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Professor Arto Kiviniemi remembered
29 July 2026
BIM pioneer professor Arto Kiviniemi died recently. Here, Mace Consult’s Dr Marzia Bolpagni and Bentley Systems’ David Philp remember their peer and friend.
The construction and digital engineering community has lost one of its true pioneers with the passing of Professor Arto Kiviniemi. Over four decades, Arto helped shape the digital foundations upon which much of today’s industry stands. From leading Finland’s pioneering VERA research programme to influencing international BIM standards, government policy and industry practice, his impact on the built environment was profound and global.
For many involved in the early development of BIM and digital engineering, Arto was far more than a respected academic. He was a trusted guide, generous mentor and one of the most influential voices behind our industry’s transformation. Long before BIM became mainstream, he championed the idea that construction’s future relied not simply on better software, but on better information, collaboration and shared understanding. The UK’s BIM Level 2 programme, and much of the digital transformation that followed, benefited enormously from the knowledge and lessons he so willingly shared.
What made Arto truly special, however, was not just his technical brilliance but his ability to inspire others. He was an educator in the truest sense of the word, able to make complex ideas accessible and relevant to everyone from industry leaders and researchers to students and practitioners beginning their careers. He gave his time generously, shared his expertise with humility, and encouraged countless people along their professional journeys.
His legacy lives not only in the standards, research and digital practices he helped create, but also in the many people whose lives and careers he influenced through his kindness, wisdom and unwavering generosity.
Professor Arto Kiviniemi: 1951-2026.
Dr Marzia Bolpagni’s memories of Arto
Arto was a guide and mentor for many. Even if I was not one of his students, during my PhD he was always available to chat and advise. I remember our long chats on LOD and how to innovate the sector. He had the rare gift of ‘gravitas’, he was able to create unique relationship with individuals and, at same time, bring them all together.
In the last years of his life, he was open about his health, sharing this with everyone and normalising this difficult phase. Despite that, his mind was vivid and sharp till the end. In his last post on LinkedIn, he announced his will to move his work to BlueSky Social.
When I asked if he regretted anything, he replied he felt very lucky that he had met so many bright people across the world. The role at VERA opened opportunities for him at Stanford and later at the universities of Salford and Liverpool that he had never imagined before. He was very proud when one of his daughters understood his journey in the industry, as kids always see us as dinosaurs.
The only thing he regretted was not visiting a few places, such as Australia and Japan, with his beloved wife when he was in good health (although he had visited those several times alone for work).
His final advice to me was: “Never postpone anything as you never know about the future.”
Dr Marzia Bolpagni is head of BIM International and associate director at Mace Consult.
Dave Philp’s memories of Arto
I was fortunate to present alongside Arto on many occasions over the years. No matter the audience or venue, he brought the same combination of intellectual rigour, curiosity and kindness. He never sought the spotlight, yet his influence could be felt throughout every discussion. He understood that lasting change comes not from telling people what to think, but from helping them discover new possibilities for themselves.
My fondest memories, however, are not of conference halls or industry events. They are of friendship. When Arto and his wife moved to the Scottish Highlands, our relationship extended beyond professional collaboration. We discovered a shared passion for photography, exploring Scotland’s landscapes through our lenses.
My daughter also became a firm friend of Arto and his family. She still fondly remembers being welcomed into their home, learning Finnish baking, and being given the freedom to colour in curtains (see image above) – an act of kindness and patience that perfectly reflected the warmth and generosity that defined both Arto and his wife.
Dave Philp is chief value officer at Bentley Systems.
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