BIM Standardization for Small Architecture Firms
Guide for small architecture firms on standardizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) without the need for a full-time BIM manager. It emphasizes that BIM is a transformative process that enhances efficiency, accuracy, collaboration, client communication, and competitiveness, making it essential for small firms to adopt.
Key Benefits of BIM Standardization for Small Firms:
Increased Efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks, significantly reducing manual drafting time and allowing teams to focus on design and innovation.
Improved Accuracy: Enables precise project visualization, early clash detection, and prevention of costly construction errors and rework, thereby reducing financial risk.
Better Collaboration: Fosters smoother internal communication and with external consultants and clients, ensuring everyone works with the most current information.
Enhanced Client Communication: Improves client understanding of design intent through realistic 3D renderings and interactive walkthroughs, building trust and satisfaction.
Competitive Edge: Positions the firm as technologically advanced, capable of handling intricate projects, attracting new clients, and reinforcing market presence.
Practical Steps for BIM Standardization:
1. Define Clear Goals and Audit Current Workflows:
Articulate the specific problems BIM aims to solve (e.g., reduce rework, improve coordination, win larger projects).
Audit existing tools and workflows to identify areas where BIM can have the most impact.
2. Appoint Internal BIM Champion(s):
Identify enthusiastic team members to lead the BIM adoption process, guide others, and stay updated on software advancements.
Support their growth as their empowerment strengthens the firm.
3. Start with a Pilot Project:
Implement BIM on a small, manageable project to explore its integration into workflows, learn from experience, and make necessary adjustments before scaling up.
Focus on core modeling without advanced features initially to reduce risk and build confidence.
4. Develop Simple BIM Standards and Templates:
Project & View Templates: Create templates with standard title blocks, sheet layouts, common wall/door types, and materials to reduce setup time. Standardize graphic overrides, visibility settings, and annotation styles for plans, sections, and elevations.
Naming Conventions: Establish clear naming conventions for project files, linked models, folders, BIM families, views, and sheets for organized navigation.
Essential Family Library Management: Focus on creating a small, high-quality library of frequently used, well-built, and parametric components with consistent data.
5. Choose the Right BIM Software and Leverage Cloud Solutions:
Affordable Software Options: Consider Autodesk Revit LT, Archicad Solo, Vectorworks Architect, or free/open-source tools like FreeCAD with BIM Workbench or BlenderBIM Add-on for basic functionality.
Cloud-Based Platforms: Utilize cloud storage or Common Data Environments (CDEs) like Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360, Dropbox Business, or Trimble Connect for secure, real-time project data access and collaboration.
6. Invest in Targeted Training:
Provide comprehensive BIM training, focusing on how BIM can simplify work, reduce rework, and improve coordination.
Fundamentals of software like Revit can be learned in approximately 10-15 hours.
7. Foster Collaborative Workflows:
Encourage real-time information sharing and updates among team members using a centralized BIM model.
Implement clear communication protocols to reinforce the system and improve project coordination.
8. Collaborate with External Consultants:
Integrate external consultants by sharing models via cloud platforms.
Hold regular coordination meetings to review models and resolve clashes early in the project lifecycle.
9. Consider Fractional BIM Management:
Engage fractional or remote BIM management services for expert support without the commitment of a full-time salary.
These services can provide systematic support, assist with software evolution, and help avoid common pitfalls like over-modeling.
10. Integrate BIM Across the Project Lifecycle:
Extend BIM use beyond design to construction and facility management for a consistent and accurate flow of information throughout the entire project.
11. Embrace Iteration, Not Perfection:
View BIM standardization as an ongoing process that will evolve with the firm and projects.
Aim for continuous improvement rather than a perfect system from the outset, using regular feedback loops to refine processes.
Conclusion:
Full BIM implementation can take two to three years for a firm, but improvements and cost-effectiveness can be achieved within a year by building a cohesive software ecosystem and workflow. By adopting these strategies, small architecture firms can successfully standardize BIM, leading to improved efficiency, reduced errors, enhanced collaboration, and a stronger competitive position, all without requiring a dedicated full-time BIM manager.
For more resources on BIM best practices, visit ndr-bim.com.