Pham Thanh Founder & CEO ViBIM
Biography
Pham Thanh, a native of Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, is a dynamic architect who laid the groundwork for his career at Assumption University (ABAC) in Bangkok, Thailand, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from 2003 to 2008. His early career began as a 3D architect at SMEC Vietnam from May 2008 to April 2009, sparking his fascination with digital modeling technologies.
Thanh’s career took a significant leap at Constrexim ICC in Hanoi, where he worked from April 2009 to October 2014, progressing from Design Architect to Vice Director of the Design Center. Understanding that technical skills alone wouldn’t sustain a thriving business, he pursued an MBA from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management between 2010 and 2012, managing his studies alongside his professional duties. Thanh’s expertise spans architectural design, BIM technology, business management, and fluency in English, forming a robust foundation for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Founding ViBIM
In October 2014, Thanh launched ViBIM (Vietnam BIM Consultancy and Technology Application Company Limited) in Hanoi, where he remains Founder and CEO. Starting with a modest team of three, he ventured into BIM outsourcing for global markets, driven by his belief in BIM as the future of construction.
“I launched ViBIM with a deep conviction and enthusiasm for the transformation BIM could bring to construction design,” he says. “Pursuing this vision, despite its rarity at the time, fueled my determination and led to significant milestones. Embracing change defines my career and reflects my potential to impact society moving forward.”
While growing ViBIM, Thanh also served on the Vietnam Official BIM Steering Committee at the Ministry of Construction from 2014 to 2019, influencing national BIM standards and shaping the industry. Under his leadership, ViBIM has expanded from a three-person startup to a reputable firm of 30 professionals, serving clients in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, and select EU regions.
Degrees and Certifications
Achievements
Pham Thanh’s career is marked by remarkable achievements across various domains, reflecting his leadership and dedication to advancing BIM services in Vietnam:
Business Development
- Launched a BIM outsourcing company for global clients at age 30, starting with a team of three and building from scratch.
- Expanded the company to 30 professionals over a decade, delivering Scan to BIM services to clients in the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada.
- Achieved a 100% success rate in meeting stringent technical client requirements.
- Maintained enduring partnerships with 80% of clients for over five years.
- Established consistent revenue streams and robust employee benefits programs.
- Completed over 1,000 projects in ten years, totaling approximately 250,000 hours with a 99% on-time delivery rate.
Technical and Technological Innovation
- Mastered Revit software and BIM principles starting in 2009, when the industry was still defining BIM concepts.
- Pioneered BIM integration into architectural design practices by 2011, overcoming early market adoption challenges.
- Created proprietary solutions to meet global BIM and Scan to BIM standards.
- Developed a unique framework of standards and best practices for Scan to BIM services, addressing the absence of global benchmarks.
- Contributed significantly to Vietnam’s first official BIM Guidelines, published by the Ministry of Construction in 2017.
- Leveraged extensive AI/ML and Revit API expertise to build internal tools, enhancing ViBIM’s competitive edge.
Leadership and Management
- Guided a team of 30 professionals, cultivating a transparent, efficient, and highly dedicated workplace culture.
- Implemented automation and digitization across production, accounting, finance, IT, HR, and training functions.
- Standardized Scan to BIM services and production data to align with international standards.
- Mentored numerous first-generation BIM engineers, elevating Vietnam’s design and construction industry standards.
Vision
Pham Thanh’s vision for ViBIM is articulated in its official statement: “Clients access high-quality BIM products tailored for local needs at competitive prices, free from remote coordination challenges. ViBIM aims to be a trusted, leading name, securing a dominant share in the global Scan to BIM market and excelling across the BIM industry.”
Mission
Pham Thanh founded ViBIM with a core purpose: to deliver BIM expertise matching the standards of developed nations at affordable rates, while fostering a cutting-edge, professional environment within Vietnam’s construction sector.
“In Vietnam, adopting innovation in traditional design and construction was challenging, as many hesitated to embrace technologies like BIM,” says Pham Thanh. “My mission is to show that Vietnamese professionals can provide top-tier BIM services while cultivating a workforce that meets global industry benchmarks.”
“We take pride in our mission,” he continues. “Daily, we commit to delivering exceptional service through superior BIM products, efficient processes, passionate teams, and meaningful client partnerships. At ViBIM, we align with our clients’ values, culture, and work styles to innovate, create, and grow together.”
Goal in Life
Pham Thanh’s personal and professional aspirations reflect his commitment to balanced leadership and fulfillment. His top five life goals are:
- Position the company as the premier partner in the Scan to BIM sector.
- Grow the company’s scale while preserving its professional culture.
- Ensure stable, comfortable lives for most employees’ families.
- Raise two sons to be well-rounded and self-reliant individuals.
- Streamline work, alleviate personal stress, and nurture personal passions.