Note: This article is written and published in Portuguese and is a translated version of the original available here.
From chemical engineering to digital transformation
Diego's journey began as an undergraduate, when he had his first contact with Autodesk solutions.
"I met AutoCAD Plant 3D, specialized in industrial projects, and there I saw a new way of designing. That was my entry point into the BIM universe," he recalls.
During his master's degree, he delved into the theory of BIM deployment and found his purpose in the onboarding of technology and engineering. "I've always been passionate about technology, so BIM was the perfect bridge between the two areas."
From technical use to strategic management
Over time, Diego realized that BIM was not just a tool, but a methodology capable of transforming entire processes.
"I saw in BIM a way to do engineering in a more innovative and efficient way. As a result, I stopped working only in teaching and using the tools to also work on mapping and changing company processes, in addition to creating policies and standards."
Today, as an operations leader, his role goes beyond technical management. "My job is to challenge AEC and Manufacturing companies to work smarter, based on innovative tools and expert tech support."
Daily challenges and the support of the Autodesk ecosystem
Diego's challenges lie in aligning teams with different levels of digital maturity and accelerating the adoption of smart processes.
"Autodesk's portfolio is one of the most complete in the world. The solutions from the Autodesk Construction Cloud, for example, are indispensable for ensuring collaboration among all stakeholders and consolidating efficient project flows."
According to him, the secret lies in the combination of technology and strategy. "It's not enough to have the best tools. It takes a clear vision of processes, constant training, and team engagement."
Essential Skills for a BIM Leader
For Diego, success in BIM leadership depends on a balance of constant updating and genuine curiosity.
"Being aware of industry trends, participating in events, benchmarking, and staying curious about how technologies work and connect are essential attitudes to keep up with the evolution of the market."
Projects that drive real impact
Throughout his career, Diego has participated in several BIM implementations in the most varied segments — industry, buildings, sanitation, energy and highways.
"More than the immediate result, what motivates me is seeing the progress of customers years later. It is immensely gratifying to meet companies again and see that they have continued to evolve in their application of BIM. This shows that the impact was positive and sustainable."
Educating to transform
In addition to being a consultant and manager, Diego is an educator by nature.
"Having the most advanced solutions is useless if the industry is not prepared to collaborate at this level. By sharing knowledge, we are not only training users, but cultivating a more mature market capable of executing more complex projects."
He believes that education is the best strategy to expand the market and consolidate a culture of innovation.
The fundamental role of communities
Diego recognizes that the communities were decisive in his professional evolution.
"Communities are fundamental. While academic training gives us theory, communities deliver validated practice in real time. They work like big accelerators—a problem that would take days to solve can be solved in minutes by someone in a forum."
According to him, these spaces democratize access to specialists and break geographical barriers.
The BIM in Latin America: advances and challenges
Regarding the current scenario, Diego evaluates that the adoption of BIM in Latin America is still quite heterogeneous.
"We have large companies in Brazil, Chile and Colombia operating at a high level of maturity, but the average adoption, especially in small and medium-sized companies, is still maturing."
He points out that the main challenge today is no longer technological, but human and strategic.
"What is lacking is investment in training, standardization of processes and public guidelines that unify the sector. In Brazil, we have made recent advances in this direction and we are already feeling the results."
Favorite tools and recent innovations
As a member of the Autodesk Expert Elite program, Diego frequently utilizes Autodesk Construction Cloud solutions.
"They are essential for ensuring collaboration and centralization of information on complex projects."
Among the novelties, he highlights the advances in artificial intelligence presented at the last Autodesk University.
"These resources are very promising. In addition, the evolution of Industry Clouds expands the possibilities for interoperability and onboarding of systems, which are fundamental to achieve higher levels of digital maturity."
Growth with the support of the Expert Elite community
For Diego, being part of the Expert Elite community is both a professional recognition and a transformative human experience.
"Professionally, it is the validation of more than a decade of work focused on digital transformation. I have a direct line to Autodesk's deliverable teams, which allows me to represent the voice of my customers and the Latin American market."
On the human side, he points out:
"It is a huge privilege. The program connected me with some of the brightest and most passionate minds in the industry. It's an incredible group of people who don't compete — collaborate to improve the industry."
Advice for those who are starting out
Diego sums up his success in two main traits: dedication and curiosity.
"Dedication to stay focused and solve problems, no matter how complex they may be. And curiosity to continuously seek new and better solutions."
Final message to the community
"A big thank you to everyone who is part of this universe, who share their time and knowledge to make our industry move forward.
Above all, BIM is a collaborative way of thinking and building."
Note: This article is written and published in Portuguese and is a translated version of the original available here.
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