We sat down with Matthew Diggins, Cambria’s BIM Associate and one of our most experienced and longest‑tenured team members, who has played a central role in the business for the past 14 years.
What does your role look like day‑to‑day?
I’m a Senior BIM Associate, overseeing all aspects of Building Information Modelling. In recent years BIM has become the industry standard for coordinated design delivery, so a large part of my day, around 90% is spent producing models and supporting colleagues across our BIM workflows.
What brought you to Cambria, and what has kept you here for 14 years?
I previously worked with Gary, so when he founded Cambria, he invited me to join. I was really pleased he believed in my ability and wanted me on the team.
As the company has grown, it has maintained a close‑knit, supportive culture, which I’ve always valued. The pace of work is balanced, the team is professional, and everyone takes real pride in what they do. That creates a lower‑stress environment supported by strong communication. Our checking procedures are excellent, and because the team works so collaboratively, issues are incredibly rare.
How has work in the industry evolved over the years?
I started about 25 years ago, working on standalone 2D AutoCAD drawings — my very first task was transcribing surveys! It gave me a grounding in how drawings are assembled and how information flows.
Today everything is digital, faster, and far more collaborative. BIM has transformed my role from producing drawings to creating coordinated 3D models that tie together attributes, geometry and data across the design team.
What are the biggest changes since you first entered the industry?
The shift is huge. When I began, drawing boards and ashtrays were standard on every desk, and we’d spend Friday evenings printing drawing packs to post out.
Those days are long gone. BIM has been the major turning point, enabling real‑time collaboration between engineers, architects and other specialists. While PDF drawings are still part of the process, the workflow now centres on shared models rather than static documents.
How has BIM’s role changed in recent years?
BIM has moved from being just another way of producing drawings to becoming fundamental to project delivery.
We can now resolve design issues before construction begins, using model‑based coordination rather than reacting once work starts on site.
We’re also seeing far greater emphasis on data‑driven asset management. Clients increasingly want models where each element carries embedded data — effectively creating a structured digital catalogue of the project.
At Cambria, our latest focus is on expanding our modelling coordination from BIM footprint through to full BIM boundary, it makes the usually separate Civil and Structural modelling aspects wholly integrated and has strengthened how we deliver projects.
It ensures that from early-stage design to final model handover, we’re providing clarity, consistency and measurable value across the full model and also lifecycle of the asset.
What current changes are you most excited about?
Our move to a cloud‑based platform for all files and model data has been a big step forward. Everything is now fully integrated, which should streamline how information is produced, reviewed and issued. I’m looking forward to seeing how that improves efficiency across the team.
And on the social side, are there any upcoming company events you’re looking forward to?
Yes, we’ve planned a sailing team‑building day at Llanishen Reservoir, which should be great fun and of course, the annual Cambria Family Summer BBQ is always a highlight of the year.
Looking ahead, what goals are you aspiring to?
I love Cambria and its culture, and especially my role leading and supporting the BIM team. Helping train and mentor junior staff is something I take huge satisfaction in, and I look forward to continuing that.
