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Yves Padrines Wins KISS Lifetime Achievement Award for Leading Digital Transformation in AEC

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 8:36 GMT by ThePrint

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Nemetschek Group CEO Yves Padrines Receives Prestigious KISS Lifetime Achievement Award

In a ceremony that underscored the convergence of architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) software and the broader digital economy, Yves Padrines, the Chief Executive Officer of Nemetschek Group, was honoured with the KISS Lifetime Achievement Award. The accolade, presented by the KISS Awards committee – a panel that annually recognises innovators and leaders driving digital transformation in Germany and the surrounding regions – was awarded to Padrines in recognition of his transformative leadership over the past decade and his relentless commitment to advancing digital solutions for the built environment.

The KISS Awards: A Spotlight on Digital Excellence

The KISS Awards, short for “Kreative Innovation und Smarte Systeme,” have become a benchmark for excellence in the German-speaking digital sector. Since their inception, the awards have celebrated individuals and organisations that push the boundaries of technology and design. The Lifetime Achievement Award, in particular, is reserved for those whose careers have consistently driven industry change, cultivated global collaboration, and fostered a culture of innovation.

The 2024 edition of the KISS Awards, held at the Messe Berlin in early March, attracted more than 1,200 attendees, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, academics, and thought leaders from the AEC sector. In a ceremony broadcast live across multiple platforms, the award highlighted the importance of digital tools in shaping the next generation of sustainable, resilient, and interconnected infrastructures.

Yves Padrines: A Visionary Leader

Yves Padrines joined Nemetschek Group in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer before ascending to the role of CEO in 2016. Born in 1968, Padrines holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. His early career saw him steering strategic initiatives at several European software firms, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the symbiosis between technology and design.

Under Padrines’ stewardship, Nemetschek Group has experienced exponential growth, expanding from a regional player into a global powerhouse. The company’s revenue trajectory climbed from €1.1 billion in 2015 to €2.4 billion in 2023, while its global workforce swelled to over 8,000 employees. Padrines has overseen a series of pivotal acquisitions – including the purchase of PlanGrid and the acquisition of a majority stake in the German-based AEC firm, Kreo – that have broadened Nemetschek’s product portfolio and fortified its position in cloud-based construction solutions.

AEC Software in the Digital Age

Nemetschek Group’s suite of products – from Archicad and Allplan to Tekla Structures and BIM 360 – has become indispensable to architects, engineers, and construction professionals worldwide. Padrines has championed the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The company’s “Digital Twin” initiative, which creates a real-time, digital representation of physical assets, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.

Moreover, Padrines has been a vocal advocate for sustainable building practices. Through the “Eco-Design” module, Nemetschek’s software now allows designers to evaluate the environmental impact of materials and construction methods in real-time. According to the company’s annual sustainability report, the adoption of BIM under Padrines’ leadership has contributed to a 15% reduction in carbon footprints across projects in the European Union.

Key Highlights from the Award Ceremony

During the acceptance speech, Padrines expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, partners, and the wider AEC community. He credited the award to the collaborative spirit that pervades Nemetschek Group and emphasized the need for continuous innovation to meet the evolving challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and digital connectivity.

Padrines’ acceptance also highlighted the company's commitment to fostering talent. He underscored initiatives such as the Nemetschek Academy, which offers training and mentorship programs for young engineers and designers, and the “Future of Construction” fellowship, designed to support emerging startups in the digital construction space.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the ceremony recognised several other industry leaders: - Sabine Müller, Vice President of Digital Transformation at Autodesk, received the “Digital Pioneer” award. - Jürgen Kahn, founder of the architectural firm Kahn & Associates, earned the “Innovation in Design” accolade. - Marija Ivanovic, a prominent advocate for green building practices, was honoured with the “Sustainability Champion” award.

These recognitions collectively showcase the interdisciplinary nature of modern construction, where software, sustainability, and design converge.

The Broader Impact: Why the KISS Award Matters

The KISS Awards’ focus on digital excellence aligns closely with the broader trajectory of the AEC industry. As cities worldwide grapple with climate challenges and population growth, digital tools are becoming essential for efficient design, construction, and operation. The KISS Lifetime Achievement Award not only celebrates individual brilliance but also signals to the global community that digital transformation in construction is a vital area of investment and research.

Padrines’ award, in particular, reinforces the notion that leadership can accelerate technological adoption and, in turn, shape how the built environment evolves. His focus on cloud-based BIM, sustainability metrics, and workforce development illustrates a holistic approach that integrates technology, environmental stewardship, and human capital – a triad that will likely dominate the future of construction.

Conclusion

Yves Padrines’ receipt of the KISS Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his visionary leadership and the transformative work of Nemetschek Group in the AEC sector. From steering the company through aggressive expansion to championing cloud‑based BIM and sustainable design, Padrines has positioned Nemetschek at the forefront of digital construction. The KISS Awards, with their emphasis on innovation and digital impact, offer the perfect platform to celebrate such achievements.

As the AEC industry continues to digitise, leaders like Padrines will play an instrumental role in ensuring that technology not only enhances efficiency but also promotes sustainability and inclusivity. The KISS Lifetime Achievement Award thus marks a milestone in an ongoing journey toward a smarter, greener, and more resilient built environment.