From Architect to Head of Customer Success
André has been working at BIMcollab for more than ten years. What started in support grew into his current role as Head of Customer Success through training, consultancy, and product management. With his background as an architect, he helps customers worldwide collaborate more effectively on complex construction projects.
I knew from practice what needed to work
I worked as an architect for about ten years before deciding I wanted to approach things differently. Not because I was tired of construction — quite the opposite. I wanted to stay close to that world, but make an impact in a different way.
During my time as an architect, I experienced the transition from 2D to 3D and later to BIM. At the time, I was already working with software from KUBUS and saw how much of a difference the right tools can make in projects.
At the same time, I also saw how frustrating it can be when software does not align with the reality of daily practice. As an architect, you simply want to do your job well. You have deadlines, projects, and clients. The last thing you need is to spend time dealing with systems that get in the way. That practical perspective is something I still bring into my work today.
Why I consciously chose support
During the construction crisis, I knew I did not want to return to architecture in the way I had experienced it at that time. When a support position at KUBUS opened up in 2014, it actually felt like a very logical step for me. I knew the software, I knew the industry, and I understood how users think when they are working under pressure from projects and deadlines. To others, it may have seemed like an unexpected move, but to me it felt like an opportunity to use my experience in a different way.
Growing by taking responsibility
What I really appreciate about BIMcollab is that you are not limited to one specific role. I started in support, then moved into training, developed educational materials, and later took on product management for Solibri. From there, my role continued to grow towards consultancy, customer guidance, and eventually BIMcollab itself.
That growth did not happen because I was focused on job titles. It happened because I took responsibility wherever it was needed. Germany is a good example. The international side of the role felt very natural to me. I am half German and half Dutch, and I grew up trilingual in West Africa. I helped translate content, attended events, gave demos, and helped build the network there. Not because I had to, but because I found it genuinely interesting.
Close to both customers and product
Today, I work as Head of Customer Success. Together with my team, we help customers not only use BIMcollab, but also work better because of it. We work with contractors, architects, engineers, and asset owners who are involved in complex projects — from infrastructure developments to large-scale energy and construction projects.
What I enjoy most is constantly switching between practice and product. The insights we gather from customers are brought back to development, marketing, and sales. This means you are not only working with customers, but also helping improve the product itself.
Today, I work with customers on processes, collaboration, and sometimes even project and organizational strategy. That makes the work both challenging and diverse.
The BIMcollab mindset
What makes BIMcollab special to me is mainly the mindset. It is international, open, and respectful. People are trusted and given the space to develop themselves.
I have experienced that personally many times. When I was going through a difficult period in my personal life, I was given the opportunity to work partly from home at an early stage. At that time, that was far from standard. I have never forgotten that trust.
It also never feels like a hard-selling environment. Of course, it is a business, but ultimately it is about truly helping customers move forward. And that is something that fits me.
When are you a good fit here?
I think you will fit well here if you are curious and willing to take ownership. Especially if you come from construction, architecture, or engineering and realize you want to stay close to that world — but perhaps no longer want to design or model yourself.
You should enjoy collaborating, understanding processes, and thinking about how things can be improved. That is where you can make a real impact.
