If Mr Cheng Tai Fatt has his way, most building blueprints will have to be submitted in a three-dimensional format - allowing architects, engineers and contractors to "virtually see" designs even before the first brick is laid.

His efforts in promoting the Building Information Modelling software, which creates such formats for industry players, caps his 13-year career at the Building Construction Authority (BCA).

On Wednesday, he was given the Public Service Medal (Silver) by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the Ministry of National Development (MND) National Day Awards Investiture 2013.

He is currently the deputy managing director at the BCA Academy and was among 93 MND officers to receive National Day Awards.

The hardest thing about his job, said the 53-year-old, is "calibrating the different approaches" stakeholders may have towards new technology.

"Some can't wait to go in hand-in-hand with us, others need a helping hand, while some may need a bit more of a nudge," he told The Straits Times.

Housing Board (HDB) architect Quek Ser Bock took home the Commendation Medal for helping to transform Punggol into a waterfront town.

He first evaluated over 100 submissions and later worked with consultants to implement the winning design.

That has since translated into the launch of developments such as Waterway Terraces 1 & 2, setting the tone for future housing parcels along the waterway.

The 47-year-old said his work at HDB is not yet done.

He said: "The most important thing is for us to remain disciplined.

"As we move forward to do more interesting designs, we must make sure we are rigorous and not forget safety, security and affordability."