Is BIM overrated? - A Conversation with Ar. Puneet Thakre

In the world of architecture, staying ahead of the curve is everything. And who better to talk about the future than Ar. Puneet Thakre—an SPA Delhi graduate, BIM expert, and the founder of Polygon BIM Academy? Having worked at MNCs like AECOM and Jacobs, Puneet led major BIM projects, including the futuristic Neome Vault. But in 2019, he took a bold leap—leaving his corporate career to follow his passion for teaching. We sat down with him for an insightful chat about BIM, architecture education, and the evolving industry.

From Almost Quitting to Leading the BIM Revolution

Puneet’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He admits he was an average student at SPA Delhi, but something clicked in his first year—he topped his batch! However, by the second year, he felt lost. “I had no technical knowledge, no guidance—I almost quit,” he recalls. Instead of giving up, he made a promise to himself: to move forward, find the answers, and share them with others. And that’s exactly what he did. He became proficient in BIM while still in college, graduated with flying colors, and went on to work for some of the most prestigious firms in the industry.

The Neome Vault: A BIM Masterpiece

Among Puneet’s most challenging projects in his professional career was the Neome Vault. “It was the most futuristic and complex project I’ve worked on. We used multiple software like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit to bring it to life.” Leading the BIM for such a project was a dream come true for him.

Polygon BIM Academy: Turning Passion into a Mission

So why did Puneet leave his corporate career to start Polygon BIM Academy? The answer is simple—passion. “I’ve been teaching for five years now, at SPA Delhi, IIT Delhi, and through my own academy. It’s not just about BIM; it’s about making better architects.” He wants to create a community where students learn not just software but also automation, business, and problem-solving skills.

Why BIM? The Smartphone vs. Keypad Debate

Puneet has a simple analogy for BIM: “Why aren’t we using keypad phones anymore? Because smartphones made our lives easier. Traditional architectural practices are like keypad phones—they’ll soon be obsolete. BIM is your smartphone.” According to him, BIM is not an option; it’s a progression. It streamlines processes, improves efficiency, and will soon be an industry standard.

BIM in India: Progress, Challenges, and Misconceptions

One of Puneet’s biggest concerns is the gap in architectural education. “We need to teach students more software early on. BIM should be introduced in the second year itself to build a strong foundation.” Thankfully, change is happening, and more institutions are integrating BIM into their curriculum.

While India is gradually embracing BIM, there are still some hurdles. The Airport Authority of India mandates BIM for airport projects, but many firms still treat it as a mere submission requirement. “Outsourcing your BIM model just for compliance is like outsourcing convenience—you’re not really leveraging its full potential.”

There’s also a common misconception that BIM adds to project costs. Puneet clarifies: “Yes, there’s an initial investment, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Project delivery becomes smoother, delays reduce, and employees are happier. It’s an investment in efficiency.”

The BIM Learning Path: What, When, and How to Master It

Many architecture students and professionals hesitate to start learning BIM, fearing the complexity of new software. Puneet dismisses this fear. “Think of software as games—at first, they overwhelm you, but once you get past the urge to quit, it all starts making sense.” At Polygon BIM Academy, he guarantees that anyone can learn a new software in just 45 days. The key is consistency and the right guidance.

For architecture students, he recommends starting with Rhino, Revit, and Enscape from the second year. By the time they reach their final year, they should explore Navisworks, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Grasshopper to be workplace-ready. “These tools not only make you a better architect but also give you an edge in the job market.”

The Future of BIM: Say Goodbye to AutoCAD

If you’re still using AutoCAD, Puneet has a reality check for you: “In the next 5 to 10 years, no one will use AutoCAD—it’s going to be all BIM.” He advises architects, students, builders, and even investors to embrace BIM now to stay ahead.

Final Words: Invest in BIM, Invest in Your Future

Puneet leaves us with one last piece of advice: “If you’re in architecture, invest in BIM. The industry is evolving, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind.”

And with that, we wrapped up an insightful conversation with a man who’s not just embracing the future of architecture—he’s actively shaping it.