Introduction

Hi, I’m Dinesh, an Associate Digital Design Manager at Desapex. With a background in civil engineering and a master’s degree in Construction Project Management from RICS, I’ve embarked on a journey to advance digital technology in the AEC industry. My focus is on ensuring project success by implementing the right processes and standards through effective digital technology integration.

Personal Journey

I was born in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. In my early days, I fondly remember my grandpa taking my sister and me to school on his bicycle, and listening to my grandma's stories before bed. When I was 8 years old, I moved to a boarding school and stayed in a hostel, where I learned essential life skills and became more independent. 

Growing up, I was a child full of love and affection for people, and I learned the value of hard work and responsibility from my Parents and grandparents. My parents worked incredibly hard to provide the best for me, and my biggest influence has always been my uncle. As a child, I was a bit scared of him, which instilled a strong sense of discipline and values in me. But as I grew older, that fear transformed into deep love and respect for him and he played a major role in supporting me throughout.

I was good at sports and always dreamed of becoming a cricket player or a javelin thrower. I was a state champion and even won a silver medal in javelin at the national level when I was in 10th grade. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much exposure or opportunity back then. Sometimes, I wish I had been born ten years later, when things might have been different. It reminds me of the book "Outliers," which emphasizes how the right time, place, and opportunity are crucial.

Despite that, I pursued engineering and a master’s degree in construction project management, and I’m now thriving in the field of digital construction. My next chapter takes me to Sweden, where I’m relocating with significant responsibilities at Desapex.

Professional Path

I began my journey with Desapex as an intern during my master’s program, where I spent three months immersing myself in the world of digital construction. During that time, I learned about the ISO 19650 BIM global standard and gained hands-on experience with tools like Revit and Navisworks. After completing my master’s, I joined Desapex full-time, eager to learn and grow within the company.

Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and confidence in integrating digital technology within the industry. I had the privilege of representing Desapex in the first-ever international audit conducted by BSI UK for ISO 19650, the first global standard for BIM, and continued to do so in subsequent audits in 2021 and 2023. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my knowledge through multiple live webinars on BIM, Reality Capture, and Virtual Construction (4D & 5D BIM). In addition to my practical experience, I’ve earned several certifications, including Autodesk Construction Cloud certification, Bentley Accredited SYNCHRO 4D Professional certification, and Project Management Institute certification. I’ve also represented Desapex at events like the Trimble Summit, where I explained reality capture technology and presented live case studies.

Role at Desapex

In my current role, I specialize in integrating digital technology into the AEC industry, with a strong emphasis on Digital Project Management. My responsibilities include configuring and maintaining the project Common Data Environment (CDE) to effectively manage project deliverables in line with ISO 19650. I led the team for organizational audits on ISO 19650, conducted internal project audits, and guided the team in adhering to ISO 19650 processes.

Implementing digital technologies, by introducing advancements in traditional construction management through the use of 4D BIM, 5D BIM, and reality capture technology for various applications, including progress monitoring, as-built verification, and conducting virtual walkthroughs of sites. This involves hands-on experience with laser scanning technologies, such as Trimble X7, RTC360, FARO, and BLK360, and performing data registration to ensure accurate and reliable project documentation. Additionally, I utilize Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance visualization and coordination, providing immersive experiences for better project understanding and stakeholder engagement. I also take part in the Technical Business Development meetings, where iam responsible for handling both offline and online meetings to explain our services and discuss use cases.

Unique Qualities and Superpowers 

My unique qualities and superpowers include a deep expertise in digital construction, with extensive experience in ISO 19650, 4D & 5D BIM,  and advanced BIM modeling techniques. I’ve led Desapex through pioneering international ISO 19650 audits, demonstrating strong leadership in global BIM standards. I’m skilled in sharing knowledge through live webinars and presentations on BIM, Reality Capture, and Virtual Construction, and hold certifications from Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley SYNCHRO 4D Professional, and Project Management Institute. My hands-on experience with laser scanning technologies like Trimble X7, RTC360, FARO, and BLK360, combined with advanced skills in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), allows me to enhance project visualization and stakeholder engagement effectively. 

I’ve acquired these skills over time through continuous learning and practical application in projects. This combination of expertise sets me apart and enables me to excel in business development. I effectively conduct technical meetings to explain our services and capabilities, helping secure new projects..

A Typical Day at Desapex

A typical day at the office starts with checking emails and catching up on any updates. I review my schedule, update my to-do list, and prioritize tasks to address any pending work. I then have a brief call with my team to assign tasks and set timelines. Throughout the day, I attend scheduled meetings and work on my priority tasks. At the end of the day, I connect with my team to review progress and plan future work.During coffee and lunch breaks, I spend time with colleagues and catch up on personal tasks, which helps me stay refreshed and recharged.

Regarding work-life balance, I make a point not to take work home or handle work-related calls after hours. Instead, I focus on personal activities like going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. This approach helps me recharge and stay focused.

Why Desapex?

I chose Desapex because of its strong commitment to advancing digital integration in the construction industry. The company’s focus on incorporating cutting-edge technologies and tools aligns with my passion for innovation. Additionally, Desapex offers substantial opportunities for professional development and growth, including the chance to work on high-profile projects and take on significant responsibilities. This international exposure and the scope for meaningful contributions were key factors in my decision to join the company.

Desapex supports both professional and personal growth through various initiatives, including continuous learning opportunities, access to important industry conferences and events, and encouragement for employees to pursue certifications.

Personal Touch

Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of hobbies and interests that help me unwind and stay balanced. I’m passionate about staying active, so I spend time at the gym and also do cycling on the weekends and enjoy cooking, experimenting with new recipes. I also value quality time with family and friends, and I make an effort to engage in activities that bring us together, whether it's exploring new places or simply enjoying a meal together. 

I have a deep passion for traveling and continually seek out new destinations to explore. I enjoy researching and discovering unique places, cultures, and experiences, and I keep a running list of exciting locations I want to visit in the future

Impact and Future Aspirations

As I move to Sweden and take on more responsibilities, I see my role growing to include more strategic leadership within Desapex. I plan to lead important projects, help drive innovation, and get more involved in international work to use the best global practices and technologies. My main goal is to grow along with  Desapex and succeed in my new role. I want to contribute to making Desapex a leader in the industry by driving new technologies, improving project results, and building strong client relationships. I also aim to keep advancing my skills and stay updated on the latest trends in digital construction

Closing Thoughts

As I get ready to move to Sweden and take on new responsibilities, I want to thank you all for your support and teamwork. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m excited to continue working with you and making a difference.

For anyone thinking about joining Desapex, I highly recommend it. We have a great environment here where you can grow, learn, and work with the latest technology. If you’re passionate about digital technology and eager to make an impact, Desapex is the place for you. I look forward to seeing new faces and achieving great things together.