UK
Rebecca Jungver, BIM consultant at SWG, provides a Q&A with WeAreTechWomen to gain insights into her role, the industry’s intricacies, and the fascinating world of building lifecycle management.
Rebecca Jungver has over ten years of experience working as a civil engineer and BIM coordinator/strategist in construction projects.
With a focus on architecture and Building Information Modelling (BIM), she has ensured that organisations have the right level of knowledge in BIM and work with appropriate methodologies.
Since 2022, she has been working at Service Works Global as a BIM and Building Lifecycle Management expert. In her role, she is heavily involved with reality capture, a cutting-edge technology that involves scanning buildings and creating detailed 3D models from the data. She serves as a project leader in this area and works extensively with SWG’s FM software platforms, ensuring that building information is not only organised efficiently but is also readily accessible for clients, enabling them to make data-led decisions.
Have you ever stopped to consider how the buildings that we use every day – offices, hospitals, schools, event venues, museums – are managed and maintained so that we have a seamless experience?
In the dynamic world of building management, there is a vital role played by professionals who ensure that structures are not just bricks and mortar but also sustainable, efficient, and capable of adapting to evolving needs. This can include making buildings more energy efficient or making sure that renovation work is carried out with a minimal impact to building users.
We sat down with Rebecca Jungver, a building lifecycle management (BLM) consultant at international software firm Service Works Global (SWG), to gain insights into her role, the industry’s intricacies, and the fascinating world of building lifecycle management.
WATW: Rebecca, it’s a pleasure to meet you. We’re not very familiar with the concept of building lifecycle management. Could you provide us with an overview of your role at SWG?
Rebecca: I’ve been with SWG in Sweden for 18 months now, and prior to that, I spent a decade working with architects. In my current role, I’m heavily involved with reality capture, which is a cutting-edge technology that involves scanning buildings and creating detailed 3D models from the data. I serve as a project leader in this area. Additionally, I work extensively with our FM software platforms, ensuring that building information is not only organised efficiently but is also readily accessible for our clients, enabling them to make data-led decisions. As well as client projects, I also engage in pilot projects to showcase our capabilities to potential customers.
WATW: That sounds like a complex role. Can you elaborate on how you assess the current condition and performance of buildings? Is it a holistic process that encompasses various aspects?
Rebecca: Indeed, it’s a multifaceted process. At SWG, we provide the systems and tools that facilitate this type of work. Within our software, we enable users to review models, drawings, specifications, and project data. This is crucial for understanding a building’s current condition and the scale and types of assets within it. When we have a clear overview of a building’s condition, then we can tailor our approach around planning maintenance work and optimising the building’s usage.
WATW: The use of technology in your field is intriguing. Could you explain how you utilise digital twins in your work and its impact on the industry?
Rebecca: Digital twins are a transformative technology. At SWG, we work with what we call connected digital twins. This involves creating a digital twin of a building that consists of both graphical and non-graphical data, along with building and asset documentation. Building managers can use a digital twin to test out potential changes, model scenarios and see their impact before deciding whether to go ahead or not.
However, it’s essential to emphasise that a digital twin is only valuable if it remains up to date. Therefore, we rely heavily on real-time data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of our digital twins.
The most common method for creating a digital twin involves architects delivering a model using as-built information. We also generate our models by conducting scans of existing buildings, known as retrofitting BIM models, which serve as the basis for creating the digital twin. This process is fundamental to our work.
WATW: That’s fascinating. Can you provide some insights into the software tools and platforms you use to support your analyses?
Rebecca: Absolutely. In our work, we rely on our in-house developed suite of software tools that help us manage building data effectively. The key tools include FM Access, which is used for space management, Facilitate for facilities and maintenance work management, and Asset+, a system that stores property data. Additionally, we use Ivion, our point cloud viewer, to visualise and analyse scanned building data. These tools are the backbone of our operations, ensuring that data flows seamlessly across our systems.
WATW: Sustainability is a significant focus in today’s world. How do digital twins and building lifecycle management contribute to making buildings more environmentally friendly?
Rebecca: Sustainability is a cornerstone of our work. With digital twins, we gain a comprehensive view of a building’s energy consumption, ventilation systems, and more. This allows us to optimise operations, schedule maintenance efficiently, and even integrate green technologies like solar panels. Sustainability and cost savings often go hand in hand, making these practices crucial for the future.
WATW: It’s clear that you’re passionate about your work. For those interested in entering your field, what advice would you offer them?
Rebecca: I believe that passion and the desire to make a positive impact are crucial, not just in our industry but in any career. Find a field that resonates with you and provides opportunities for personal growth. Continuous learning is essential, as it allows you to evolve both professionally and personally.
WATW: Excellent advice. Rebecca, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your expertise.
Rebecca: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to talk and hopefully shine some light on my industry – we’re always looking to attract the next generation into our field!
