About Brian

Brian Kling, Global Technical Lead - Civil 3D

I have over 20 years of history with the AEC industry and Autodesk products: as a user, manager, mentor, instructor, author, consultant and technical expert.

The first half of my career spans both field and office roles in firms across the United States. Beginning in 1987, I joined a land surveing crew when three people were required (instrument-, rod-, and book-man). I even took some manual drafting classes and held a short stint board drafting (which meant frequent cleaning of ink pens - "argh, there has to be a better way than this!").  My first exposure to AutoCAD was with R10 for DOS during two years working with an Architecture firm.  On the Civil software side, I started with DCA 7.6, which later became Softdesk, then Land Desktop.  Over the years I pursued increasing levels of responsibility and found a passion for exploring, absorbing and sharing new technology; finding better, faster ways to accomplish daily tasks. 

From 1998 I worked for several years with a Reseller as a Civil/Survey Applications Engineer and then spent 4 years as an Autodesk Authorized Consultant to both Autodesk and the Civil/Survey industry, in the United States and Europe.  I have worked with Civil 3D since 2003 and am passionate about its role as a paradigm shift within our industry.

In 2005 I joined Autodesk, moving to Neuchâtel, Switzerland where I am currently the Global Technical Lead for Civil 3D within Product Support. My primary responsibilities include looking after staff technical capabilities worldwide, representing the "Voice of the Customer" through analysis and reporting of the thousands of Service Requests received globally, and strategic use of this data to help prioritize and improve development of the product and Partners' and Users' experience with it.

I live here with my lovely wife Jennifer and two young daughters, Arielle and Emmalie. Fluent in German, I am currently working on French. In my spare time I play the saxophone in a big band and relax/stretch my mind and body practicing yoga. I also enjoy hiking, cooking, fitness/wellness and getting outdoors for some fun. I love exploring new places with my family - lots to see from here!  From time to time we also lend a hand to my brother and his wife, who produce wine on a small vineyard in France.