The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, from a mindset focused on aesthetic design to data-driven decision-making, coordination and constructability.

Vishal Kothari, our next pathbreaker, BIM Coordinator at Kiewit (Kansas), leverages building technologies to enhance project outcomes of high impact infrastructure projects .

Vishal talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about how Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems are ensuring that construction projects—from data centers to hospitals—are designed and executed with maximum efficiency and minimum waste.

For students, develop a habit of reflective learning: after each project or experience, ask yourself what worked, what didn’t, and what you can improve.

Vishal,  can you share your background with our young readers?

I was born and brought up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in a middle-class family. My late father was a real estate agent, constantly on the move with his old leather bag, while my mother took care of the home and somehow made every rupee count. Life wasn’t easy, but it was filled with warmth. We didn’t have luxuries, but we had values—respect, honesty, and dreams.

As a child, I was quiet. I was the calm one—always curious, always learning. I loved reading, drawing, and watching construction. That habit of observation actually helped me later in life, especially in team projects, leadership, and decision-making.

I studied in a state-board (MP-board) school till 4th grade, and then my father made a big sacrifice, he got me into a CBSE school. It was a big step for us financially, but it changed everything for me. That’s where I discovered my love for science and problem-solving. By 8th grade, I got into Catalyser coaching institute through a tough talent test. I had dreams—big ones. I wanted to go to MIT, and I started preparing seriously—SATs, essays, interviews. But something unexpected happened, I couldn’t get my passport in time, and I missed the MIT deadlines. That moment broke me a little. But as my mother said, “Not all closed doors are bad. Sometimes they push you to find your real path.

Now, I try to give back. I mentor students, I write blogs about career growth, and I help others who feel lost—because I’ve been there. One day, someone messaged me saying, “Your story gave me hope.” That was the moment I felt truly proud.

So if you ask me what shaped my career, I’d say—my family’s values, my setbacks, and that constant fire to rise again. I believe being born in a small city with limited resources is not a weakness—it’s a powerful beginning.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

For my graduation, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Architecture from IES College of Architecture in Mumbai. It was a five-year program that not only taught me design and technical skills, but also helped me understand how people interact with spaces. I learned how to think critically, work on real-world projects, and manage tight deadlines often with very limited resources. Living in Mumbai during that time also taught me resilience, independence, and the art of balancing studies with part-time work.

After gaining some work experience in India, I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in the United States to broaden my global exposure and build cross-disciplinary skills. I completed my Master of Construction Management from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

Can you talk about some of the key influences that led  you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and  unique career in Building Information Modeling?

Honestly, I didn’t grow up knowing exactly what I wanted to become. But life, in its own way, kept giving me signs—and I just kept following them.

My Father’s Grit and My Mother’s Faith –

My father was a real estate agent. Watching him interact with people, visiting different construction sites, solve problems, and constantly juggle between clients gave me an early view into the world of operations, people management, and business without ever knowing those words.
My mother, on the other hand, taught me patience. She could run an entire household on a shoestring budget and still make sure we never felt less than others. Her ability to stretch resources made me value planning, resourcefulness, and empathy.

Two People Who Saw More in Me Than I Did –

In school, it was a science teacher who once told me, “You don’t speak much, but your eyes are full of questions. Keep asking them.” That gave me the confidence to stay curious. Later, during college, I met a mentor while working on a community development project. He said, “Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about people. If you understand people, you’ll build better things.” That stuck with me and shaped the way I think about both design and leadership today.

A Passport Error That Changed My Life –

One of the biggest turning points was when I lost the chance to apply to MIT because of a name mismatch on my birth certificate and school documents. It was heartbreaking. I had worked so hard, only to be held back by a technicality.
But looking back, it was also the moment I stopped depending on perfect plans and learned to adapt. That event taught me resilience, and I started embracing every new opportunity, even if it didn’t look like my original goal.

Moving Abroad & Losing My Father –

Coming to the US was a big decision, especially being the first in my family to do so. I was excited but also scared. And then, in the middle of everything, COVID hit, and I lost my father. That shook me to the core. But his words stayed with me: “Struggles build character.”

I promised myself I wouldn’t just survive, I’d grow. That’s when I started mentoring others, learning new tools, and slowly shifting toward marketing analytics, operations, and project leadership—fields where I could use both my creative and problem-solving sides.

So no, I didn’t “choose” this career in one single moment. It was a series of small nudges—people, pain, and purpose—that led me here. And now that I’m on this path, I feel more aligned than ever.

Tell us about your career path. How did you plan your career?

My career path has been defined by a passion for merging architecture, technology, and sustainability. I began in traditional design but gradually transitioned to construction technology and BIM because I saw it as the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable construction.

Thought Process & Career Approach

I’ve always viewed my career as a layered evolution starting with strong architectural foundations and evolving into data-driven digital construction. My focus was clear early on: solve real-world problems in the built environment through a blend of creativity, software, and technical expertise.

The transition wasn’t overnight. I strategically chose roles and certifications that helped bridge the gap between architecture and BIM, from design roles to site coordination, and finally into technology-first roles in construction firms.

I started as an Architectural Intern at Architect’s Combine (Mumbai) which is where I first got hands-on with drafting, model making, and design detailing. I designed hospital interiors and created handmade 3D models, which helped me build a solid grounding in architectural workflows and code compliance.

My next role was as Junior Assistant – Urban Nouveau, Sweden where I worked on a social architecture project focused on space optimization in underserved communities. We conducted workshops across 400+ universities, spreading awareness about alternative architectural education and spatial equity.

During my masters at University of Texas at Arlington,  I worked as a Graduate Research Assistant. 

While earning my Master’s, I worked on advanced sustainability and energy modeling projects. I created BIM-based simulations for geothermal pipelines and building envelopes (A building envelope is the physical barrier that separates the interior of a building from the exterior environment). It’s a crucial component for energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall building performance), gaining exposure to Revit, AutoCAD, and Enscape. This is when I discovered BIM’s potential beyond design—into simulation, planning, and material analysis.

During my masters I was Project Engineering Intern at Supreme International Construction (Florida). Here, I shifted toward construction operations—supervising teams, tracking schedules, and coordinating with subcontractors. This field exposure taught me how critical preconstruction accuracy is, reinforcing the value of 3D modeling and clash detection.

After my masters, I joined Superior Concrete Products (Texas). This role marked my formal entry into BIM. I built factory layouts, generated renders with Lumion, and coordinated Bill-of-Materials for precast systems. I also trained teams and managed client communication. It gave me the confidence that BIM wasn’t just a support function—it was a driver of clarity, quality, and cost savings.

Next, as BIM Manager at Yates Construction  (North Carolina), I led a BIM team and rolled out digital coordination processes across sites. I reduced delays by 25%, improved model accuracy by 30%, and trained juniors. This was my first leadership role in BIM, where I began implementing processes that scaled across projects.

Currently, I’m working as BIM Coordinator at Kiewit  on data center projects where I’ve:

  • Reduced design conflicts by 30%
  • Decreased project delivery time by 25%
  • Improved material estimation accuracy by 20%

I collaborate across teams to ensure that BIM isn’t just visual—but valuable.

I have the following certifications

  • CM-BIM (AGC Credential)
  • Sustainable Building Design – MIT
  • AI & Machine Learning – Texas McCombs
  • Virtual & Augmented Reality in Architecture – MIT
  • Fitwel Ambassador – Focus on health-centered design

These programs reinforced my passion for tech-enabled construction practices and lifelong learning.

My career has been guided by both formal mentors and casual connections. I’ve built relationships through:

  • Graduate research collaborations
  • Industry meetups and AIA chapters
  • LinkedIn outreach and shared learning sessions (30000+ Followers on LinkedIn)

Networking helped me discover opportunities, validate my career shift, and find people who challenged and inspired me.

Other Approaches That Helped Me

  • Portfolio-driven growth: I always kept a body of work—models, renders, walkthroughs, clash detection examples—to show how I could solve real problems.
  • Tech adaptability: I’ve adopted tools like Navisworks, Lumion, FrameCAD, and Synchro early on, giving me a competitive edge.
  • Certifications as pivots: When I needed to move toward AR/VR or AI, I didn’t wait for formal roles. I learned and prototyped.

I’m proud to say I’ve blended my design instincts with technical innovation to become a BIM leader. Every role—whether in Mumbai, Texas, Sweden, or Kansas—has taught me how to think holistically: from concept to execution, from design to performance.

The goal ahead? To keep pushing for smarter, greener, and healthier buildings—powered by data, people, and thoughtful technology.

How did you get your first break?

My first real break came when I transitioned from academia into the professional world during my time as a Graduate Research Assistant at The University of Texas at Arlington. I was immersed in complex BIM modeling and sustainability simulations—building geothermal models, testing soil samples, and developing energy-efficient 3D models.

One day, I showcased my geothermal house which was built in Revit and Enscape during a campus event. A faculty mentor connected me with a visiting industry professional, who was impressed by how I had integrated BIM into sustainability concepts. That conversation gave me confidence to apply at Supreme International Construction, where I landed my first U.S.-based internship as a Project Engineering Intern.

During the internship, I was thrown into real-world construction coordination—scheduling, quality inspections, and team collaboration. That experience validated everything I had learned in theory, and it gave me the confidence to step into full-time BIM roles later.

It wasn’t a single job portal or mass application—it was a combination of showcasing my work, staying curious, and building relationships with mentors. That internship turned into a launchpad, leading to roles at Superior Concrete, Yates Construction, and eventually Kiewit.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: Transitioning from Architecture to Construction Technology

Problem:

Coming from a strong architectural background, I had to shift my mindset from aesthetic design to data-driven decision-making, coordination, and constructability. Initially, I found it tough to adapt to construction schedules, clash detection, and BIM protocols that went beyond just visualizing a space.

Solution:

I enrolled in a Master’s program in Construction Management to build that technical bridge. I took extra certifications in BIM, VR/AR, and Sustainable Design (from MIT and CM-BIM). I also learned to speak the language of contractors—not just designers. That mindset shift helped me thrive in project coordination roles.

Challenge 2: Gaining Credibility in a New Country

Problem:

As an international student and early-career professional in the US, I faced the classic challenge: “You need experience to get experience.” Even though I had solid academic projects and prior experience in India and Sweden, employers were cautious.

Solution:

I built a strong visual portfolio—walkthroughs, models, renders, and clash reports—that clearly showed what I could do. I also used campus networking events, TA roles, and referrals to land interviews. My internship at Supreme International was the turning point that gave me my first U.S.-based professional exposure and credibility.

Challenge 3: Managing Multi-Tool Collaboration Across Teams

Problem:

At companies like Yates and Kiewit, BIM is only one part of a larger system. Different teams use different platforms—Revit, Navisworks, Synchro, ProjectSight, cmbuilder—and coordinating outputs across tools while maintaining accuracy was often a struggle.

Solution:

I made it a point to learn tools beyond my role—even those used by estimators, schedulers, and field engineers. I conducted internal training, built process templates, and set up model review checkpoints to avoid last-minute issues. This reduced clashes by 30% and improved material estimation by 20%, while strengthening cross-functional trust.

Where do you work now?

I currently work as a BIM Coordinator at Kiewit in Lenexa, Kansas. Kiewit is one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering companies, and I work on high-impact infrastructure projects—right now, I’m contributing to a mission-critical data center project.

What problems do you solve?

My job is to bridge the gap between design and construction using Building Information Modeling (BIM). Some of the key problems I solve include:

  • Reducing design conflicts before construction begins
  • Optimizing construction sequencing through 4D modeling
  • Ensuring accurate material estimation and coordination
  • Enabling sustainable design practices by integrating tools like Fitwel
  • Communicating design intent clearly across multidisciplinary teams

What skills are needed for this job? How did you acquire them?

Key Skills:

  • BIM software: Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Synchro
  • Clash detection & coordination
  • 4D construction sequencing
  • Sustainable construction & Fitwel principles
  • Cross-functional communication

I earned a Master’s in Construction Management from UT Arlington, where I focused on BIM, project administration, and sustainability.

I completed certifications from MIT (Sustainable Building Design, AR/VR for Construction) and am CM-BIM certified.

I kept learning on the job at Kiewit, Yates Construction, and Superior Concrete, I took ownership of training team members, which reinforced my own knowledge too.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day involves a mix of model coordination, stakeholder meetings, and BIM review sessions. 

Here’s a breakdown:

Morning: Sync with project engineers, update the BIM execution plan, check for new RFIs or design changes

Midday: Review and update Revit/Navisworks models, run clash detection

Afternoon: Coordinate with subcontractors, attend client meetings, and prepare visualizations for field teams

Some days also include training sessions or internal knowledge-sharing workshops

What is it you love about this job?

What I love most is that this job allows me to see my ideas turn into physical structures. I get to work at the intersection of design, technology, and construction, solving real-world problems that impact communities. Plus, there’s always something new to learn—every project pushes me to get better, be more precise, and think creatively.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to know that the buildings I help bring to life are more efficient, sustainable, and safe because of the work I do.

How does your work benefit society? 

As a BIM Coordinator, my work may happen behind a computer screen, but its impact is very real—on people, places, and the planet.

At its core, I help build smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure. By leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), I ensure that construction projects—from data centers to hospitals—are designed and executed with maximum efficiency and minimum waste. That means:

  • Fewer construction errors, which saves time, money, and natural resources
  • Healthier indoor environments, through Fitwel and sustainable design integration
  • Stronger coordination, which keeps workers safe and reduces delays that impact communities
  • Optimized energy use, thanks to better material planning and energy modeling

For example, in one project, implementing advanced BIM reduced material waste by 15%—that’s not just cost-saving, it’s eco-conscious. On another, clash detection upfront helped prevent structural delays that would’ve impacted hospital access for thousands.

In short, my work helps bring essential infrastructure to life faster, cleaner, and better, while ensuring that the final built environment actually serves the people who use it. That’s what makes it meaningful.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

One of the most memorable and close-to-heart projects I worked on was designing my CEO’s personal residence situated on a sprawling 15-acre plot that included a private golf course, a large fountain, and a lake. This project was particularly challenging and rewarding because it required me to expand my technical expertise beyond conventional building design into specialized areas like golf course layout and water feature engineering.

The process began with several detailed site visits where I took precise measurements of the terrain, natural slopes, and existing features. Since the property incorporated a golf course, I immersed myself in learning golf-specific terminology and design principles to ensure our plans complemented the recreational elements effectively. For example, I became familiar with terms like tee box (the area where a player starts each hole), fairway (the trimmed area leading to the green), greens (the putting surface), bunkers (sand traps), and hazards (obstacles such as water or rough terrain). Understanding these allowed me to coordinate with golf course architects to position the house and landscaping without interfering with the flow or playability of the course.

One of the most complex parts of the project was the design of the fountain and lake system. Fountain design required knowledge of hydraulic principles, including pump capacity, water pressure, and jet height to create visually striking effects while maintaining sustainability and ease of maintenance. The lake design posed its own challenges related to water retention, landscaping integration, and ensuring natural filtration to avoid stagnation. I collaborated closely with civil engineers and water management specialists to develop solutions that balanced aesthetics with functionality.

Throughout the project, I prepared detailed 3D models using advanced design software. These models helped visualize the house in relation to the golf course, fountain, and lake, allowing the CEO and stakeholders to review and suggest modifications before actual construction. The 3D modeling also aided in detecting any spatial conflicts early on, improving coordination with various teams including landscapers, engineers, and contractors.

This project was special because it combined precise site measurements, deep technical learning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. It strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, communicate across diverse teams, and deliver a cohesive design that met both the functional needs and aesthetic aspirations of a unique, large-scale property.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

From my own journey, I know that pursuing your goals is rarely a straight path — it comes with its share of struggles, uncertainties, and moments of self-doubt. But motivation and continuous learning can make all the difference.

Stay Motivated by Your “Why”

First, keep your purpose clear. Whether it’s building a career you’re passionate about, supporting your family, or simply growing as a person, your “why” will carry you through the toughest times. For me, working on projects like designing a CEO’s house or launching community engagement platforms was always motivated by the desire to create meaningful impact — not just for myself but for others involved. Whenever I faced obstacles, I reminded myself why I started, and that kept me pushing forward.

Embrace Struggles as Growth Opportunities

Struggles are inevitable. Whether it was learning complex golf course terminology for a project, figuring out hydraulic principles for fountain design, or navigating team coordination challenges, each hurdle taught me something new. Instead of getting discouraged, see struggles as opportunities to expand your skills and resilience. Remember, no expert started as one — mastery comes from persistence and embracing challenges head-on.

Harness the Power of Books and Self-Learning

Books and reading were a cornerstone in my growth. While real-world experience is invaluable, books provide a deep, structured foundation of knowledge. For instance, I found texts on project management, design principles, and leadership invaluable to complement my hands-on work. A book that I often recommend is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear — it taught me how small, consistent changes lead to big improvements over time. Another is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, which changed how I approach problem-solving and innovation.

Additionally, technical books and resources helped me understand complex concepts, like hydraulic design or golf course architecture, enabling me to contribute confidently even in unfamiliar areas.

Practical Tips:

Never hesitate to ask questions and seek mentorship — learning from others accelerates your growth.

Develop a habit of reflective learning: after each project or experience, ask yourself what worked, what didn’t, and what you can improve.

Build a strong foundation of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability — they’re just as important as technical skills.

Stay curious and open-minded; industries evolve quickly, and continuous learning keeps you relevant.

In Summary

Success isn’t about perfection but about persistence, learning, and passion. Keep your goals clear, embrace the journey with its ups and downs, and lean on the wisdom found in books and mentors. This combination will prepare you not just to survive challenges but to thrive and create meaningful impact in your chosen path.

Future Plans?

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Building Technology, focusing on advancing research and innovation in sustainable design, construction methods, and digital tools for the built environment. I am deeply passionate about contributing to academic knowledge and practical solutions that can transform how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. Through a PhD, I aim to develop expertise that will enable me to work in the teaching and research field, inspiring future professionals while pushing the boundaries of current technology and methodologies.

At the same time, I plan to continue exploring and growing within the BIM (Building Information Modeling) field. BIM is a rapidly evolving area with tremendous potential to improve collaboration, efficiency, and accuracy in construction projects. By staying actively engaged in BIM practice, I will ensure my skills remain relevant and industry-informed, allowing me to bridge the gap between academia and real-world application effectively.

Balancing both academic pursuits and practical industry experience will provide me with a comprehensive perspective and enable me to make meaningful contributions to education, research, and the construction industry. I am excited about the opportunity to innovate in building technology while mentoring the next generation of engineers and architects.