional journey has been marked by progressive roles where she has managed, developed, and coordinated BIM models for complex, multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
At AECOM, Anien’s leadership extends beyond project delivery. She is deeply involved in developing internal protocols and training programs that promote BIM best practices among her colleagues. Her work helps bridge the gap between traditional construction methodologies and modern digital techniques, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Anien’s dedication to her field and her ability to inspire her teams have made her a key player in the architectural and construction sectors and a fitting judge for this competition.
Elna van der Merwe
Engineering Digital Manager, DRA Global
Elna van der Merwe is the Engineering Digital Manager at DRA Global, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With 16 years of experience in Design and Engineering within the Mining and Processing Plant industry, she has excelled as a BIM Manager and Coordinator on large-scale global projects. Elna is passionate about Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and integrates advanced technologies to enhance project efficiency and collaboration. She holds certifications in BIM Foundations, and Creating a BIM Execution Plans, and has extensive knowledge in Information management on projects. Elna earned her B.ED in Education with majors in Maths, Science, and Engineering Draughting from the University of Pretoria. Her expertise in digitisation and Building Information Modelling (BIM) drives project success and innovation.
Key Dates:
May to Mid-June: Competition launch and judges profiling, including interviews with judges.
* Entries Opened: 16 May 2024
* Entries Closed: 9 August 2024
* Winner Announced: September 2024