Pioneering BIM and Shaping the Future of Architecture

At 73, Andrew Milburn remains a key figure at Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), renowned for his expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and his innovative contributions to architecture. His career began in London during the dynamic 1960s, where his passion for both maths and the arts led him to pursue architecture. Rejecting conventional education, Andrew embraced a hands-on approach, which included learning bricklaying. This practical knowledge later shaped his unique architectural perspective.

In the 1980s, Andy moved to Zimbabwe, where he spent over 20 years teaching and developing educational materials focused on building. His deep connection with the country led him to work on several key projects, helping to shape Zimbabwe’s architectural landscape.

In the early 2000s, political instability in Zimbabwe led Andrew to move to Dubai, where he joined GAJ. Initially hired on a three-month trial, he quickly became instrumental in introducing BIM software Revit to the firm, significantly advancing the company’s digital capabilities. Despite initial scepticism, Andrew’s foresight pushed the firm to adopt BIM, marking a pivotal change in how projects were executed.

Under his leadership, the BIM team at GAJ grew, undertaking major projects like Jumeirah Golf Estates and contributing to international collaborations such as Project Soane, which involved the digital reconstruction of the Bank of England. Andrew’s work helped the firm remain at the forefront of technological advancements in architecture.

Andrew is a strong advocate for the integration of BIM into the design process, believing it eliminates the disconnect between designers and specialists. He envisions BIM as an essential tool for sustainability, capable of monitoring everything from thermal performance to material usage.

Although cautious about the use of AI, Andrew acknowledges its potential to enhance design efficiency, particularly in repetitive tasks. His real passion, however, lies in mentoring the next generation of architects. He believes aspiring professionals must first understand the fundamentals of building before adopting advanced technology.

With his commitment to innovation and his dedication to mentoring, Andrew continues to leave a lasting impact on both GAJ and the wider architectural community.