Hey there!
Hailing from Newcastle, Co. Down, at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains, I now live in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I work as an IT (Information Technology) & BIM (Building Information Management) Manager for RPP Architects Ltd. Been with the firm 23+ years! I emerged from secondary education and straight into work experience for the Summer with RPP, known back then as Robinson Patterson Partnership. They thankfully threw me a lifeline and suggested that I stay on and complete a part-time HNC in Construction at Belfast Metropolitan College. This led to full-time employment as I progressed from the golden art of origami to detailing building and project management.
Over the years at RPP Architects Ltd. , I have developed a side role in relation to the office computers and network. This involved my troubleshooting, repairing hardware, maintaining general IT issues. The role progressed and meant that I ordered hardware and software for implementation, along with the daily IT tasks. After many years of carrying out these tasks, it finally prompted me to be proactive, return to education and study a passionate past-time/hobby. Computing and Informational Technology.
The Part-time HNC in Computing and Systems Analysis, was two nights a week, with additional man hours spent on assignments etc. Now having completed the second year of the course and received a “Distinction” grade. This qualification will allow me to gain some sort of recognition for almost 10 years of computer management and maintenance within RPP. Upon starting the course tho and the sequential months, I soon discovered that it was totally at odds from that which I imagined. It’s about designing systems! Not what I had in mind but I soaked it up like a sponge!
Recently I have embarked into the Building Information Management arena, having recently completed BRE BIM Essentials & BIM Information Management courses. A BRE BIM Academy member, and gained BRE certification as a BIM Level 2 Practitioner, in July 2018 . This newly, emerging field, is one that I am very passionate about, as it melds my 20 years plus experience in Architecture, with my ardency for Information Technology. These are new and exciting times as the construction industry craves efficiency, accountability and embraces emerging technological advancements.
In my spare time I like to train 4-5 times a week in the gym, a bit much for some but its does give me a great sense of well being. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle ( apart from the odd social event 🙂 )I find it means I am always energetic and enthusiastic.
I also have a interest in philosophy and alternative spirituality.
Train hard, eat healthy and meditate often!