Michiel Bienens

Home Country: Belgium

Thesis Subject: Business value of construction project management leveraging BIM and interoperability: a new perspective on enablers and challenges for the Belgian market

Graduation Year: 2022

Why did you choose the BIM A+?

After completing my engineering studies at KU Leuven and starting my career as a Computational Design Engineer, I felt a strong desire to deepen my knowledge of BIM. I had been involved with BIM since 2015 and intuitively felt its potential, but in practice, I often found myself reduced to computational modelling tasks that didn’t tap into the full scope of what BIM could offer. I wasn’t ready to settle. I wanted to build a foundation strong enough to challenge the rigid structures in our industry, and contribute to reshaping them. BIM A+ stood out because of its intensity, academic depth, and the opportunity to learn from experts in two/three different European countries. Despite the tough selection process, I was proud to be admitted and grateful for the opportunity.

What did you enjoy the most about your programme?

I wanted to think bigger, challenge myself, and re-experience the international energy I had missed during the pandemic years. BIM A+ offered exactly that: world-class academic courses across two countries, and a vibrant, global community of like-minded professionals. The international setting was truly unique. Everyone brought a different perspective and definition of what BIM meant in their context, which made the learning process incredibly rich. The programme combined academic theory with a spirit of entrepreneurship; it was a shared journey full of ambition, critical thinking, and vision for a better industry.

How has your degree helped you in your career?

BIM A+ cracked the door open for me. What you do afterwards is up to you. The strong theoretical foundation gave me the tools to speak confidently about complex BIM concepts, even at a young age. I gained insights into process modelling, business thinking, and information structures. From reading IFCs to designing scalable data flows, I was ready to bring value from day one. Of course, knowledge alone isn’t enough; you have to take ownership and keep learning. Today, I lead BIM management for BESIX Netherlands and also take on responsibilities in BI (business intelligence). That leap forward started with BIM A+.

What is your top piece of advice for prospective students?

My advice? Take on today’s boldest challenges to build a lasting legacy. Step outside your comfort zone and dare to learn. Use the dissertation to explore the edge of your curiosity. Push your limits. Share knowledge. Teach what you know. Build bridges across disciplines. And remember; if you want to create meaningful change in this industry, it starts with taking full ownership of your path. The friendships you form and the mindset you build will serve you long after the programme ends.

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

After graduating, I became a BIM Manager at BESIX Netherlands – a Belgian based general contractor. I’ve taken on both complex bridge projects and high-rise building projects. I’ve expanded my focus to include data strategy, process architecture, and software integration. Today, I’m not just managing BIM on a project level; I’m helping redefine how we structure and leverage information across projects and time. The combination of my engineering background and BIM A+ education has allowed me to grow quickly and take on leadership in digital construction innovation. With the growing hype around AI and the rising importance of topics like data retention, these developments are taking on a critical role in the supply chain.

Biography

Michiel Bienens is a Belgian civil engineer and digital construction strategist with a strong international background. After graduating from KU Leuven, he joined the BIM A+ programme to deepen his academic understanding of Building Information Management and expand his global professional network. His journey through Slovenia and Italy shaped his vision of BIM as a collaborative, process-driven and future-orientated discipline.

Currently serving as BIM Manager for BESIX Netherlands, Michiel leads infrastructure and building projects while also overseeing the company’s business intelligence development. He combines his engineering expertise with a sharp focus on data structuring, process optimisation and long-term digital transformation. With a passion for innovation and a global mindset, Michiel is committed to redefining how digital construction adds value, across teams, borders and generations.