Laura Handler, director of virtual design and construction (VDC) for Tocci Building Companies, has been named by leading design and construction industry publication ENR as one of the "Top Young Professionals in New England." Candidates were judged by an independent jury based on their career experience, industry leadership, and community service as well as a host of other factors.
Handler was primarily recognized for her work as a thought leader in the fields of VDC and building information modeling, expertise that has earned her not only a seat at the table of Tocci's building executive committee, but national recognition as well. The 28-year old Handler has served as chairperson for the recent BIMForum conference; the BIMForum is a joint AGC/AIA organization. The conference, entitled The Human Side of BIM, focused on the sociological aspects of BIM.
"We all say BIM is 10% technology, 90% sociology, but aren't making decisions based on that," said Handler. "So for this conference the theme was not about the technology, but about the (human) side, because we never truly studied that aspect."
Handler has been the recipient of a number of awards in her relatively brief career, including the 2012 Silver Stevie Award for Women in Business. Handlerwas recognized as a "Maverick of the Year" for individually affecting the most positive change in her company and industry since the beginning of 2012.Handler was also named one of Worcester Polytechnic Institute's "Women of Strength", and at 25 years old she was Building Design + Construction'syoungest ever "40 Under 40 Award" winner. Currently she is continuing to work with Harvard University to develop campus-wide BIM resources and protocols, and is also working with a confidential client in the San Francisco Bay Area on a Highly Collaborative Project Delivery building project.