Perth, 6 May 2025 — The Women in BIM (WIB) community gathered for a compelling breakfast event hosted by DBM Vircon, focused on the theme “Data in Action: Leveraging Data from Concept to Operations.” The event brought together professionals from across the built environment to explore how data is reshaping project delivery and asset management.
The morning began with a mindfulness session led by Ana Beth Sulat of West to West Group. Her guided breathwork helped attendees ground themselves, setting a calm and collaborative tone for the day.
The speaker lineup offered a range of insights into how data is being used across the construction lifecycle. Rose Thompson from Laing O’Rourke posed a critical question: “What if the problem isn’t data scarcity, but a lack of intentionality?” She emphasized the need to move away from data overload and toward systems that are scalable, standardized, and aligned with real project needs.
From Built., Stephen Sertorio and Madhavi Chandrasiri shared how their teams are applying Digital Engineering to streamline planning, procurement, and asset handover. Their use of 4D modelling and smart trackers has improved collaboration, transparency, and efficiency across projects.
Jane Hogben of Duratec Mend explored the role of digital twins and machine learning in asset management. She introduced the concept of treating “assets as a system,” using AI-driven defect detection and visual modelling to support lifecycle planning and renewal.
The event concluded with a spotlight presentation from Julianne Sparke of the UWA Data Institute, who highlighted the university’s data-driven research and its commitment to fostering future talent. Initiatives like the Girls Programming Network are helping to build a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce.
Throughout the morning, the audience remained highly engaged, contributing to a rich and thoughtful dialogue. The event underscored the importance of leveraging data not just for efficiency and accuracy, but also for collaboration, consistency, and transparency across the industry.
A special thank you goes to DBM Vircon for hosting the event, and to the WIB WA regional leads—Jenny Tseng, Belinda Thompson, Nina Fransiska, Aleksandra Debowska, and Raz Tavallaei—for their dedication in organizing a successful gathering.
As Women in BIM continues to grow, the organization is calling for new collaboration partners and sponsors to support future events. Together, the community is paving the way for a more inclusive and data-driven future in the built environment.
