Valentine Steisel

“Technological innovation and collaboration are, to me, the key to creating better buildings. With BIM we can make designs smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient – from the very first sketch to the final delivery.”

At Paul de Ruiter Architects, I focus as a BIM specialist on making the most of digital models to enhance performance, design, and sustainability right from the start. What appeals to me about the firm is its long-standing tradition in sustainability and its open culture, which provides room to further advance technological innovations. My career began in Brussels, where I studied architecture. I then worked in London at BVN, an international Australian practice, where I was part of the team designing the Olympic Athletes’ Village for the 2012 Games – an intensive project in which I gained experience with every aspect of design and construction. After the project was completed, I moved with BVN to Sydney, where I spent most of my career working on complex projects across sectors such as healthcare, education, defense, and housing. During that time, my fascination with technology and efficiency grew, leading me to specialize in BIM. In this role, I can combine my technical expertise with improving processes, while also mentoring and inspiring younger colleagues.