About me
Nikki van der Walt
AECO Strategist
An AECO technology strategist with 16+ years across the AECO sector and the technology that supports it. I help people and businesses make better technology decisions by connecting people, process, technology & business outcomes and making it simple.
My life philosophy
"Meraki"
To do something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself into your work.
The foundation
Earlier in my career, I was the technical expert when it came to the technology used across the AECO sector - particularly within the Autodesk ecosystem, from Revit, AutoCAD and Navisworks through to BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud, now Autodesk Forma.
I trained thousands of people, implemented workflows for global architecture and engineering firms, and ran my own consultancy serving both local and international clients.
Having done the hands-on work myself, I’m practical about strategy. I know the technology, but I also know that technology alone rarely solves the problem. It needs to make sense in the boardroom and work for the people using it every day.
What excites me now
These days, I’m most drawn to work where business ambition, technology and the reality of delivery need to come together properly.
I enjoy working with CIOs, CDOs, executive sponsors, digital leaders and delivery teams to understand what is really getting in the way - whether that’s unclear ownership, disconnected workflows, an overly complex technology landscape, underused investments, or teams struggling to turn big transformation goals into something actionable.
I'm at my best when I can simplify a complex challenge, connect the right people and get clear on what the organisation is actually trying to achieve - then help shape the strategy, technology, processes and program needed to move it forward.
Personally
Outside of work, I’m usually doing one of four things: spending time with my family, going to the gym, planning a trip, or trying to get myself into a body of water.
I’ve found a real love for strength training, which still surprises me a little. It has become part of how I stay healthy, clear my head, and keep myself accountable.
I love travelling with my husband and young daughter, and I’m happiest floating in the ocean, a pool, a lake or a river. Ideally at sunrise - because despite my best intentions, I’m not usually awake for the late-night version.
Want to see the receipts?