Reports to: Head of Digital Design
Location: London studio, with time-to-time travel as needed to other studios nationally
We see the role as predominantly office/studio-based, but there will be some flexibility for hybrid working
Contract: Permanent (subject to probation)
Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week, over a 5-day week (hybrid arrangements may be agreed)
Summary
The role will be based in our London studio, both supporting the delivery of projects for clients in London and the south, alongside a broader practice-wide remit. DIA has over 140 staff across the UK, with around 30 technical staff based in London where we are currently delivering the most complex BIM projects.
We offer competitive industry-benchmarked salaries, a profit-share bonus, private healthcare, holiday starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays) which increases with tenure, paid professional fees, relevant accreditations, payment of a further journal subscription, numerous annual training days, an individual CPD allowance, an internal CPD programme, and other benefits.
Our Approach
We are leaders in the conservation and adaptation of historic buildings, alongside delivering innovative projects with new interventions, all of which allows buildings to remain relevant and fit for purpose. We believe that change is continuous and that buildings are, in effect, ‘alive’; that historic buildings can, and where appropriate should, be enhanced and sensitively adapted so that they can be lastingly used and enjoyed.
We use digital technologies and processes to communicate, coordinate and deliver designs and operational information, in the pursuit of high quality project outcomes, from small monuments through to the country’s most important and challenging historic buildings.
Role Overview
This post will play a key role in our London studio’s continued success, and development of our BIM tools and processes practice-wide. As a practice, we are interested in the person as much as your qualifications. We will match your enthusiasm and proactive approach with the necessary support to enable you to deliver your best.
We are looking for someone who has a passion for digital design and BIM, providing dedicated close support to our London studio while also working with key colleagues to shape our BIM environment Practice-wide. This will include contributing to strategic digital initiatives and the development and improvement of our internal systems, software and processes.
You’ll be confident in establishing BIM related scope of work and deliverables, embracing innovative ways of working, and championing the latest tools and systems to increase efficiency and quality of output. BIM related engagement with existing and potential clients is an important part of the role, and ability and enthusiasm to engage externally, especially in London and the south to support business development opportunities, is also key. The role is ideal for someone confident in operational delivery and passionate about advancing great practice in BIM – and particularly in a heritage context.
At DIA, you’ll join a supportive, forward-thinking team where your expertise helps shape our digital future. We’re committed to smarter ways of working, continuous learning and a shared passion for heritage and innovation. We encourage good communication within the office, create space for honest and transparent performance assessment, and provide the support to achieve ‘best practice’ where necessary.
Duties And Responsibilities
Will include but shall not be limited to:
BIM Implementation & Coordination
- Define and maintain BIM standards, including Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) and Asset Information Requirements (AIR).
- Develop BIM Execution Plans and associated documentation (MIDPs, TIDPs, Information Protocols).
- Coordinate multidisciplinary models and lead clash detection across diverse projects.
- Conduct model audits to ensure quality and compliance.
Modelling & Documentation
- Oversee BIM model development and ensure outputs (e.g. IFC, COBie, Uniclass) meet Asset Information Model (AIM) and structured data requirements, including integration of heritage asset data.
- Maintain and enhance the Asset Library with templates and BIM objects.
- Apply construction workflow knowledge to generate project information aligned with best practices.
- Advise on geo-spatial survey procurement, tools and integration into workflows.
- Support technical development of a unified information management system aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 19650 and the Building Safety Act
Technology & Data Management
- Manage BIM software and provide technical support.
- Develop tailored digital design software stacks for varied project needs.
- Recommend emerging tools to improve AI-enhanced workflows and automation.
- Support technical integration with Microsoft 365, GIS platforms, dashboards and CDEs.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 19650 and internal standards.
Training & Support
- Deliver training, CPDs, webinars and workshops.
- Create BIM and digital design training materials, including eLearning and best practice guides.
- Coordinate onboarding and promote consistent learning pathways.
- Mentor BIM-specific roles within the Digital Design group. Foster a culture of continuous learning and digital confidence through internal studio knowledge share sessions to increase overall awareness and skillset
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Advise clients, consultants, and contractors on BIM implementation and project-specific requirements
- Represent the practice in external initiatives, industry events, and forums
- Support business development by demonstrating the value of BIM in project delivery
- Engage with clients in strategic and research-led BIM partnerships,. e.g. with universities, supporting our ambition to remain innovative and our place at the forefront of ‘Heritage BIM’
Practice development
- Support project winning through bidding process; inputting if / where requested
- Research and recommend new technologies to improve BIM generally
- Monitor BIM requirements across projects to identify trends, improve delivery and support structured data workflows.
- Proactively monitor the management of BIM requirements with the aim of identifying common issues which are then communicated to senior staff/practice generally.
- Proactively monitor and recommend the management of BIM requirements to improve delivery timescales and project outcomes.
- Prepare material for CPDs, and internal office knowledge share sessions to
increase overall awareness and skillset.
- Prepare materials for specific BIM training/
model audit workshops / toolbox talks.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the duties and responsibilities
of the post may be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
Essential:
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ BIM coordination experience in the AEC sector.
- Proficient in Autodesk tools, especially Revit.
- Strong grasp of construction workflows and UK BIM standards, specifically BS EN ISO19650
- Experience with clash detection, model auditing and structured data delivery (i.e.
IFC / COBie / Uniclass).
- Excellent problem-solving, communication and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
- Experience mentoring and training others in BIM workflows.
- Ability and enthusiasm to communicate in a fluent and compelling way with
existing and potential clients, and engage externally to support business
development opportunities.
Desirable:
- Demonstrable experience in presenting BIM as a product, to clients, with an
ability to present complex ideas in a clear, compelling and understandable
way to both professionals and those outside the industry
- Experience in heritage or conservation-led projects
- Understanding of heritage BIM standards and digital twin concepts.
- Experience with Rhino.Inside.Revit, Dynamo, scripting tools (such as Dynamo or Python) and emerging BIM tools.
- Autodesk Certified Professional (Revit, Navisworks), BuildingSMART or similar
certifications.
- Fluent spoken and written English
- Relevant memberships for example nima network, English Heritage
- Sustainability qualification
Equal Opportunities
Donald Insall Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively
encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless
of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Please note that in line with Home Office guidance we are required to check and
evidence UK Right To Work status.
