BIM

“BIM Seems to be the Hardest Word”

Even experts trip up on explaining what BIM actually is. This is because it is very tempting to define BIM in overly complex terms. But understanding BIM in simple terms makes the more complicated aspects much easier to grasp.

Defining BIM – Wikipedia’s extremely clinical definition (link)

Put simply…

BIM is a process. A process used on construction projects to streamline the delivery of digital information to meet the client’s needs.

The BIM Process – Understanding the “information need”, planning, and delivering to meet it

For example…

  • A multistory hotel complex for a corporate client will likely require a high level of information, including a BIM model that can be utilised for construction, operation, renovation, and demolition (eg. a digital twin).
  • A bathroom renovation may require a low level of information, just enough for an authority to approve and the contract to build.

Both can fall under BIM project digital delivery, the difference is the level of information required.

So…

Every project has a digital delivery method, but not every project follows a structured BIM process.

A defining product and tool of the BIM process is the 3D BIM model.
To understand the BIM process you must understand the BIM model. This is because the process was developed to address the benefits and challenges BIM models presented.

The BIM model…

A 3D BIM model allows us to store information in 3D objects.
As much information as you want, and likely more information than you actually need.

The BIM Object – A 3D information database

For example, this light fixture can then be placed on a 3D ceiling, connected to a 3D electrical network, distribution board, transformer and so on…

Until you have something that looks like a digital prototype of your building.
This is your BIM model.

The BIM Model – Designers can collaborate on very complex jobs, fixing hidden clashes before work begins on site.

The benefits are obvious:

  • No more manual line drawings – views are real sections through a digital building
  • No more manual text notes – information updated in a 3D object is updated across all views
  • No more figuring out 2D drawings – clients, contractors, architects, and engineers can visualise and contribute in 3D
BIM objects – Update in one place and it updates everywhere

But with great power comes great complexity, and it quickly became obvious to everyone involved how difficult it is to manage all this information.

The BIM process…

So, some smart people came together to develop a structured digital delivery process to address the issues such as:

  • Scope – help the client specifically define what information they actually need
  • Focus – help designers avoid modelling too much or too little
  • Accountability – for time, quality, cost, and lessons learned

The result was a standardised process that could be applied to projects across the industry. The document that outlines this standardised process is called ISO 19650 and many countries base their BIM standards and processes on this document.

ISO 19650 Process – Standardising the BIM digital delivery method

The BIM documents…

Standard forms were developed to support the process and it became clear that someone would need to manage all of this.

ISO 19650 Documents – A new level of information management

The BIM roles…

So, the tasks were allocated to two roles that already existed in the project:

  • BIM Manager – leading project BIM process.
    eg. BIM document management, clash detection and resolution etc.
  • BIM Coordinator – coordinating BIM process for their discipline.
    eg. Architecture BIM Coordinator, Civil BIM Coordinator, Structural etc.

Be aware that ISO 19650 specifies information management functions, not titles or roles. So titles vary across projects, countries, and time, while the functions stay broadly the same.

Typical BIM roles – ISO 19650 defines the information management functions but not who performs them.

Yes, but…

Information, information, information.

Not all projects need this level of data management (like the bathroom renovation example above). Less complex projects need to be streamlined to deal with realities like:

  • Limited client fee
  • Low project complexity – for example, a solo architect updating a kitchen
  • Limited experience with BIM processes and tools across the design team

The processes outlined in ISO 19650 deals with complex projects thoroughly. But because it is a process heavy approach, it can make it difficult to scale down to projects of lower complexity, or projects where the client hasn’t commissioned BIM in the contract.

One approach to bridge this gap is to develop your own practice-specific Digital Delivery Plan.

Digital delivery plan – A way to bridge complexity and adopt BIM for your organisation

A plan that is:

  • Informed by ISO 19650 principles and practices
  • Plans for the deliverables and associated risk
  • Responsive to the specific needs of project your office regularly tackles
  • Builds structured digital habits across the team
  • Captures the successes and failures of a project in a live document
  • Evolves with the practice based on lessons learned project to project

This provides a framework for providing effective BIM processes that address both client and practice needs.

Without a simple bridge, many firms avoid BIM processes because they seem too complicated. But the cost of that choice keeps rising as the benefits of BIM continue to grow.

Why bother?…

Once BIM standards are established, information created on projects can feed directly back into the practice’s library and training resources, creating a positive feedback loop that continually builds a practice’s capability from project to project.

Positive feedback loop – Resources and learnings feed back into the practice’s workflow

Some examples of this include library building:

  • 3D geometry with embedded notes can be stored in your digital library for drag-and-drop reuse on the next project
3D geometry Library – Created on projects put into your library and applied to new projects
  • Room layouts, their associated views, and annotation can be stored, then placed in new projects and adjusted as needed. Saving design, modelling and documentation time. Without relying on generative AI.
  • Construction detail libraries can be built of 2D components with information embedded, rather than lines and manual entry text. This means updates are reflected everywhere, making detail library management more automated.

And that is not to mention the value of capturing all types of data from projects (including lessons learned).

That’s not to say that adopting BIM is all plain sailing.
These positive feedback loops can also be undermined by a lack of engagement. For this reason having a passionate, competent and compassionate “connector” is an essential ingredient.

Building Engagement – Connecting expectations, wants and needs

But AI will replace BIM?…

BIM is the information management process, and AI systems supercharge the process.

AI integration – Automating once manual tasks makes BIM more accessible

This is the growing advantage of BIM as an information-focused delivery approach that AI can plug into directly. It gives practices the freedom to decide how much of their information management is handled by AI and how much by staff.

Collaborative Effort – Prediction quoted in Autodesk’s “Preparing for an AI-Enabled future” webinar 2025 (link). A more conservative speculation than most AI content creators

At the end of the day, anyone can learn and use AI tools, but practices with hands-on digital delivery experience and structured information management processes can make better informed decisions that lead to reliable outcomes from AI models.

All in all…

BIM is a delivery process for practices of all sizes because it creates a positive feedback loop that captures knowledge typically locked away in past projects. These loops are now being amplified through AI integration.

So, for businesses looking to catch the AI-wave in a meaningful way, adopting effective BIM is an important first step.