AUTHOR

ABOUT me

(Some would say I can be direct, opinionated, strong-willed, relentlessly persistent and a perfectionist … but hopefully there are also a few who would say that I am caring, friendly and open to learning. (Those that know me well might even say I have a playful and funny side too! )

Many people in the industry know me as Michelle Louw. I got married several years ago and my married name is now Michelle Van Kolck.

I am one of three Co-Authors and the Project Facilitator of ANZRS which has reached interest world-wide and it has expanded well beyond our initial intended scope of influence. (i.e. Australia and New Zealand). See ANZRS page for more info.

Since 2010 I have been working with a global architectural firm, namely Woods Bagot to adopt a new Revit / BIM system that is being rolled our globally in imperial and metric versions. I oversee the overall company Global content creation/ template standards, content creation training material. It has been a useful experience in learning the change process involved in working with a global firm that has a very strong company culture and identity. Each region requires different standards and it certainly is far more complex and intricate when making global changes with so many different users to take into account. It is a pleasure working for Woods Bagot who continue to offer me personal and professional flexibility and respect which makes this role and their implementation journey an enjoyable process.

Almost 8 years ago now I worked directly for Woolworths managing and designing their National Revit Systems, across 5 documentation offices and across 3 different departments. (Design, Store Layout and Signage) It was a fascinating time for me when I began to truly witness the potential and power behind coordinated business systems and witness BIM leverage that seems currently unmatched, based on my experience and knowledge. I wish more businesses were as skillful with mastering BIM and Revit in a way that enhances their business performance and efficiency beyond project design stage right into project building/ management staging.

After leaving Woolworths to move to Brisbane, I worked for Mirvac Design in a national role but to be honest I struggled at this company for various reasons. Our methodologies and approaches were very different but I learnt a lot about what does and does not work during Revit/ BIM implementation. There were some key distinction in how they systemized their documentation in ADT that was very interesting to see. I walked away with invaluable insight on exactly how implementation and change management are intertwined and how to minimize the risks during the implementation process.

This page would not be complete without me also mentioning that I worked for Wesley Benn for almost 5 years. With my original background and education in design I worked on projects documenting, designing and rendering as well whilst working for Benn Design, in Sydney. After a few years I began providing software training for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Revit Training and eventually offered implementation consulting to companies moving over to the Revit/BIM platform.

These are a few other firms that I have worked with cover a multitude of experience or exposure to various aspects of my career profile. All adding a key component to my learning experience and journey.

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING

I have been a regular speaker at the annual RTC, also known as the Revit Technology Conference, since 2008 but I deliberately took a break for a couple of years in order to get a fresh perspective on things. Most of my presentations have been about Revit content creation.

“IF YOU DON’T LIKE MY PEACHES THEN DON’T SHAKE MY TREE” ~ UNKNOWN

I have been criticized in the past by some for not being succinct enough. Fortunately this is not a goal that I aim trying to achieve at the cost of clarity and thoughtful explanation so I’m not offended.

Whilst I appreciate that my methodologies and convictions won’t suit everyone I’m quite happy to simply work and share my knowledge and ideas with those people who do resonate with my beliefs and values.

So, if my posts are too long for your liking or my grammar errors annoy you ~ then happy hunting elsewhere ;-) I have no doubt in my ability and commitment to add value to any project that I work on. This is a consistent trait in my work and my life and remains one of my key values and my primary focus.

Most importantly, enjoy life and find things to be grateful and humble for on a regular basis.  Keep on learning and growing….

Cheers, Michelle Van Kolck