Introducing Mostafa Elashmawy, nima vice chair for members

Following the recent appointments of new nima vice chairs, this is the second in a series profiling our core team of volunteers.

1 – Who is Mostafa Elashmawy, nima’s new vice chair for members?

ME: I’m an Egyptian professional who spent most of my career in the Middle East before recently relocating to Australia. Since graduating as a civil engineer, I’ve worked across the BIM, digital engineering, and information management spectrum — supporting major infrastructure and building projects globally.

I’ve contributed to some of the world’s largest construction programmes, delivering and managing thousands of digital deliverables using BIM and GIS. My career spans roles with contractors, consultants, government entities, educational institutions, and technology providers.

Currently, I work as a consultant for Autodesk and as a professor at Zigurat Global Institute of Technology. I also own a small-scale consultancy called ProLine. Beyond my day job, I’m actively involved in the global digital community — volunteering with industry bodies, mentoring early-career professionals, and regularly speaking and advising on digital transformation, AI adoption, and the growing role of digital twins in reshaping the built environment.

I’m passionate about simplifying complex topics, connecting global perspectives, and helping teams unlock the full value of better information management.

2 – How/why did you get involved with nima?

ME: I’ve been following nima — and previously the UK BIM Alliance — for years, and was heavily influenced by their publications, particularly the UK BIM Framework, now known as the IMI Framework. This guidance has been instrumental in helping me implement ISO 19650-aligned information management principles across projects and organisations in different parts of the world.

Even though much of the content was originally tailored to the UK market, I found it globally applicable and incredibly valuable. It helped shape my thinking and practice, and I naturally became an advocate for nima’s work and messaging.

That advocacy later evolved into a more formal role when I joined as a nima Ambassador to support the organisation’s global outreach. I focused on spreading awareness internationally and engaging new audiences — a journey that eventually led to my appointment as vice chair for members.

3 – What is your brief at nima?

ME: As vice chair for members, my focus is on creating an inclusive and meaningful experience for our growing membership base. This means ensuring that both individuals and organisations see real value in being part of nima — while also helping the organisation expand its reach and impact on a global scale.

I’m involved in shaping membership offerings, listening to feedback, supporting member-led initiatives, and fostering deeper engagement across regions and disciplines. Just as importantly, my role is about building a sense of connection — between members, and between members and nima itself.

With the nima membership scheme still in its early stages, this is a pivotal moment. It’s a time to listen, learn, and lay the foundations for long-term value. I see this role as an opportunity to help nima become a truly global home for anyone passionate about better information management.

4 – What do you aim to achieve in your first six months?

ME: My goal in the first six months is to listen and learn — from members, from the other vice chairs, and from the broader community. I want to make sure we’re addressing the real needs of practitioners, whether they’re new to the industry or experienced leaders.

Specifically, I’m working on:

• Clarifying the value proposition of nima membership for different audiences
• Exploring ways to engage members more actively, including events, forums, and collaboration spaces, and
• promoting international involvement — we want nima to feel global and inclusive, regardless of your location.

[Note: We have started polling members on key issues, with our first poll (helping identify nima’s strategic priorities) open until midnight on Friday 25 July 2025. Nima members can respond via their profiles on the members’ minisite.]

5 – How might people help you as a nima vice-chair?

ME: By joining the conversation. We want members who are passionate about information management to shape the journey with us — through feedback, suggestions, volunteering, or even just showing up to our events and sharing their experience.

If you’re already a member: let us know what you need or want to see more of. If you’re not a member yet: now’s the time to join and help us build this community from the ground up.

Membership is not just for “BIM experts” — it’s for anyone involved in projects, operations, or strategy. Everyone managing information is part of the future we’re creating.

6 – If you could change one thing about information management in the built and managed environment, what would it be?

ME: I’d like to see information management treated as a project essential — a “no brainer” — rather than something optional or a luxury that only advanced or well-funded projects can afford.

Too often, it’s approached as an afterthought or seen as relevant only to large-scale developments in certain regions. But the reality is that managing information effectively is foundational to better decision-making, reduced risk, and long-term value — regardless of project size, location, or budget.

As we enter an era where AI, automation, and digital twin technologies are transforming the way we design, build, and operate, the need for reliable, structured, and accessible information is more critical than ever. Information is not a luxury; it’s an asset — and the sooner we treat it that way, the more resilient and efficient our industry will become.