What does a career in BIM look like?

As the construction industry incorporates greater digital innovation and embraces modern design processes, the need for specialist workers is rising. BIM is one of those digital careers that is growing in importance in construction, so find out more in our comprehensive guide to all things BIM. 

What is BIM? 

BIM, or building information modelling, is a process in which intelligent 3D digital models and objects are created to help architects, engineers and other construction professionals plan, design and construct buildings (and other infrastructure) in an efficient way. 

BIM models simulate a finished design, so they can give valuable insight into building functionality and the logistics needed to build a structure ahead of time.  

BIM designers create realistic visualisations that can be seen as section, elevation and sheet views, allowing contractors and clients to gain an impression of the overall effect before signing off on a project.

What is BIM software used for?

Construction professionals increasingly use BIM software to help them collaboratively plan and construct builds more effectively.  

Using BIM technology, buildings can be modelled according to different build phases as well as the finished product. This functional data allows work to be assigned and scheduled more easily amongst a team. 

3D visual models include important data about the specifications of a structure’s design, such as accurate measurements, materials, notes on the relationships between component parts and more. This provides benefits by improving document management and streamlining construction processes. 

BIM also allows models to be tested and reviewed so that changes can be made to a design before it’s built. 

Realistic visualisations can help to determine important information ahead of time, such as the building’s energy efficiency, its ability to withstand strong winds and future maintenance requirements. These accurate predictions reduce risks, improve timelines, save costs and lead to better outcomes overall. 

Necessary changes can be made digitally, and new models can be created using different components or building processes, to make sure a structure is fit for purpose and safe.  

Is BIM similar to CAD?

BIM is a similar type of technology to CAD (computer-aided design). BIM is regarded as a more advanced digital design tool than CAD. BIM allows for more collaboration between project stakeholders than CAD and has far greater capacity for complex design solutions. For example, BIM can create not just 3D, but up to 8D versions of building designs, allowing for variables such as sustainability, time and risk detection. 

What’s the difference between Revit & BIM?

Revit is one of the leading BIM software programs. Anyone serious about developing a career in BIM should become skilled in using Revit. It models shapes, structures and systems in 3D with huge accuracy, precision and ease, and streamlines project management so that teams can make instant revisions to plans, elevations, schedules, sections and sheets.

What is BIM in construction?

BIM in architecture

Architects use BIM because it helps to make the visualisation of a building project more real and accessible, both for the teams designing it and their clients. As well as aiding collaboration and communication, BIM actually helps to improve the quality of the building because designs are more accurate, detailed and effective.

BIM for civil engineering

BIM enables civil engineers to create better designs and optimises the workflows of a project more effectively. Modern infrastructure projects are fundamentally underpinned by BIM software.

BIM in facilities management

The applications of BIM in facilities management are wide-ranging. Facility managers can learn much more about how a building will function, react to the environment and use resources through the insights gained from BIM.

Why do construction businesses use BIM?

Construction uses BIM because it helps to improve the overall efficiency of a project. Problems and design issues are resolved much more quickly because changes can be made in BIM software by architects, engineers and other project stakeholders in real-time. Other notable benefits of BIM include:

• Better cost analysis
• More improved risk management
• Ease of communication
• Accessibility – using tools such as virtual reality
• Fewer delays

What roles are available in BIM?

New BIM job roles are emerging in construction all the time, as the technology is fast becoming a standard part of the industry. More skilled professionals will be needed to fill vacancies as Construction 4.0 becomes more widespread.

These are the main job titles:

BIM coordinator/technician/engineer/modeller

BIM coordinators, technicians, engineers or modellers take information from a series of detailed plans and, using BIM software, incorporate them into a single multi-dimensional computer model. This accurate model can be used as a basis for planning, building and maintaining a structure.  

BIM manager/project manager/director

BIM managers, project managers or directors act as intermediaries between other construction professionals. They work with architects, designers, engineers and clients to gather specifications and oversee the creation of detailed structural plans through the medium of BIM software.

Training courses for BIM roles

If you want to improve your knowledge and understanding of BIM, training courses are available with a number of organisations. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) run a Certificate in BIM programme, while BSI and City & Guilds also offer BIM training and learning opportunities.