Sundt is pleased to announce that Bob Powell was recently promoted from modeler to modeler II, a position that involves mastery of building information modeling (BIM) and other innovative design and construction technologies. Bob has been with Sundt since 2010 and holds an Associate of Science degree in design and drafting from Total Technical Institute. He works in our San Diego office.
What led you to Sundt?
I initially started working with Sundt while I was a freelance plumbing modeler for the subcontractor on one of Sundt’s community college construction projects in San Diego. I spent a lot of time on site working with the Sundt team. When a modeling position opened up, I was recommended for it.
Describe the kind of work you do in your new position.
My new position will require a lot of hands-on interaction with the subcontractors. I’ll be visiting most of our jobsites weekly to help manage the BIM process and help the subcontractors effectively coordinate, install per BIM, and maintain schedule. I will also be training our Sundt engineers how to work with BIM in the field, as well as any other help our project teams might need.
How does your work benefit Sundt’s clients?
BIM provides a powerful analytical and visual point of reference for current and potential clients. It helps owners understand their project in a 3, 4, and 5 dimensional BIM world (where scheduling and material quantities/costs can often times be incorporated into the 3-dimensional model). Timely and accurate BIM coordination at the preconstruction and operations phases can greatly reduce schedule impact, which in turn helps reduce costs and delays.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy seeing a hard-working team collaborate to get a project completed effectively. It’s a great feeling when BIM is used successfully and the entire team can look back and see that even through the complications of construction, the use of BIM was a powerful tool that supported the expedition of many issues. Also, seeing a three-dimensional model that replicates the physical building is pretty cool, too. (But that’s just the nerd in me.)
What’s the biggest drawback?
Sometimes it’s hard to get all members of a project team to “buy in” to the whole BIM process. Many builders still work with an old-school mentality, and part of my new role is to introduce them to new ways of thinking and working, and help them learn what BIM can do for them. It’ll be a welcome challenge.
What might you be doing if you weren’t working in the construction industry?
I probably would have continued my career on the design side of construction. I worked as a project manager for architectural firms for many years and I truly enjoyed it. And if that didn’t work out, I’d probably be at home building multi-billion-dollar structures from Legos, demolishing them, and repeating the process until it was dinner time.
What’s your dream vacation?
I’ve always wanted to take a couple weeks off and sail the Greek Isles.
Most recent book or movie that you enjoyed?
I am a huge fan of controversial documentaries, so for the sake of removing delicate opinions, I will only offer my two favorite movies. Braveheart is simply wonderful… a bit long, but a fantastic watch, with horrible Scottish accents, and a fantastic moral. And if you have never seen Army of Darkness, well then your life is incomplete. Both are great movies.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Since we’ve recently purchased a house, my “honey-do” list has not allowed much free time. If I am able to distract my wife long enough to get some time away, you will usually find me hiking with my dogs, having a nap in my hammock, taking in a local comedy show, sampling a nice cigar with a glass of wine, or simply relaxing in the spa at my quiet home. Life is good.