What I do

I produce models and Computer Aided Designs (CAD) in construction. We use software to create the models, I mostly use Revit software which is specific to construction. I also use a 3D printer to produce physical items and we also use VR headsets.

How I became a technician

I liked drawing and reading when I was younger. When I was choosing a career, I decided to go for something which offered a mix between creative and technical skills - that’s why I chose product design.

I went to university in Spain and did a degree in product design where I learnt how to use some 3D modelling software. When I came to the UK, I looked for opportunities to use this skill and was offered a course to learn Revit. I think I could have done the training without doing a degree, as everything I have learnt about buildings has been on the job.

Hear more about Ana's role by watching the video below...

What my role entails

In general, BIM technicians produce models and drawings from the models - focusing on plans for construction. My role at ISG is a bit different as we rely on sub-contractors to produce the models and drawings and then we enhance the models we receive for tender purposes, to present to clients. We focus on improving the design content and the materials; co-ordinating services and creating 4D sequences to demonstrate how something will be built in real life.

We do 3D printing when it is required and we use a camera mounted on top of a safety helmet on site. For health and safety reasons, I didn’t want to wear a camera on top of my head, so we designed a mount in house, which fits at the front of the helmet and we printed the mount on a 3D printer. It’s now being used on live projects.

Keep trying and everything will fall into place!

The advice I'd give to someone younger

Keep trying! When I first moved to the UK, I started working in hospitality as I didn’t have experience in product design, and one week after I did the Revit training, I got a job! Keep trying and things will eventually fall into place.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

It’s dynamic and my workload changes every week. One day I am working with data embedded in a model and another day I am modelling pretty furniture to make the space look nice.

A surprising fact about my job

Some people have an outdated idea of construction and imagine people wearing hard hats and working on site - this is a part of the job, but there is so much more to it!

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

On one of the last projects we worked on, the initial idea was to create an animation, so we spent some time drafting how the characters would look. It was for a firm that was going to move from one building to another building, and we wanted to show the characters moving too, that was fun.

Nine apprentices sitting on sofas socialising

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