Director of Digital Transformation

With more than 15 years of experience in technology implementation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, KiSeok Jeon is a leader in the innovative, intuitive, and efficient execution of design, construction, asset, and business data management processes. Currently, he is serving as vice president and the director of Digital Transformation at STV, where he is primarily responsible for consultation of clients in the digital transformation process. His project experience includes leading the product team for the development and implementation of Project Management Information System platforms; leading the development and implementation of design automation and process improvement; as well as leading the implementation of project collaboration and communication methodologies.

How has the industry evolved in the last couple of years concerning the digital transformation space?

With all the transformations that occurred in the last couple of years, the norms have changed in the digital transformation space. Naturally, there were huge numbers of people getting into digital space during the pandemic. The demand is even higher now in the post-pandemic period. Plus the industry needs to focus on what is the new norm, what to expect in the future and to practice not just from the digital space, but from the built environment as well. It will be critical to join the digital and built environments as one cohesive practice and collaborative effort.

Additionally, digital transformation is not about being digital, it’s about cultural transformation. While cultural transformation is defining the new norm, new workforces are coming up as digital becomes part of our day-to-day practice.

To implement these norms, what steps do companies need to adapt to use digital transformation strategies on a regular basis?

First, awareness is significant when it comes to implementing these norms in the path of digital transformation. Having the right awareness opens the door for change. Awareness about the right digital transformation strategies, practices, and cultural change is critical in terms of digital transformation practices.

  ​Without being curious, we’re not going to evolve and if we do not evolve, how are we going to innovate?   

Additionally, people should be aware of thought leadership strategies and best practices in order to understand industry trends, which continue to evolve and advance. Remaining open to changes and collaboration ensures there are continuous improvements and learning with in the overall growth plan.

Secondly, at an organizational level, there must be better communication between multiple departments to work in harmony and as a team. Change management becomes one of the biggest components as part of this discussion. In terms of initiators that we're pulling together, it all revolves around data: being aware of the data and understanding how to leverage the data to improve what we do.

With all these potential transformations and disruptions, how do you envision the future of the space?

The future of the space would be more inclined to a cultural shift. Since my role revolves around digital transformation, I don’t see myself just as a “digital person” but the one who's sharing knowledge and understanding of different practices. I’m a practitioner who works as a team with other subject matter experts by transferring knowledge and awareness with one another to evolve in the space.

On the other hand, at the technological level, organizations are heading rapidly toward AI and digital twins. The question comes down to how can we leverage AI and digital twins in the most effective way in our practice and improve what we do.

 Would you like to share a piece of advice for your fellow peers so that they can improve in the space?

My only advice for my fellow peers and emerging professionals would be, 'Be Curious'. It’s your curiosity that will lead to creativity and innovation. Without being curious, we’re not going to evolve and if we do not evolve, how are we going to innovate?