Edinburgh hosted the flagship Women in BIM Conference 2025, where digital construction leaders, sustainability champions, and emerging voices came together to address the most pressing questions in the built environment. From AI-powered design to circular economy strategies, the event provided a deep dive into how technology, data, and—most critically—people can transform the construction industry.
Where future meets present
David Philp, Chief Value Officer at Bentley Systems and Regional Lead for Scotland at Women in BIM, opened the day with two fundamental questions: When does the present become the future? And what does it take to get there?
As compère and session interviewer, David framed the day as a bridge between ideas and action, between people and technology, and between the built world and the digital future.
Envisioning a sustainable built environment
Marie Grieve, Founder and MD of Costello Palmer Communications, introduced the conference theme: Envision and how together we can envision a better future for our planet.
With the built environment responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions and one-third of energy use, Marie underscored the critical need to rethink how we design, construct, and manage our buildings.
The message was clear: digital skills and sustainable innovation must drive our climate response, and Women in BIM aims to lead that transformation.
Sustainability advocacy
TV presenter and property expert Amanda Lamb shared a personal journey from childhood memories to modern sustainability priorities. Her career in real estate media has evolved into a passion for greener homes and better design choices, shaped by both personal experience and industry insight.
Circular economy meets climate resilience
Dr. Lina Khaddour of Edinburgh Napier University explored how circular economy principles are reshaping post-disaster reconstruction. Her talk focused on the “Build Back Better” framework—moving beyond restoration to deliver low-carbon, resilient infrastructure using regenerative materials and circular strategies.
“By embedding circularity into disaster resilience,” Dr. Khaddour said, “we can build stronger, smarter, climate-ready communities.”
Systems thinking and digital twins
Alexandra Bolton OBE emphasised the power of systems thinking in shaping a sustainable future. By recognising the interconnections between infrastructure, communities, and nature, she explained how digital twins enable data-informed, long-term sustainability decisions.
Her key takeaway: the built environment must be inclusive, outcomes-driven, and deeply aware of its impact on both people and ecosystems.
AI in structural engineering
Dr. Jennifer Macdonald of Bentley Systems introduced AI-powered structural design with RAM Concept PT Optimiser, showcasing how Generative AI (GenAI) enables low-carbon concrete slab design that is both structurally efficient and environmentally responsible.
The tool optimises post-tensioned slab layouts to reduce material use, cutting embodied carbon significantly. Jennifer also addressed barriers to AI adoption, highlighting the need for trust, training, and standards in AI integration within the AEC sector.
Smarter prompts, smarter planet
Andrew Johnson, Associate at Okana, challenged conventional AI use by discussing the environmental cost of poor prompting. Overly verbose instructions increase token counts, GPU usage, and carbon emissions.
His advice:
- Be direct
- Be specific
- Drop the pleasantries—AI doesn’t care
The result? More efficient AI workflows and lower digital carbon footprints across construction projects.
Breaking bureaucracy with AI-driven digital twins
Nick Tune, CEO of OptimiseAI and Commissioner at the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, tackled the inefficiencies stalling net-zero progress. He called for a break from consultant-heavy, fragmented workflows in favour of AI-driven digital twins that provide real-time, building-specific sustainability insights using big data and smart meters.
His live demo of a digital twin tracking minute-by-minute energy consumption revealed the power of predictive analytics in driving operational efficiency and reducing emissions.
Removing the barriers to decarbonisation
Led by Professor Sean Smith, a panel discussion explored actionable steps to accelerate decarbonisation in construction.
Key takeaways:
Nicola Jackson: Prioritise whole-life carbon assessment
Nelly Martinez: Break down siloed development workflows
Louise Holway: Integrate BIM and carbon analysis tools early in design
The consensus: decarbonisation is not a buzzword—it’s a professional obligation.
Redefining Leadership
Lilian Ho’s session was on cultivating fearless innovation in the digital built environment.
According to Lilian, bold leaders:
- Embrace risk
- Cultivate courage
- Say “no” when it matters
- Lead with clarity, not fear
Her session inspired attendees to own innovation and drive change, rather than waiting for permission.
People-first BIM
Annie Davidson of WSP Structures UK reminded us that BIM is only as powerful as the people behind it. From CAD drawings to complex structural models, her 30-year journey revealed how iterative collaboration, not static processes, drives meaningful outcomes.
Her lesson: “Technology evolves, but people shape its impact.”
Bridging the SME gap in BIM adoption
Dr. Suha Jaradat explored the challenges SMEs face in BIM implementation, including costs, skills, and project scale. Her research introduces a flexible BIM framework tailored to small firms, proving that digital transformation isn’t reserved just for Tier 1 contractors.
Making data work harder
A standout panel featuring Mohammad Shana’a (Morta), Megan Hughes (XD), and Helen Luhaäär (BOUYGUES UK) showed how data centralisation is transforming construction delivery.
Megan and Helen shared case studies where Morta’s cloud platform turned fragmented information into automated, actionable insights, saving time and reducing errors.
Building on trust, inclusion, and empathy
Chaired by Willow Williams, this panel highlighted the role of social infrastructure—the human systems that support innovation. Manira Ahmad, Ceysa McKechnie, Zineb FAIQ, and Anne Carpenter discussed the importance of empathy, listening, courage, and continuous learning in shaping resilient digital teams.
Putting people first in decarbonisation
Nicola Mcleod of Warmworks delivered a moving session on making decarbonisation equitable. Through programs like Warmer Homes Scotland, her team is tackling fuel poverty, energy efficiency, and green job creation—one home at a time.
Her call to action: “Always look right and left—make sure no one is left behind.”
Data culture for a shared future
Shona Nicol and Joyce Dalgleish of the Scottish Government closed the day by highlighting the human side of data transformation.
They outlined how data policy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about vision, inclusivity, and co-creation. Joyce’s use of speculative fiction to shape policy conversations showed how innovation often starts with imagination, not spreadsheets.
A shared destiny for the built environment
David Philp closed the conference by reiterating a clear and powerful message: “The future of data is shared—and it’s human.”
The Women in BIM Conference 2025 wasn’t just about technology—it was about trust, courage, creativity, and collective action. As the industry faces complex challenges—from net zero to AI integration—this event showcased the people and ideas ready to lead the way.
Stay tuned for videos and interviews from the day—coming soon from Build in Digital.
Read next: Aligning construction sustainability with UN SDGs – Build in Digital
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