So it's been quiet over here in Inside the System of late, and that's because there's been some changes in the role I'm playing here at Autodesk, hence the Big News title. With the changes for me comes dual duty for me in the short term, and unfortunately a decision to not allocate as much time time to my blog. This wasn't something that I enjoyed having to do, but in the end was required to keep my sanity. I'm glad that there is a growing network of MEP bloggers to keep you all informed over the past few weeks.
So, back to the big news...I've decided to take a new role at Autodesk, in which I'll be focusing on Sustainable Design across our AEC division. The formal title is Product Manager, AEC Sustainable Design. This is an exciting role for me, which will allow me to follow my passion for combating Global Climate change, as well as developing more sustainable buildings.
New Focus
With the growing adoption of Revit as the tool of choice to support the BIM design process, as well as our recent additions of Green Building Studio, Carmel Software, and Square One (ecotect), we have a lot of work to do integrate of all this functionality into the design workflows already existing in the marketplace. There's a lot of skills and time required today to understand the Built Environment's impact on the Earth, and that's an equation we hope to change at Autodesk. This will be my focus moving forward, and I look forward to working with many of you in the AEC community towards this goal.
You will all no doubt be hearing more about this down the road, as I transition fully into this role.
Transition
But what about my current role? I am still fulfilling the Revit MEP Product Manager role, and will be handing the reigns overs to Stephen Roth and another Product Manager we are currently looking to hire.
I'll start with Stephen. Stephen came to Autodesk from the acquisition of Carmel Software earlier this year. As somebody that ran a successful analysis software business that focused on the HVAC industry, Stephen is very knowledgable in our discipline. In the long term Stephen will be focusing on the Revit MEP business and strategy. In the shor term he'll be focusing on all aspects of the product.
The other role is what we call a Technical Product Manager. That person will be responsible for executing on the Product Strategy defined between that person and Stephen. That role is very demanding, and from personal experience, incredibly fulfilling. You can read more about this on our website, where the open position is listed. I would highly encourage any of you in the audience interested to apply for the position. It has been by far the most interesting, diverse job I have ever had.
In the interim, I will be working with Stephen to define the scope of our future releases, and making sure things get out the door as scheduled. You'll be hearing about those "things" in the coming weeks.
What About the Blog?
Inside the System isn't going anywhere, although It will morph a bit over the coming months. Once I get back to doing just one job, I'll start regularly posting again on various topics. Most likely we will also start introducing some additional authors to keep the content coming.
Closing Thoughts
The decision to change roles was very difficult for me, and in the end hinged upon the just a personal desire to help advance the industry on a subject so important to our lives and our descendants.
For those of you I have interacted with over the past 2 years, I am sincerely thankful to have such a great group of engaged folks who are passionate about the advancement of the MEP Industry towards a more efficient construction process.
I look forward to working with you all in a different focus in the coming weeks, months, and years.
Congratulations on the new position. I believe it will be very interesting work. This is a topic that people seem to be just realizing as being vital to our future.
I wish you well.
Posted by: R. Robert Bell | September 22, 2008 at 12:25 PM