Rising star: from Lego to ‘the Swiss Army Knife of digital engineering’

Earlier this month, Laing O’Rourke digital engineer Ben Hardie was crowned Digital Rising Star of the Year at the Digital Construction Awards 2024.

Hardie joined Laing O’Rourke straight from sixth form as part of the organisation’s school and college leaver programme. He went on to study for his degree in quantity surveying at London South Bank University and a second one in architectural technology, achieving first-class honours.

As he progressed his career at the tier one contractor, he transitioned to digital engineering, finding his passion.

His impressive skills and knowledge have earned him the moniker ‘the Swiss Army Knife of digital engineering’ on site, reflecting his versatility and largely self-taught expertise.

What attracted you to digital construction?

I have always been fascinated by the built environment from a young age. My obsession with Lego and Meccano models was a testament to that.

I always had a sense that I would end up in the construction industry, though I wasn’t sure in what capacity.

I was fortunate enough to be mentored by a digital engineer during my first couple of months at Laing O’Rourke as a quantity surveying apprentice.

I was immediately intrigued by this engineer’s ability to create and manage detailed models that improved project collaboration, efficiency and certainty.

At that point, I knew I wanted to be part of the digital team at Laing. The company supported my decision and now I get to see first-hand how digital tools can enhance our projects, making them safer, faster and more sustainable.

Do you think the UK construction sector is making the best use of digital technology?

The sector has made significant strides in adopting digital tools and BIM, but there’s still a lot of untapped potential. To achieve maturity, we need to encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This can be done by investing in training for our workforce, establishing cross-sector collaboration, and supporting research and development.

It is also essential that we standardise processes and data across projects to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Lastly, with all the recent advancements in artificial intelligence, I think there is considerable potential to see how it can be used to enhance existing workflows and develop new ones.

When it comes to digital, do you think there’s a gap between the older and younger generations working in the industry?

There is a noticeable gap between generations when it comes to digital adoption in construction, but it is definitely something that can be bridged with the right approach.

Mentorship programmes, where experienced professionals can share their knowledge and younger employees can introduce new technologies, are incredibly beneficial.

In addition, creating a culture of inclusivity and continuous learning ensures that everyone, regardless of age, feels comfortable and competent when it comes to using digital tools.

At Laing O’Rourke, we encourage this type of culture and see the importance of investing in training to keep everyone up to date with the latest advancements.

How can construction attract and retain tech talent, including those who join from other sectors?

We need to showcase the exciting and impactful work that is going on within the construction sector. Highlighting how digital tools and innovative technologies are transforming the industry would spark interest.

Furthermore, offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities and a clear career progression path are key in attracting and retaining the right talent.

Lastly, creating an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace that values diversity and innovation will make the construction industry more appealing to tech professionals from other sectors.

Coming from an academic background, how did your family react to your decision to start a career in construction?

I find this question interesting because it suggests that a career in construction is not suitable for someone with an academic background. I strongly disagree with this implication.

The notion that construction is only for people with practical skills is damaging to the industry. Modern construction projects face incredibly technical challenges and require innovative and intellectual problem-solvers to overcome these issues.

As for my family’s reaction, they have always supported me in everything I’ve done, and this career is no exception.

They see the enjoyment I get from problem-solving, training colleagues and researching new hardware and software. It is safe to say, they’re proud of the impact I’m making in an industry that’s evolving so rapidly.

What advice would you give to those considering a career in digital construction – and to those, particularly young people, who have never contemplated working in the sector?

My advice would be to dive in and explore the endless possibilities. I truly believe it’s ripe with innovation and offers a chance to make a really positive difference in the way we build.

For young people who might not have considered this sector, I’d say don’t overlook it. The construction industry is no longer just about bricks and mortar, it’s about leveraging cutting-edge technology to create smart, sustainable and longlasting buildings.

Personally, I think it is an exciting time to be part of this digital transformation, where there are fantastic opportunities to grow and have a positive impact.

• You can read more about Hardie’s award in BIMPlus