WIB PODCAST: BIM and digital maturity levels across Europe, are they what you would expect?

As the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry continues to embrace digital transformation, one key question remains: How far are we on our BIM adoption journey?

This question sparked a thought provoking conversation on the WIB Podcast hosted by Women in BIM Global Vice Chair, Marie Grieve.

Marie invited Monika Filusch, CEO, FRESCON, Mariel Gutierrez, Principal Architect & BIM Strategist, marielgutierrez and Cláudia Antunes, Executive Director, StratBIM to discuss different stages of BIM maturity across different regions in Europe. Including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland and Portugal.

The conversation explored their insights on global alignment vs regional customisation, the true value of BIM and how individuals and organisations can lead the change, no matter where they are in the world.

Marie opened the discussion with outlining her three overarching questions:

1. Understanding of BIM and digital: where are we in our maturity journey?
2. What is the value of moving into digital ways of working?
3. What are the costs of progressing through different levels of digital maturity?

Mariel Gutierrez (Germany): Mariel illustrated the stark contrasts within Europe. Even within Germany, each region has varying guidelines and levels of BIM adoption. Compared to Spain, where only two project phases are standard, Germany follows nine distinct phases. “It would be great to have a common approach across regions, but practically, it’s very difficult. The processes are so different that a global one-size-fits-all solution might not work.”

Monika Filusch (Ireland/Poland): Monika emphasised the challenges of standardisation: “We always want to standardise everything, but every project is different. A hospital in Berlin and one in Barcelona might look similar, but the process behind them is entirely different.” She advocated for a common foundation of best practices rather than strict uniformity: “Instead of implementing everything at once, start with one piece that delivers value and build from there.”

Cláudia Antunes (Portugal): Cláudia added a local perspective, referencing the difficulty in translating international ISO standards into a national context: “We need a common methodology, but it must be flexible enough to adapt to national processes.”

When asked what “value” BIM brings to projects, each speaker agreed: value is not in the technology, but in what it enables.

Monika Filusch (Ireland/Poland): Working with a subcontractor responsible for a stone facade, where precision was critical. A misalignment of just one millimetre could delay the project by six weeks: “For them, BIM wasn’t about buzzwords. It was about coordinating models, getting accurate quantities and delivering on time. That’s real value – time and cost savings.”

Mariel Gutierrez (Germany): BIM’s greatest value lies in collaboration and information sharing. “BIM is about communication. When used meaningfully, it helps all stakeholders make better, faster decisions – especially around sustainability. Early-stage material selection is an example, where carbon data can drive eco-friendly decisions.”

Cláudia Antunes (Portugal): “In Portugal BIM as a way to streamline outdated paper-based permitting processes. We’re hoping BIM can speed up licensing, reduce errors and ultimately increase housing availability by catching issues earlier and automating compliance checks.”

Marie posed a question: “So, should we focus on the now or look ahead?”

Mariel Gutierrez (Germany): “You must look ahead. To know where we stand now, we need to look at where we want to go. I encourage clients to define future goals before deciding what information is needed now, ensuring they don’t overload models with irrelevant data.”

Monika Filusch (Ireland/Poland): “It’s all digital thinking but we should reflect on how the terminology has evolved, 3D modelling, BIM, digitisation – but the core goal hasn’t changed. It’s about collaboration, communication and making work more efficient. Whether we call it BIM or digital delivery it’s the same mission.”

Cláudia Antunes (Portugal): “Start with strategy, know your goals, then align your digital processes to get there.”

Marie asked each guest to offer their advice to professionals around the world whether in Morocco, Egypt, Canada or beyond.

Cláudia Antunes (Portugal): “Be curious. Stay visible. Lead the change you want to see. Don’t wait for a mandate, start now, even if it’s small.”

Mariel Gutierrez (Germany): “There is no perfect time to start. Begin with what you do best and collaborate with others. The diversity of perspectives is what drives true digital transformation.”

Monika Filusch (Ireland/Poland): “Focus on people, not just tools. BIM opens the door to communication and collaboration, especially for women in construction. Be curious, speak up and share knowledge.”

The podcast continues to offer insight into contrasting government mandates with the mindset and education needed for genuine adoption, exploring gaps between advanced leaders and hesitant mid-market firms. It unpacks practical value, better coordination, time and cost control, and sharper decision-making. With examples from façades to 4D and carbon-aware choices. Portugal’s permitting ambitions, Germany’s sustainability push and Ireland’s phased mandate provide concrete lenses on what works, what stalls and what to prioritise now.

The takeaway: start small, focus on collaboration and information that matters, and build from clear goals, then reconvene in a year to measure progress.

The hear the full conversation and the nuances between these differing regions, and why they may exist, listen to the full podcast: BIM and digital maturity levels across Europe, are they what you would expect?