The AEC industry is undergoing a digital change. The tools available to us today are transforming how we communicate, work, and run our businesses. Building information modeling is a process where we build virtually first and it impacts the entire building lifecycle and incorporates various technologies. BIM models allow project teams to better visualize, communicate, exchange data, and monitor project budget. By eliminating the silos that are created while using traditional processes, digital solutions like BIM make project management considerably simpler and more efficient. Recognizing this need, Sonali Dhopte, a pioneer in India's AEC sector, founded Excelize to provide customers with cutting-edge A&E services and solutions using BIM technology.

According to Sonali's predictions, the AECO sector throughout the globe would see tremendous expansion and development as a direct result of technological advancements. She also considers that BIM will serve as the pivotal tool in the implementation of cutting-edge technology, data, and analytics integration, and more. In addition to assisting businesses in reducing costs and maximizing efficiency, Sonali is focused on improving the safety and sustainability of all building projects. Below is an excerpt of Sonali Dhopte’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

Introduce us to Excelize. What is the underlying idea behind the firm and some of its most unique facets?

Excelize as a BIM Consultant that uses technology to do a variety of tasks for a wide range of customers in the A&E sector. Not just in the building and construction business, but also in the infrastructure sector, right from the design phase through construction activities and maintenance. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 3D modelling process that helps AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) companies better organize, execute, and maintain large projects... In addition, we are beginning to understand that BIM is a prerequisite for using cutting-edge techniques like digital twins, prefabrication or augmented and virtual reality. We remember the initial days when very few people had knowledge of what is Building Information Modeling (BIM)? BIM has matured from a “nice to have service” to a “must have service today” Moreover, Excelize has worked on projects ranging from Airports, Metros, Hospitals, Convention Centers, Residential buildings and Hotels and its customers have reaped the benefits of using this innovative technology (BIM).

Tell us about the different responsibilities you shoulder as the Chief Strategy Officer at Excelize? What are your primary focus areas in terms of leading the firm?

At Excelize, I perform numerous roles. I have worked on projects from beginning to end, including cost estimation, project management, social media marketing, focusing on company growth, contract negotiations, and more. In my most recent position as Chief Strategy Officer, I put my whole concentration on strategic business planning and development.

"As excelize's chief strategy Officer, i play a central role In the company's overall Strategic direction and Assist our clients prepare For the future with digital Transformation initiatives"

In my role as Excelize's Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), I play a central role in the company's overall strategic direction and preparation for the future. I am also advising potential clients with their BIM adoption and Digital transformation strategies. While my day-to-day responsibilities may not include managing projects, I am engaged in all phases, from pre-sales to execution and delivery. Also, I serve as the company's public face.

Throw some light on how you leverage technology in the AECO sector. How can technology act as an enabler for the industry?

The uptake of technology in the AEC industry is slow. We're changing post-covid. However, technology alone cannot fix this industry's challenges. People, processes, and technology all need modification. I usually begin by explaining BIM's advantages to prospective clients. I discuss application examples from our India and global operations to make them tangible for clients.

Any technology adoption has to have a buy-in by everyone involved and needs updates to be done to existing procedures, improved training for employees, new investments in facilities, and so on. I tell clients this is a handshake, not a magic wand and benefits will depend on team participation. To reap the advantages of technology, preconceptions must be set aside, starting with one benefit on one project with one team and then replicating that. However, leveraging technology's advantages may be done via incentives, buddy systems, and so forth.

Drawing from your experience as a business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

I believe that a growing number of women have advanced degrees, yet this trend does not always translate into greater economic security for themselves. Perhaps there is no need for many of them to be financially independent. However, if I could give any woman a piece of advice, it would be to make the most of her education. You don't need to go into an office, and you may perform most of your job from the comfort of your own home, however, you must be financially self-sufficient. The confidence to face any challenge and be independent can be attained when we are financially secure.

Sonali Dhopte, Chief Strategy Officer, Excelize

Sonali earned her B Arch in 1993 and worked as an architect in India before moving to the US in 1995. She completed a Certificate in Interior Design from UC Berkeley Extension in the San Francisco Bay Area and worked with multiple architecture and interior designing firms in USA. Furthermore, Sonali and her husband Pratap Dhopte launched Excelize in 2004 and have been working on several projects globally and developing the Excelize team for the past 18 years.