Paul McGilly, US Digital Design Lead, on scalable tech and human-centered design
In an era where digital innovation is reshaping every facet of the built environment, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a profound transformation.
At the forefront of this shift is Paul McGilly, US Digital Design Lead at 海角视频, whose work bridges cutting-edge technology with human-centered design.
With a background in Building Information Modelling and automation and a passion for collaborative problem-solving, McGilly leads a team that鈥檚 redefining how data, design, and digital tools converge to deliver smarter, more sustainable outcomes. From cloud-based platforms to open-source modeling frameworks, his approach emphasizes transparency, adaptability, and strategic value.
In this conversation, McGilly shares his perspective on what digital transformation really means in the AEC space, how 海角视频 is leveraging tools like and , and why collaboration and accessibility are key to unlocking the full potential of technology. Whether you’re a client, collaborator, or curious observer, his insights offer a compelling look into the future of engineering and design.
Q: How would you define digital transformation in the AEC industry, and what does it look like at 海角视频?
Paul McGilly: Digital transformation is the strategic integration of digital technologies to fundamentally reshape how we design, construct, and manage the built environment. It鈥檚 not just about digitizing existing processes- it鈥檚 about reimagining workflows, enhancing collaboration, and unlocking new values.
Data-driven decision-making technologies like BIM, digital twin, AI, cloud platforms are central to this shift and that enables real time insights, productive or predictive analytics and more sustainable outcomes.
At 海角视频, digital transformation is embedded in our engineering consultancy ethos. We tailor digital solutions to the unique needs of each project and client. A key pillar is centralizing project data using cloud platforms, which unify design, engineering, and construction data in a single environment. This improves transparency, reduces risk, and enables seamless collaboration across disciplines and regions.
It ensures that everyone works from a single source of truth, which is critical for informed decision making. We also integrate digital twins for performance simulation and operational optimization and use computational engineering and game engine technologies to solve design challenges and create immersive stakeholder experiences. Ultimately, it鈥檚 about powering people, improving places, and delivering better outcomes for our clients and the planet.
Brown University’s Engineering Research Center is a world class research facility delivered through an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model which utilized our digital design teams heavily. Image: 海角视频.
Q: What does being a collaborative thought leader mean to you, and how do you bring that mindset to your work?
McGilly: To me, being a collaborative thought leader means combining deep expertise with a genuine commitment to listening, learning, and co-creating solutions. It鈥檚 not just about having innovative ideas – it鈥檚 about fostering an environment where those ideas can be shaped, challenged, and improved through diverse perspectives.
At 海角视频, I champion cross-disciplinary collaboration. I actively engage with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure digital strategies align with project goals and stakeholder needs. We share knowledge openly – through workshops, mentoring, and industry forums – and I lead initiatives that involve teams in shaping digital solutions, like our use of Autodesk Construction Cloud. Staying curious and adaptive is key; I encourage my team to explore emerging technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of the curve.
Q: How does your team use BHoM to create scalable, flexible digital solutions for complex engineering challenges?
McGilly: Complexity in building design often stems from coordinating multiple disciplines, tools, and data sources. We use the Building Habitats Object Model (BHoM) to streamline and automate workflows, creating scalable and flexible solutions that adapt to each project.
BHoM connects different software environments – like Rhino, Revit, Excel, and Grasshopper – through a shared object model. This allows us to automate repetitive tasks such as geometry generation, data extraction, and performance analysis, freeing up engineers to focus on design and strategy. It also enables rapid prototyping and real-time feedback through integrated simulation tools. Embedding BHoM into our workflows fosters open collaboration and continuous improvement.
Q: What are some ways you鈥檙e showcasing the skillsets of your digital team to clients and collaborators?
McGilly: We鈥檙e intentional about making our digital design capabilities visible – not just through deliverables, but through how we engage and co-create with clients. We develop bespoke tools and workflows, from automation scripts in BHoM to custom dashboards, demonstrating both technical skill and strategic value.
We host interactive workshops and demos, where clients can engage with our rapid prototyping platforms, digital twins, and real-time simulations. These experiences help demystify technology and build trust. We also publish thought leadership and case studies, present at industry events like Autodesk University, and share open-source tools to highlight our collaborative ethos. We love to collaborate openly, so we invite our clients and collaborators into the developmental process. Ultimately, we show how digital thinking can unlock new possibilities across design, engineering, and sustainability.
Q: How do you ensure that technology is not just innovative, but also accessible and valuable to clients?
McGilly: Innovation is only meaningful when it delivers real value. That means making technology understandable, usable, and aligned with client goals. At 海角视频, we focus on human-centered digital design, co-developing solutions with stakeholders through workshops, prototyping, and feedback loops. This ensures our solutions are tailored to our clients’ needs.
Platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud help us centralize data and reduce friction, ensuring technology enhances rather than complicates project delivery. Every digital solution is mapped to client outcomes – whether it鈥檚 reducing carbon, improving efficiency, or enhancing user experience. We see technology as a bridge, not a barrier. We help clients unlock the full potential of the digital transformation journey.
Q: What鈥檚 one piece of advice you鈥檇 give to clients looking to better integrate digital tools into their projects?
McGilly: Start with the problem, not the technology. It鈥檚 easy to be drawn to the latest tools, but successful integration begins with a clear understanding of project challenges, goals, and workflows. When clients focus on outcomes – like improving collaboration or reducing carbon – they can select digital tools that truly add value. Digital transformation isn鈥檛 about adopting more tech; it鈥檚 about adopting the right tech, in the right way, for the right reasons.
If you or your team is interested in learning more about BHoM or some of the pioneering tools that Paul and his team use, please contact Paul McGilly.
