Ubitech Construcții is one of the most technologically advanced construction companies in Romania, having successfully implemented the BIM methodology across the entire workflow of some of the most important projects carried out nationwide.

Established in 2015, as a 100% Romanian-owned company, Ubitech Construcții provides complete construction services, including general contracting, design and execution, project management and implementation. The company specialises in complex design & build projects.

We spoke with Cătălin Podaru, CEO of Ubitech Construcții and Leviatan Design, about how the Romanian construction market has evolved and how it aligns with trends in technology and automation.

In a previous discussion, you mentioned that Romania is currently facing a shortage of specialists in both design and execution, precisely when the country needs significant investments. What could be a solution to this issue, and how could the education system contribute?

From our perspective, the solution involves several complementary approaches. First, it’s essential to convey to young people that Romania offers valuable educational and career opportunities in the construction sector.

Moreover, the local business environment can provide competitive working conditions at high professional standards.

Another key factor is the digitalisation and automation of companies and workflows, which not only increase productivity and ease the workload, but also tap into the creative potential of the younger generation. At the same time, this transformation enhances the value of more experienced professionals, especially in the context of technological shifts driven by artificial intelligence.

Our ongoing support for academia demonstrates that private sector involvement in the education and training of future engineers in Romania is crucial to addressing the current labour shortage in construction.

Results may not be immediate, but the growing cooperation between academia and private companies, along with students’ increasing interest in adapting to industry demands, confirms that this is the right direction.

Given your experience, where do you see the market heading and what trends do you anticipate?

The construction sector in Romania currently has strong potential for sustainable development, supported by European funds and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Our company is firmly committed to integrating sustainable solutions in its projects—leading to a future where buildings are safer, greener, more comfortable and energy efficient, thanks to advanced design and construction technologies.

We also expect major public sector investments to continue and, as the economy stabilises, we foresee a revival of private investment—not only in residential development, as in the past, but also in production facilities and energy infrastructure.

You frequently test new solutions with clients that add real value, including smart building operations. How open are clients to these technologies, and what are the most common concerns?

BIM and Digital Twin technologies are transforming how buildings are designed, built and operated. Clients clearly recognise the benefits—greater transparency, better control, and the ability to simulate and manage operations more efficiently while minimising errors.

BIM has become a preferred choice among clients, particularly as the European Union moves toward making it standard practice. Implementing BIM from the design phase provides clients with full visibility and control, reduces waste, and prevents costly corrections. Even those without technical expertise can understand the implications of their projects.

The main challenges are natural resistance to change, concerns about additional costs, and the need to communicate complex technical concepts in a more accessible way. However, clients are increasingly open to adopting these technologies, especially as they align with broader European trends.

Recent years have brought global disruptions such as the pandemic and regional conflicts. In adapting to new realities, many social projects have emerged. Has Ubitech been involved in such initiatives? What is the biggest challenge in this area?

Social and educational involvement is a priority for us. We’ve established partnerships with technical universities in Romania and support organisations such as HOSPICE Casa Speranței, which offers free integrated palliative care and educational services for people facing incurable diseases, as well as other NGOs.
The main challenge, in our view, is that people need to believe more in their own ability to drive positive change in every area of activity.

What has your experience been like with public institutions in the current economic climate? Have you felt supported by institutional partners?

We’ve seen improvements in recent years, particularly a greater willingness for dialogue between the public and private sectors. However, challenges remain—especially due to the slow pace of digital transformation in the public sector and the recent removal of tax incentives in construction. We remain hopeful that future government decisions will better support the sector’s development.

What has been the most ambitious project you’ve worked on in the past year, and what challenges have you faced?

Some of the most complex projects our teams are currently involved in include the NATO Command infrastructure in Sibiu, the airport in Câmpia Turzii, and a recently signed framework agreement with the Municipality of Sector 3 to modernise educational infrastructure.
Among the biggest challenges have been the shortage of specialists. However, through digitalisation and the use of innovative technologies, we’ve managed to overcome these obstacles.

What are your objectives for the next 12 months, and how do you see the local market evolving?

In the coming year, we aim to take on more complex infrastructure projects and continue the digital transformation of our processes to improve productivity.

We believe the local construction market has significant growth potential, and companies that remain agile and efficient will perform well, even in an unpredictable economic environment.

What do you consider to be the three most important public construction projects currently underway in Romania?

Without naming specific contracts, we can say that Romania is currently developing several major projects in transport infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, education and defence—all of which are essential for the country’s long-term development.

General contracting success depends on strong, results-oriented teams. Given the current workforce dynamics in construction, how do you address employee retention?

At Ubitech and across our group, people are our most valuable resource. We invest heavily in team development, and all our technology investments are designed to benefit our people and create a work environment that encourages continuous learning.
As a result, we’ve built a strong organisational culture that can adapt to the realities of today’s labour market.

What new sectors would you like to expand your portfolio into, and where should the industry be focusing next?

We will continue to develop projects in the security and defence sector, while also expanding into healthcare and education infrastructure—two areas we consider vital for Romania’s future.