GIRI appoints new lead for Technology Working Group

12 May 21

Digital construction expert Melanie Dawson has been appointed as the new lead of GIRI's Technology Working Group. Melanie's remit will be to renew the focus of the group and direct its future research and priorities, building on the work that has already been done under the leadership of GIRI chief executive Cliff Smith, who retains a watching brief. 

Previous research by the group focussed on identifying the barriers to adoption of digital technology, the diversity of technologies available and the maturity of their use. 

Melanie brings a wealth of hands-on digital construction and technology knowledge to the role from her extensive and varied construction career of more than 15 years. She has held a variety of roles including strategic management, head of BIM, and director of digital construction and now runs her own BIM and digital construction consultancy company Origin7.

Melanie led the first team in the UK to become dual BSi BIM kitemark holders and became a Fellow of the ICE in 2018. She has established a number of digitally-enabled training academies which lead clients, colleagues and supply chain through the use of digital tools and BIM processes including ensuring the return on those investments.

She is also involved in a number of research and development projects in MMC (modern methods of construction), data analytics, VR/AR, and adoption of laser scanning technology. 

Cliff Smith said: "The GIRI team is greatly strengthened by Melanie's arrival and we look forward to the enhanced output from the Technology Group which Melanie's leadership will no doubt bring."

Melanie Dawson said: "I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to working with the technology group and wider GIRI team. I am passionate about embracing digital and smarter ways of working especially when it improves the quality of the final outcomes; this role will help me push that message out and help others on the journey to adopt the right technology."

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