Baker Baynes
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BIM AND THE DIGITAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Stand the Chance to Win a Fully Paid Trip to Autodesk University in San Diego, USA worth R100 000
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.
Key Dates:
May to Mid-June: Competition launch and judges profiling, including interviews with judges.
* Entries Open: 16 May 2024
* Entries Close: 9 August 2024
* Winner Announcement: September 2024
How to Enter?
Entering the competition is straightforward: either you or someone who recognises your impact in the BIM community can complete the nomination form. The form is designed to capture detailed insights into your contributions across four main areas:
People-focused: How has your nominee inspired BIM adoption and promoted diversity within the industry?
Process-focused: What innovative BIM workflows has your nominee developed?
Technology-focused: How has your nominee integrated new technologies into BIM practices?
Project-focused : Describe a key BIM project led by your nominee, focusing on the challenges and successes.
Competition Prizes
Win a Trip to Autodesk University 2024!
The winner of the ‘Extraordinary Women in BIM’ Nomination Competition will receive a fully paid trip to Autodesk University in San Diego in 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
Meet Our 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.
Terms & Conditions
- Eligibility
The campaign is open to female professionals in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) sector. Employees of Autodesk, Baker Baynes, their family members, or anyone else connected in any way with the campaign or helping to set up the campaign shall not be permitted to enter. The judges of this nomination campaign are also not permitted to enter this campaign. An entrant must be a legal resident of the Republic of South Africa. Proof of residency may be required during the entry process. Only a natural person will be eligible to enter the competition and not a juristic entity.
2. Nomination Process
Entrants can be nominated by others or self-nominate through the completion of the nomination form provided by Baker Baynes. All nominations must be submitted by 9 August 2024 on the competition landing page to be located at https://www.bakerbaynes.com/extraordinary-women-in-bim/. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted. Baker Baynes is not responsible for any entries which are not received, whether timeously or at all, regardless of the cause thereof. Without limitation, Baker Baynes and its affiliates are not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer hardware or software failure or malfunction, traffic congestion (whether physical, or on the Internet, telephone lines or at any service provider, web site or other device or medium), or any combination thereof, or any other technical or other problems.
3. Judging and Decision
The panel of judges will evaluate all valid entries based on the criteria outlined. The decision of the panel is final and no correspondence or discussion will be entered into concerning the outcome.
4. Prizes
The winner will receive a trip to San Diego, USA, to attend Autodesk University in October 2024, including flights, event tickets, accommodation for 5 nights, and visa assistance, valued at R100 000.00 (one hundred thousand rand). Prizes are as stated and are not transferable. No cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are subject to availability, and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. The winner must possess whatever documents and permissions that may be required in order to accept and use a prize, including, as regards international travel, a valid passport and all necessary visa and travel documentation, which documents and permissions are responsibility to obtain at your own cost (should it exceed the value of the prize), and which documents and permissions must remain valid in such minimum form and for such minimum period after the prize date as may be required by the relevant authorities.
5. Intellectual Property and Marketing Consent
Intellectual Property: By entering this campaign, you agree that any materials you provide, including but not limited to responses, photos, and videos, may be used by Baker Baynes in any and all media, including for marketing and promotional purposes, without compensation or notice.
6. Data Privacy/Security
Personal information collected from participants will be used only in accordance with the competition and will not be disclosed to any third party without the participant’s prior consent, except to meet regulatory, legal, or sponsor obligations. Baker Baynes and its affiliates will be considered co-responsible in terms of POPIA.
7. Changes to the Campaign and Terms/Cancellations
Baker Baynes reserves the right to cancel or amend the campaign and these Terms and Conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God, or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside Baker Baynes’ control (force majeure). Any changes to the campaign will be notified to entrants as soon as reasonably possible by Baker Baynes.
- Acceptance
Your entry into the competition and/or your acceptance of a prize (in the event that you win a prize) constitutes your binding acceptance of these Terms and Conditions at your own risk.
- Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by Consumer Protection Act and any other applicable law:
The entrant and/or winner(s) hereby indemnifies Baker Baynes against any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages or loss of any kind regardless of how this was caused, and whether it arose under the law of contract or delict or otherwise.
Baker Baynes and its affiliates will not be responsible, and disclaim all liability, for any loss, liability, injury, expense or damage (whether direct, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential) of any nature, whether arising from negligence or any other cause, which is suffered the entrants participation in the competition or the acceptance and/or use by the entrant of any prize, or by any action taken by Bakers Baynes or any of its affiliates in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Key Dates:
May to Mid-June: Competition launch and judges profiling, including interviews with judges.
* Entries Open: 16 May 2024
* Entries Close: 9 August 2024
* Winner Announcement: September 2024