Vicente Mediano-Corona

Home Country: Chile

Thesis Subject: Automated Code Compliance Checks with BIM

Graduation Year: 2023

Why did you choose the BIM A+?

When I was researching available BIM master’s programmes, BIM A+ stood out as one of the most renowned in Europe, even though it was relatively new at the time. The academic prestige of the partner universities, UMinho and the University of Ljubljana, was particularly appealing, both being highly regarded institutions in their respective countries. The structure of the programme was also very attractive: the opportunity to move to a different country after the first semester was both exciting and enriching. Overall, the programme seemed well-rounded, covering a wide range of relevant topics in the BIM field. One of the highlights for me was that parametric modelling had an entire module dedicated to it.

What did you enjoy the most about your programme?

What I valued most was the diversity of people, cultures, professional backgrounds, and perspectives. Being surrounded by classmates from all over the world gave me the opportunity to understand how the AEC industry operates in different regions, and helped me gain a more global and inclusive view of BIM implementation and construction practices.

I also appreciated the balance between practical and theoretical content. The programme offers a deep, structured understanding of BIM, with an academic thorough overview of nearly all its aspects.

Another major strength was the competence of the teaching staff. Many of them are not only recognised academics but also actively involved in the BIM industry through AEC projects, conferences, research, standardisation initiatives, and organisations like buildingSMART. This direct connection to real-world projects and cutting-edge developments gave us access to the latest trends and best practices in the field.

How has your degree helped you in your career?

BIM A+ helped me consolidate and validate the BIM knowledge I had been acquiring over the years, placing it within a recognised European framework. It also provided me with a recognised academic credential, which has been essential for opening up job opportunities across Europe. The international profile of the programme has made my CV more attractive and has helped me connect with professionals and companies from different countries.

What is your top piece of advice for prospective students?

Take full advantage of the teaching team and coursework: don’t just aim to pass, but really get involved with the lectures and discussions. The more you invest (in time and mind), the more you’ll get in return. Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with your interests or future career plans. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the process, develop a portfolio piece, get published, or even open doors to employment.

But above all, make friends within your cohort, as they will be the closest to a family for a whole year. These will be the people you work with, study with, and spend most of your time with during the programme. Building good relationships will not only make the academic journey more enjoyable and collaborative, but you’ll also be creating a network of friends and future colleagues scattered across the globe.

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

During my second semester in Ljubljana, I did an internship as a as a BIM Manager at an architectural firm, with whom I partnered with for developing my Dissertation. After graduating, I continued working with them in Slovenia for a few months before relocating to Spain, where I joined CYPE, a leading BIM software company, as a BIM Consultant.

At CYPE, I have been involved in the development of BIM tools, especially contributing to the specification and design of new features for the company’s Common Data Environment and BIM authoring tools. I also actively participate in national and international R&D projects (many of them funded by the European Union), where we develop innovative solutions to push the boundaries of BIM implementation. Through these projects, I collaborate with some of the most outstanding BIM professionals in Europe.

Biography

I am an architect from the Universidad de Chile, born and raised in Santiago. My interest in BIM began during my undergraduate studies in 2011, when I started using it to optimise my academic projects. Once I began working professionally in 2016, I quickly realised the potential of BIM in improving time and cost efficiency across projects.

Driven by this, I deepened my knowledge of BIM software, workflows, and automation, mainly in a self-taught way. Over nearly 10 years in the AEC sector, I’ve worked across a variety of domains, from social housing and real estate to architectural design, always aiming to leverage BIM as a tool for change and innovation.

Since graduating from the BIM A+ in 2022, I’ve continued to grow both professionally and personally. The experience not only strengthened my technical and theoretical knowledge, but also enriched my perspective as a global BIM professional and a more cultured person.