Kristen Ernst

Ernst_KristenPaper (64): BIM in Construction Operations

Abstract: Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) utilizing Building Information Models (BIM) for construction is transforming the way that buildings are being planned, built, and operated.  The presenters will discuss how VDC is being used in preconstruction for visualization, immersive visualization, model based estimating, advanced analysis, and reality capture and in construction for coordination, schedule simulation, layout, production control, and for operational purposes.

Topics of Discussion Include:

  1. Coordination
  2. Schedule Simulation
  3. BIM in the Field (ipads, layout)
  4. Production Control
  5. BIM-FM (operations)

Biography: Kristen Ernst is a Virtual Design & Construction Manager at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.  She has been in the construction industry and with Whiting-Turner since graduating from Lehigh University in 2004. There she obtained two degrees; a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

In her 12 years in the industry, Kristen has held two different management roles for the company – Project Manager and Virtual Design & Construction Manager. As Project Manager, she completed 14 projects in Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia; they included student housing, core/shell office construction, tenant fit-outs, and historic renovations.  Kristen earned her LEED AP certificate in 2009 and has maintained her affiliation with a specialty in BD+C. In 2013, Kristen transferred out of the field to run the national VDC Group out of Whiting-Turner’s headquarters in Towson, MD. In this position, her responsibilities include managing a team of 18 in three offices – Towson, MD, Dallas, TX, and Cleveland, OH; advancing Building Information Modeling technology and innovation applications to processes and projects throughout the country; promoting technology outreach and education internally as well as to other members of the industry; and facilitating the corporate Laser Scanning and Facility Management programs.

Kristen currently holds the Vice President position for the Baltimore chapter of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC); is a member of the Baltimore chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW); participates in the Emerging Technologies Committee of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA); leads the annual Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Mentoring team at George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology; and is actively involved with the Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM) through Living Classrooms.