I was speaking at a meeting several weeks ago and someone asked me about my beliefs on BIM. They were wondering why I thought BIM was here to stay. That question kind of caught me off guard; so it made me start thinking about why I believe what I do about the future of the AEC Industry.

In my thirteen years of being in the Engineering and Construction industry, I have seen many changes that have benefited the Owners, Architects, Engineers and Contractors. However not all of these changes benefited the entire group. I see BIM as the total package. BIM has the power to change the way we do business. How we implement the BIM process into our daily work schedules is the challenge.

I also had the question; do you really think BIM is smart? My answer, BIM will only be as smart as you want it to be. There can be so many different levels of what people call BIM. There are so many different definitions for BIM. Who is to say which definition is right and which definition is wrong. I believe that our models should be as intelligent (Smart) as possible. What this means, in my opinion, is that the Model should be loaded with information designed into the families. If we build the models with information, making them smart, then we have created a valuable tool for our clients.

Working for an engineering firm that promotes owner advocacy, I believe that a BIM model can be a beneficial tool for facility owners. Producing a quality BIM model should be a driving force for BIM in the AEC industry. This powerful tool, BIM, should help us produce highly energy efficient buildings like never before. With today’s new energy standard, utilizing BIM for our projects will help us maximize energy savings.

I for one, feel like BIM makes me a better designer. I know that BIM will help me, because I can actually see my mistakes before they ever see the construction site. After designing several projects in BIM, I now wish BIM had been around for MEP years ago when I was learning my trade. What a training tool BIM should be for people just entering our industry. With the knowledge of seasoned architects, engineers, and construction managers, combined with the powerful tool of BIM, training can be taken to an all new level.

These are just a few reason of why I believe in BIM. I see BIM as a powerful tool that will better the AEC industry. Can BIM be frustrating to implement? Yes it can! Will it be worth the effort? Yes it will!