Complex infrastructural projects require an accurate and comprehensive digital model of the proposed construction that helps to execute the project with minimum errors.

Nijesh Panjobadesam, our next pathbreaker, BIM Specialist at COWI (Copenhagen), primarily handles heavy infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels.

Nijesh talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his journey in civil engineering that has taken him across the globe, contributing to iconic infrastructure projects that redefine what’s possible in digital design and construction.

For students, the world is rapidly becoming digital, so it’s important to develop digital skills. Aim to be part of the change and help build a better world.

Nijesh,  can you share how your growing up years were?

My name is Nijesh. I was born in a small town near Palakkad, Kerala, but I grew up in Chennai because my father worked there as an electrician in a ready-mix factory. My mother was a homemaker. As a child, my dream was to become a government employee and build a new house for our family, as we lived in a small rented home. I enjoyed playing sports, but it was just for fun, I never considered it as a career.

What did you study for graduation / post-graduation?

After completing my 10th standard (SSLC), I pursued a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Central Polytechnic College, Chennai. Later, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Kalaivani College of technology in Coimbatore through the lateral entry program of Anna University.

What made you choose Civil Engineering as a career?

Since childhood, I dreamed of building a house for my family. This naturally led me toward engineering. I chose Civil Engineering because I didn’t have much guidance at that time. At 15, I didn’t have big goals or much awareness about the best career options.

How did you plan your career path or transition?

When people hear “civil engineer,” they often picture someone working at a construction site. So, after completing my diploma, I started my career in a small construction firm in Chennai. I visited construction sites daily and tried to learn everything I could. However, after two months, I realized life at the site was difficult, even basic restroom facilities were often unavailable. One day, while having lunch, I felt like I was eating sand and cement that had mixed with my food. That moment pushed me to change my career path.

I then began looking for jobs that allowed me to work indoors. I discovered the field of BIM/CAD technician and decided to pursue it. In 2010, I joined a course in AutoCAD, Revit, and 3Ds Max from an external institute. At the same time I started pursuing a BTech in Civil Engineering through lateral entry (2nd year)

How did you get your first break?

After graduating, I applied to every BIM and CAD job I could find in Chennai. Eventually, I got my first job as a Design Engineer at Hochtief. It took two months and several interviews to land the job. In the beginning, I worked in 2D detailing of precast projects from UK using Autocad. After that I learned a program called CADS RC through internal training and started working in In- Situ-Concrete detailing (the process of designing and specifying the reinforcement, formwork, and other elements of concrete structures that are cast at the final location, rather than being prefabricated elsewhere). Then I also worked in 3D BIM modelling of precast projects by using Revit. When I say detailing, it means preparing detailed drawings for the construction site to exceute the projects as per the design. Similarly a BIM model is a 3D model of a project with lot of information in it, that helps to execute the project with minimum errors. You can look for these terms in the internet to get more insights.

I worked in Buildings projects for 3.5 years and at some point i wished to work in something more challenging. So I switched to Advenser Engineering services, where I worked as an Engineer for Commercial projects. There I got to learn Tekla and I got an opportunity to work in one of the most complex structures called Museum of Future in Dubai. It was one of the most challenging experiences to learn a new software and working in a complex project at the same time. 

Later in 2018, I joined COWI India and started working as BIM Modeller in the construction of Bridges. I continued working in Concrete detailing of Bridges using Tekla. After some years I started exploring parametric programs such as Grasshopper to automate the modelling process. Parametric models are highly adaptable to change. Designers can easily modify parameters like dimensions, materials, or relationships between features, and the entire model updates accordingly. It is particularly useful in design processes where changes are frequent or when exploring multiple design options. 

Continuos learning and improving my skillset helped me to get an opportunity to move to the COWI headquaters in Denmark in 2022 to work as a BIM Specialist.

Notable Projects in COWI:

📌 1915 Çanakkale Bridge – The world’s longest suspension bridge, located in Turkey.

📌 Mumbai Trans Harbour Link – India’s longest sea bridge, uniting progress with purpose.

📌 Thames Valley Viaduct (HS2) – Supporting modern high-speed rail in the UK.

📌 Houston Ship Channel Bridge – A crucial bridge over Texas’s busiest waterway.

What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Challenge 1: Early in my career, I was in a learning phase, so I said “yes” to every task to gain experience.

Challenge 2: I had to learn different building codes and drawing standards from various countries.

Challenge 3: Building a professional network with seniors and peers who changed companies was essential.

Where do you work now?

I currently work as a BIM Specialist in Fehmarnbelt project at COWI A/S in Copenhagen, Denmark. This will be the worlds longest immersed tunnel once it is built. I primarily handle heavy infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels. I have developed skills in Grasshopper, Rhino, Tekla, and more to complete my daily tasks.

With over a decade of experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM), I am passionate about bringing complex engineering ideas to life. My work has taken me across the world, contributing to projects that push the limits of design and construction.

I’m currently deepening my skills in parametric modeling to meet the future demands of our industry. I enjoy this job immensely because how often does one get to work on world record-breaking projects?

How does your work benefit society?

Our projects contribute to a more connected, sustainable, and resilient society. By designing world-class infrastructure, we help improve transportation, stimulate economic development, and enhance quality of life. We design solutions that bridge gaps—whether over water, mountains, or busy cities.

A memorable project close to your heart?

Definitely the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. Being part of a world-record project was a dream come true. Every civil engineer dreams of working on a bridge project at least once in their career. Collaborating with engineers from all over the world was a truly remarkable experience.

Your advice to students?

The world is rapidly becoming digital, so it’s important to develop digital skills. Create a LinkedIn profile, build your professional network, follow inspiring companies, and stay motivated by what they do. Aim to be part of the change and help build a better world.

Future plans?

I aim to learn a new skill every five years, share knowledge with others, and continue embracing new challenges.