BIM is 'Building Information Modelling' and as far as we are concerned, its going to be a hugely positive thing for the construction industry. BIM is the process of constructing an intelligent 3D model of the building inside the computer, and then using it to extract huge amounts of useful information for all sorts of different purposes. At the simplest level it ensures full coordination of our drawings, and allows us to present our clients with 3D images of their project. At the more advanced end of the spectrum, BIM allows for accurate energy evaluation, take-off of quantities (measuring each element of the building for pricing), and the model can even evolve with the building long after completion to provide a detailed repository of useful information for facilities management, all of which can be accessed using free software.
Having recently purchased our own licenses for the BIM authoring software ArchiCAD, we have taken our first few steps on BIM ladder and we can already see the huge benefits it will bring to us and our clients. The immediate benefit we have noticed is the accuracy of coordination between drawings, and the improved communication with our clients - using the model, we can present the design in a way that is much easier to understand - meaning we can spend more time on what we are actually being paid to do (i.e. to come up with creative ideas and deliver sustainable and beautiful designs).
However, this really is only the tip of the iceberg and in time as we develop our BIM skills and get to grips with national standards, we intend to really embrace the 'I' in BIM. David Holland, our technical director and BIM manager, is overseeing the transition to being fully BIM ready over the course of the next twelve months.
"The Government mandate for BIM may only be for publicly funded projects over a certain size, but I can easily see a situation where private sector clients will quickly see the benefits of BIM and insist on its use. We want to be at forefront of BIM development in small practice and our intention is to deliver projects using BIM whether the client specifically requests it or not, because it actually benefits us. As far as we're concerned, BIM shouldn't be something that comes as an 'optional extra' with inflated fees. On the contrary, it should be an opportunity for practices to deliver better value." David Holland
If you're considering a project and are interested to find out how BIM might benefit you, please do get in touch with us.
Having recently purchased our own licenses for the BIM authoring software ArchiCAD, we have taken our first few steps on BIM ladder and we can already see the huge benefits it will bring to us and our clients. The immediate benefit we have noticed is the accuracy of coordination between drawings, and the improved communication with our clients - using the model, we can present the design in a way that is much easier to understand - meaning we can spend more time on what we are actually being paid to do (i.e. to come up with creative ideas and deliver sustainable and beautiful designs).
However, this really is only the tip of the iceberg and in time as we develop our BIM skills and get to grips with national standards, we intend to really embrace the 'I' in BIM. David Holland, our technical director and BIM manager, is overseeing the transition to being fully BIM ready over the course of the next twelve months.
"The Government mandate for BIM may only be for publicly funded projects over a certain size, but I can easily see a situation where private sector clients will quickly see the benefits of BIM and insist on its use. We want to be at forefront of BIM development in small practice and our intention is to deliver projects using BIM whether the client specifically requests it or not, because it actually benefits us. As far as we're concerned, BIM shouldn't be something that comes as an 'optional extra' with inflated fees. On the contrary, it should be an opportunity for practices to deliver better value." David Holland
If you're considering a project and are interested to find out how BIM might benefit you, please do get in touch with us.
