1. Who are you?
My name is Andreas Niemeier, a proud father of two children and a passionate hobby craftperson.
2. What education do you have, and how did you come to Dlubal Software?
My training was not straightforward. After graduating from secondary school, I did an apprenticeship as a draftsman in a precast brick facility. At that time, planning was still carried out with ink on tracing paper.
At the end of this phase, I wanted to develop myself further in construction. As a result, I attended a vocational high school in the evening while I was still in training, where I graduated from high school. Since my parents ran a planning office for facade technology at that time, I chose a dual course of study at State Academy Riesa - specializing in metal construction – Subject of Metal Structures – Facade Technology. Then I started to work as a support engineer at Dlubal Software GmbH, where I gained my first practical experience in using FEM in construction. I was so interested in this subject that I also took a part-time Master's degree in the subject of civil engineering at the Biberach University of Applied Sciences, while still working at Dlubal.
3. What are your tasks?
In the company, I manage development together with Mr. Dlubal. We record the improvement requests via various channels (email, social media, Extranet, and so on) and think about how we can implement them in the program in the best possible way. We always try to present complex issues as simply as possible. Then I prepare these implementation ideas with our team for programming, and oversee the implementation and publication.
In addition to these core tasks, I take care of the areas of RFEM, form-finding, wind simulation, optimization, and the Geo-Zone tool. In addition to the development in cooperation with an experienced programming team, these topics include creating manuals, implementing training courses, creating web articles, supporting the sales team, and the associated customer support.
4. What is important in your job?
To plan the new functions, algorithms, and technologies in the program in such a way that they can be used in the structural design within our program in a practical manner and that they give correct results.
5. What do you look forward to when you come to work in the morning?
The Dlubal company is future-oriented. You keep your eyes peeled for new trends in construction and computer technology. Regardless of whether it is a new design concept, an AI technology, the use of cloud computing power, or another engineering subject, the team approaches each task with an open mind. In this environment, I feel absolutely at home, as a technology fan.
6. What excites you about construction/BIM/structural engineering in general?
I was introduced to the tasks of a structural engineer very early in my father's company. Even as an adolescent, I was inspired by the animated deformation plots of our structural engineer. I always find it impressive how it is possible to plan a structure in thought, on paper, or in a computer, and to design it, considering all necessary influences, before the structure is actually built.
7. What has been your best experience so far?
I have had a lot of wonderful experiences. Among others, I remember the release of the Geo-Zone Tool well.
At that time, I received this task with the request for a load zone output based on ZIP codes for Germany. After examining the available technologies, I converted this feature request into a GIS project and linked the load zone information to polygon zones on the digital Google Maps map instead of ZIP codes. This approach has made the project scalable for all relevant load information around the globe and has since developed into a very successful web project.
8. What is your hobby? How can it be combined with your job?
I like to spend my free time in my garden. In addition to the plants, I always like to remodel the garden according to my family's wishes. Such conversions naturally activate the "tree man" in me with an obligatory planning of the execution.
9. What advice would you give to young people for the future?
In my own experience, I recommend that the next generation not plan their careers in a lengthy manner, but simply start. During your life, avoidable favorite subjects/trends may change, making long-term planning difficult.
I always think it is good when you stand up for your current favorite topic and begin to develop in this environment. If you do not feel comfortable with a subject, you should at least finish the training you have started and then reorient yourself.
10. What is your favorite building?
Of course, it is a structure that was calculated with our software. The "Dynamite" Big Dipper Coaster in Amusement Park Plohn, Germany, is an impressive 3D steel structure for me. The team behind this project did a great job with planning the structure, the consideration of moving loads, the production of the multi-curved steel parts, and the final assembly.