buildingSMART International Chapter Leader Profile

First name: Lorenzo

Last name: Nissim

Chapter: Italy

Role in the Chapter: Executive President

Where are you based? Rome, Italy

When was your first interaction or involvement with buildingSMART?
It was March 19, 2015, when I first met Christopher Groome in a London restaurant, just a few days after founding IBIMI with other colleagues. We discussed membership opportunities, the goals, and the purpose of the buildingSMART community. Shortly after, I attended the Barcelona Summit, where I met with then-CEO Richard Petrie to propose IBIMI as the new national Chapter of buildingSMART. Since that moment, my focus has been on encouraging Italian companies and experts to actively participate in buildingSMART projects and initiatives. A few years later, IBIMI officially became the Italian Chapter.

Tell us a little about your work history/professional journey, and how it led you to buildingSMART.

My career began in a completely different field than construction and engineering. After a period working in the HO.RE.CA. sector, I became involved in a project aimed at repurposing historic buildings with significant artistic and cultural value for hospitality along a pilgrimage route. During this time, I was introduced to BIM, and with the curiosity that defines me, I began to explore the topic in depth.

As a non-technical professional with an economist's perspective, I quickly recognized the immense potential BIM could bring to the entire industry. However, I also understood that for its benefits to be fully realized, the approach needed to remain software-neutral. This realization naturally drew my attention to buildingSMART. I started engaging with its work and community, eventually co-founding IBIMI, an association in Italy that become the official buildingSMART Chapter. Today, I am honoured to serve as the Chapter President, continuing to champion openBIM principles for the betterment of the industry.

What do you like the most about the work you do within your Chapter?

What excites me the most is the opportunity to foster connections between professionals, companies, and institutions to promote digitalization in the sector. It is incredibly rewarding to see how our work helps improve the construction industry in Italy, making it more efficient, innovative, and sustainable.

What would you say are the biggest successes or milestones to date within your Chapter?

Among the most significant achievements, I would highlight being recognized by the Italian Ministry of Made in Italy as the association representing BIM professionals, securing the mandate as the Italian Chapter of buildingSMART, and hosting an international summit. These milestones underscore the value of teamwork and the collective dedication of our Chapter.

What does openBIM mean to you personally?

For me, openBIM is much more than technical standards; it is a cultural approach that fosters collaboration, transparency, competition, and, ultimately, innovation in the construction sector. I believe it is a key element for addressing future challenges and building a more resilient and sustainable industry.

What overriding challenge(s) do you see the community facing today?

One of the main challenges I see is the widespread adoption of open standards. Many stakeholders are still hesitant or even fearful of changing their approach, often due to a lack of understanding of the benefits and operational methods of openBIM, or simply because of organizational inertia. This highlights the need for greater investment in education and awareness.

What challenge(s) do you encounter within your Chapter?

Within our Chapter, we constantly face challenges related to limited resources, which clash with the need to engage a broader base of stakeholders. Additionally, institutional support is an ongoing focus as we work to ensure continuity and growth.

What do you see as the main opportunities for your market?

The Italian construction sector is currently experiencing a historic surge in activity due to substantial European funding, but it’s essential to look beyond this moment. openBIM presents significant opportunities to enhance the global competitiveness of Italian companies. Specifically, I see great potential in its integration with sustainability policies and in improving public infrastructure through the adoption of digital processes.

With digitalization becoming more prevalent, how is your Chapter addressing the challenges and opportunities it brings?

Our Chapter is addressing digitalization through concrete initiatives such as a nationwide professional qualification program, the publication of numerous guides to support the adoption of digital practices, hosting informational and networking events across the country, and participating in international collaboration and research projects. We are dedicated to fostering a national ecosystem that supports the digital transformation of the industry, with a particular focus on interoperability and innovation.

What are your visions and/or aspirations for the future, both for your Chapter and for buildingSMART internationally?

My vision for the future of our Chapter is to strengthen its position as a national leader in driving digital transformation and promoting openBIM principles. I aim to ensure that all stakeholders in the construction industry—from designers to policymakers—embrace open standards as a cornerstone for collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability. I aspire to see our Chapter broaden its reach, enhance its influence, and secure more resources to support professionals and organizations on their journey toward digitalization.

At an international level, I envision buildingSMART continuing to lead innovation and nurture a global culture of openness and standardization, always keeping the community at its heart. I hope to see an increased capacity to support alignment and collaboration among Chapters and members worldwide, leveraging collective knowledge to address global challenges such as sustainability, urbanization, and technological integration. My aspiration is for buildingSMART to remain at the forefront of a more interconnected, interoperable, and forward-thinking construction industry.

 

Updated in November 2024