João Vieira

Home Country: Brazil

Thesis Subject: Business Intelligence Data Center for the Construction Industry

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose the BIM A+?

I chose BIM A+ because I was looking to combine my civil engineering background with a more forward-thinking, technology-driven approach to design and project management. The consortium of top European universities offered a unique international perspective on Building Information Modelling that aligned perfectly with my goal of becoming a more effective and digitally fluent project leader.

What did you enjoy the most about your programme?

What I enjoyed most was the multicultural, collaborative environment. Working alongside professionals from different countries and disciplines gave me a new appreciation for diverse approaches to problem-solving. The programme’s hands-on approach to BIM tools and methodologies also helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice, which I immediately applied in real-world projects.

How has your degree helped you in your career?

The BIM A+ degree gave me the technical and strategic skills to pivot from traditional project management to a more digital, integrated approach. It empowered me to improve some and implement others BIM-based processes at Newton Engineering and lead multidisciplinary teams on large-scale international projects, some of which achieved prestigious sustainability certifications.

What is your top piece of advice for prospective students?

Be proactive and curious. BIM A+ is about rethinking how we design, build, and manage buildings. Take full advantage of the diverse backgrounds of your peers and professors, and don’t be afraid to challenge traditional workflows. The more you experiment and collaborate, the more you’ll gain from the programme.

What have you been up to since graduating from the BIM A+?

Since graduating, I’ve been working as a Contract & Project Manager at Newton Engineering in Portugal. I’ve coordinated over 25 major building projects across Europe, helped win competitive tenders, and introduced digital tools to streamline project delivery and communication.

Biography

João Brígido Vieira is a civil engineer and BIM specialist with international experience managing structural and multidisciplinary design projects across Europe and South America. A graduate of the Erasmus Mundus BIM A+ programme, João currently works as a Contract & Project Manager in Portugal, leading high-value design projects for international clients. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, he combines technical expertise with a collaborative mindset to drive digital transformation in the built environment.