Ian Chapman, Principal Digital Designer and Regional Digital Lead at JBA Consulting, has spent nearly two decades shaping the digital landscape of the AEC industry. With a passion for technical drawing that began in school, he has evolved alongside the industry’s shift from traditional drafting to fully integrated digital workflows. Today, Ian focuses on ensuring teams have the right tools and understanding to transform designs into digital form, all while contributing to JBA Consulting’s overarching digital strategy. In this interview, Ian shares insights into the evolution of AEC technology, the role of collaboration in digital design, and his approach to maintaining balance in a fast-paced profession.
Career and Industry Evolution
Ian’s AEC journey started with an appreciation for the technical drawing process in school. Without a strong artistic inclination, he found joy in the iterative nature of technical drawing, where precision and communication were key. This passion naturally led him to explore digital production, where he has since thrived.
“I’ve been in the AEC industry for nearly 20 years, and the biggest change has been the integration and development of 3D models for collaboration.”
One of the most fulfilling aspects of his role is seeing a completed project and knowing he played a part in the design and build process. His career has been shaped by an innate curiosity and a drive to continuously learn as the industry rapidly evolves. Understanding and applying new tools and technologies in practice is both a challenge and a reward that keeps him engaged.
TECH
Technology and Collaboration
Technology has significantly improved collaboration in AEC, particularly through the use of a Common Data Environment (CDE), which facilitates working from a “single source of truth.” This approach ensures all stakeholders are aligned and enhances project efficiency.
“The technology we use promotes collaborative working, helping me deliver digital designs that I truly enjoy being a part of.”
One of Ian’s most memorable experiences with technology in AEC was witnessing the impact of pushing a project further digitally into a visualization model. Seeing the client’s overwhelmingly positive response reinforced the value of these digital advancements in the design and decision-making process.
Looking ahead, Ian is particularly excited about the potential for AR/VR technology in capturing and processing existing information. He envisions a future where these tools enhance visualization and design precision, ultimately improving project outcomes.
“If I could create a new tech feature, it would be an automated process for QA checks across project delivery. This would streamline quality control and reduce manual review time.”
FIT
Work-Life Balance and Focus
Despite the fast pace of the industry, Ian prioritizes maintaining balance. A daily lunchtime walk, whether in the office or at home, serves as a mental reset that helps him manage work-related stress. For deeper rejuvenation, he turns to the outdoors, planning bikepacking or hiking trips that offer both adventure and a mental escape.
“Walking always clears my mind. It’s easily accessible—no equipment or preparation needed. If you’re feeling stressed, just getting outside can transform your mood.”
He also incorporates technology into his fitness routine, using heart rate monitoring and geo-tracking to enhance his workouts. His love for bikepacking, which allows him to travel long distances over multiple days, provides both physical challenge and adventure—something he encourages other AEC professionals to explore for their own well-being.
MIND
Technology for Mental Balance and Productivity
In a high-demand industry, technology also plays a role in mental balance. Ian relies on OneNote to keep his work organized and accessible, ensuring he stays on top of tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Looking ahead, he believes a broader industry appreciation for the effort involved in producing 3D models would improve project timelines and reduce stress.
“I’d like to see a shared understanding of the workflows required to produce 3D models. Clearer expectations across projects—big or small—would result in more realistic timelines and less stress.”
When it comes to problem-solving, Ian finds that specific tools within Civil 3D, such as the Corridor Section Editor, often spark creative ideas and simplify complex designs. Additionally, federated models in Navisworks have been instrumental in helping him understand multidisciplinary design coordination, reinforcing his appreciation for the power of visualization in AEC workflows.
Looking Ahead
As AEC technology continues to evolve, Ian remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. His top advice for industry peers is to stay connected—whether through communication channels, networking, or collaborating with like-minded professionals globally.
“Different people are pushing different boundaries in different places all the time. Staying connected ensures you’re always learning and growing.”
With nearly 20 years of experience, Ian Chapman has witnessed and contributed to the digital transformation of AEC. His passion for technology, collaboration, and continuous learning positions him as a leader in digital design. As the industry moves toward greater automation, immersive visualization, and smarter workflows, Ian remains focused on leveraging technology to enhance project delivery while maintaining a strong balance between work and well-being.
LinkedIn: Ian Chapman | LinkedIn
Contact: ianjchap@gmail.com
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