This interview sees us shining our staff spotlight on one of our CAD/BIM Co-ordinators, Nathaniel Asher. Nat has been working for Barker for the last 15 months, so we were keen to see how he has been enjoying his time here so far.
Hi Nat! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me today. I guess a good place to start will be… what exactly is a CAD/BIM Co-ordinator?
Our co-ordinators assist with modelling (using 3D software such as Revit) and drafting (using AutoCAD) for all disciplines within Barkers. We then take all the information and link it together to check whether everyone’s design coordinates properly. We are also responsible for co-ordinating the digital outputs for the Design Team (Architects/Structures/Surveyors & Engineers) from project kick-off to handover.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
So first and foremost, I check my emails and refer to my urgent ‘to do’ list. We liaise with the other teams to produce drawings to their required specifications and find ourselves spending the day bouncing between multiple programmes like CAD, REVIT and SketchUp. We are a very collaborative team, who pull together to ensure the accurate delivery of drawings. Our team has grown quickly in the last year and I have taken on the responsibility of overseeing the other team members, ensuring deadlines are met and distributing projects accordingly.
How did you find yourself in this industry?
I actually have a degree in film production but as it is a very hard industry to get into, so I started exploring other potential jobs where I could utilise some of my design and visualisation skills. My Uncle used to work with AutoCAD, so he introduced me to it and I found it really appealed to me as I am good with computers and my interest piqued in being able to design and draw things using the software. I got a job in a company as a trainee and worked my way up to where I am today at Barker.
What have been some of the highlights of your career at Barker so far?
I have huge satisfaction of handing over large projects that I have been working hard on for months. I recently completed a large private residential project that a lot of time and effort had gone into, it was great to see the project come to fruition! Also being promoted to team leader has got to be up there on my list of highlights!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides the wedding I am currently planning, I like to go to the cinema and I do a podcast with a friend of mine based around music. I still enjoying making short films as a hobby and love to unwind after a day at the office by playing video games.
Why Barker?
Barker is the best place I have worked and it is heavily down to the atmosphere in the office, the relationships between other teams and the staff dynamic. The varied project exposure is a big bonus and allows you to experience working with different sectors.