What inspired you to establish HydroBIM?
It was a series of events over several years. I have been in the hydro engineering design market since 2007 and have always been very focused on BIM. I was then a designer and a minor shareholder of WTU, the design office in water engineering. I remember a flood embankment project for the Łęg River. We were invited to public consultations. As we arrived we found big, long table, prepared for maps and drawings. But we presented a 3D visualization on a laptop, making the consultation process smooth and efficient.
Feeling that the German majority shareholder of WTU wasn’t interested in developing BIM technology, I left the company, and started building a community platform for BIM specialists. When this project didn’t develop as expected, I returned to designing under the name InfraBIM – Tomasz Rajpold. My work impressed RZGW Rzeszów, leading to a recommendation to AECOM Polska, for a significant flood embankment project for the San River. This prompted the establishment of InfraBIM Tomasz Rajpold sp. z o.o. on July 4, 2019, which was later renamed HydroBIM in 2021.
Collaboration with AECOM on the San River flood embankments project
This was our first major project, where we learned a lot and implemented a Common Data Environment (CDE). Despite completing the project documentation in 8 months, administrative procedures delayed the necessary permits for four years. This situation highlighted the inefficiency of lump-sum project pricing, prompting HydroBIM to promote a Time Sheet model.
Convincing clients to invest in advanced digital technologies and BIM
It’s not about convincing clients but demonstrating real benefits. Using BIM models and 3D visualizations during public consultations saved time and reduced disputes. On many projects, BIM proved its worth by identifying conflicts that 2D documentation missed. For instance, in the Sandomierz flood embankment project, BIM prevented delays that could have jeopardized World Bank deadlines.
Is the Digital Twin project for Gdynia Port groundbreaking for 5 years of HydroBIM?
Although we hoped it would be a breakthrough, it didn’t attract as much interest from other Baltic ports as expected. However, the project was satisfying and enriched our skills. Our focus now extends to railway projects for CPK, leveraging our BIM expertise.
What is the HydroBIM greatest asset?
Our flexibility and ability to adapt to client needs. We specialize in hydro engineering and BIM, a rare combination that gives us a competitive edge. I’m proud of the dedicated and passionate HydroBIM team.
Looking back over five years, what would you do differently?
The main obstacle to HydroBIM growth is lump-sum project pricing. I would focus more on promoting a time-based billing model and building strong partnerships with large international design firms, enhancing our leadership in hydro engineering and BIM.
Where do you see HydroBIM in next five years?
We will continue specializing in hydro engineering and BIM, while expanding our competencies in railway and road infrastructure. Our goal is to be the first choice for infrastructure projects as a specialized hydro engineering subcontractor.
Contact HydroBIM to learn more and discuss business opportunities.
Learn more about HydroBIM achievements during last 5 years in the summary.