In the next edition of TECH, FIT, and MIND, I had the privilege of interviewing Alexander Borovikov, CEO of OpenDataBIM Cloud. Alexander is at the forefront of cloud-based development for AEC workflows, particularly those centered around Revit. With a background in software development, his journey into the AEC industry has been driven by a desire to enhance efficiency through technology. Over 14 years, he has seen the field evolve, but his focus remains on bridging the gap between available technology and its adoption. In this interview, Alexander shares insights on digital transformation, project automation, and maintaining a balanced approach to work and life.
TECH
Automated Validation and Smarter Workflows
Alexander’s contributions to AEC lie in automating validation processes, providing designers with better control and deeper insights into their projects. One of his most impactful contributions was helping uncover critical insights early in the project, which enabled construction site work to begin six months ahead of schedule. This accelerated timeline not only helped the project stay on track for timely completion but also led to significant cost savings for the owner.
“I don’t design projects myself, but I bring automated validation—offering better control over designs and uncovering valuable insights.”
Looking ahead, Alexander sees a widening gap between emerging technologies and their practical adoption in AEC. While innovation is happening, true industry transformation will come from optimizing and implementing existing technologies rather than continuously chasing new ones. Alexander has additional insights on the widening gap in this LinkedIn post.
If he could introduce a game-changing feature, it would be a multi-user mode for seamless collaboration—much like the real-time coordination seen in online gaming. This would revolutionize project workflows by enabling teams to work on models simultaneously without conflicts.
FIT
Physical Wellness and Work-Life Balance
Despite the demands of his work, Alexander prioritizes physical activity to maintain energy and focus. His routine includes swimming, sauna visits, and long walks, all of which help him manage stress and stay productive.
“Swimming, sauna, and an hour of walking—these are my go-to habits for staying fit and handling work stress.”
For mental refreshment, he spends time outdoors with his child, racing bikes in the park. This simple yet effective activity helps him disconnect from work pressures and recharge.
Interestingly, his most effective tech tool for balance is his smartphone—when he actively distances himself from it. The less time spent on his phone, the more balanced and present he feels in his daily life.
Recognizing the growing challenge of digital overload, Alexander is also developing a bootcamp for digital balance, gathering scientific research, statistics, and best practices from various fields. He sees this as a critical issue in today’s world, as humanity has never before encountered such an overwhelming concentration of information. Without built-in immunity to this overload, he believes structured strategies are essential to help individuals regain control over their attention and well-being.
MIND
Digital Balance and Cognitive Refresh
Alexander believes that digital balance and protection from information overload are essential for AEC professionals. With the industry’s reliance on technology, ensuring mental well-being means setting boundaries with digital tools and prioritizing focused work.
“Digital balance—knowing when to disconnect—is key to maintaining a healthy mind in an industry constantly bombarded with information.”
He emphasizes that context switching is one of the most resource-consuming mental operations—something IT professionals are well aware of. When attention is pulled in too many directions, valuable cognitive energy is wasted just on shifting focus, leaving little room for deep, productive work. Minimizing distractions and structuring work to reduce unnecessary context shifts can lead to greater efficiency and mental clarity.
His advice to peers looking to grow in AEC? Learn from talented people who are willing to share their knowledge. While technology is a powerful enabler, it’s the human connection that truly drives innovation and progress in the industry.
Looking Ahead
Alexander Borovikov’s career is a testament to the power of blending technology with strategic implementation. While he sees challenges in adoption, he remains dedicated to making AEC workflows more efficient through automation and smarter collaboration tools. Beyond his work, he emphasizes the importance of physical activity, mental balance, and learning from industry peers. As AEC continues to evolve, Alexander’s focus remains on leveraging existing technologies to create meaningful impact, ensuring that progress is not just about innovation—but about real-world application and adoption.
LinkedIn: Alexander Borovikov | LinkedIn
Contact: info@opendatabim.cloud
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