Digital reflections: King Lai

Author: King Lai

Date published

23 February 2026

Price
Free
The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
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Digital reflections: King Lai

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Author
King Lai
Date published
23 February 2026
Price
Free
Blog
Author

King Lai

Date published

23 February 2026

Author

King Lai

Price

Free

KIng Lai, a Senior Project Manager reflects on how technology and digital engineering is a fundamental transformation in the approach to structural design in the future.

With over 16 years in structural engineering project delivery across Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, I currently serve as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing complex multidisciplinary developments from conceptual design through to construction completion. My work spans high-rise residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, where effective coordination, risk management, and timely delivery remain paramount.

In my practice, technology and digital engineering represent a fundamental transformation in not only how we approach structural design, but in collaboration, and decision-making too. They are no longer supplementary tools but integral to achieving greater efficiency, accuracy, and innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
 
Central to my daily work is the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows at LOD 300–500 levels, integrated with parametric modelling and clash detection processes. By leveraging platforms such as Revit, Navisworks, and ACC, my teams achieve real-time interdisciplinary coordination, reducing design revisions by up to 30% on recent projects and enabling earlier identification of structural interface issues. This digital continuity extends to construction phase support, where 4D scheduling and digital twin concepts facilitate precise sequencing and on-site verification.
 
More recently, I have incorporated computational design tools—including Grasshopper and Dynamo scripting—to automate repetitive structural analysis tasks and explore optimised form-finding for geometrically complex elements.

These approaches not only accelerate feasibility studies but also allow structural engineers to focus on engineering judgement rather than manual iteration. On a current high-density urban redevelopment, such methods have enabled rapid evaluation of multiple foundation and transfer structure options, supporting evidence-based decisions that balance cost, programme, and performance.
 
Beyond technical application, I view digital engineering as a means to foster inclusive and collaborative team environments. By providing accessible visualisation tools and cloud-based platforms, we empower junior engineers and stakeholders to engage meaningfully with structural solutions from early stages, democratising input and enhancing collective ownership of project outcomes.
 
The impact of these technologies in my practice is measured not only in project metrics—reduced RFIs, improved schedule adherence, and enhanced constructability—but also in the professional development of teams and the advancement of the wider structural engineering community. As the profession navigates increasing complexity and regulatory demands (including sustainability targets), embracing digital engineering equips us to deliver resilient, future-ready structures while continuing to uphold the core principles of safety and ingenuity that define our discipline.
 
 
 

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