Transitioning the Practice

The success of CAD over the last 30 years has resulted in most design firms being so firmly entrenched in the technology that it can create a barrier to the transition to BIM, says SmithGroup principal Rick Thoman, AIA, IT manager in the firm's San Francisco office. But SOM's Galioto says architects will welcome the transition: "By switching to the model, our people say that they feel more like architects because they are working in three dimensions."

Transition to BIM will require research, information gathering, and financial backing of the firm's leadership. Unlike the early days of CAD, when a junior staff member or draftsperson could be placed in front of an early generation PC, given an early version of a CAD package and be told to figure out a "better, faster way to draw," the transition to BIM will require commitment from senior staff members intimately involved with design decisions and processes.

The transition to BIM will require an investment of capital and resources from firms, demanding strong commitment from the firm's management over an extended period of time. In 2006, the typical cost of a BIM application can range between $5,000 and $6,000 or more, but this is only a small portion of the cost. Annual maintenance subscriptions fees, consulting fees, training, current generation hardware, and climbing the learning curve will cost much more than the cost of the software. To ease the transition while holding down costs, firms such as SmithGroup are selecting a software purchasing option called a "crossgrade," which allows a firm to migrate a software license from one software vendor's product to another of its products. This also allows a firm to continue to receive upgrades for both products, says Thoman.

Transitioning a firm can be a complex and challenging process, especially for large, multi-office firms with multiple disciplines. Some suggestions include:

• Consider forming a team comprised of individuals from the different offices and disciplines within the firm, and possibly an outside non-vendor consultant to evaluate the firm's needs, and to develop a perspective on BIM in the industry.
• Appoint one individual at the firm to champion the transition and coordinate the overall process.
• Consider conducting tours of the firm's offices with upper management to explore how to accelerate implementation of BIM. SmithGroup is implementing this practice.
• Conduct just-in-time training of staff on BIM tools in conjunction with actual building projects. SmithGroup, SOM, Ghafari Associates, and others agree that this is the most effective training method. Abstract training won't do, says SOM's Galioto.
• Be proactive about implementing the BIM tools that will prepare the firm to move forward on a project. Care must be taken not to overcommit to a solution until there is a clear understanding of the desired workflow for the trial project. Ideally, the project should be one for a repeat client with whom the firm has a positive, open relationship. The client should be part of the transition process, recognizing the benefits that can accrue, while being aware of the challenges that can often occur on pilot projects.

Enter the transition with a proactive mindset:

• Perform due diligence by conducting research, reading industry reports, white papers, and publications.
• Attend meetings and conferences where BIM is on the agenda.
• Communicate with peer firms to learn about their approach to the transition.
• Seek information and advice from industry professionals who have had success with 3-D modeling and integration to lower costs and shorten project schedules for owners, such as steel industry detailers, fabricators, and structural engineers.
• Use software vendors as information resources and providers of training.
• When using out-of-the-box BIM software, consider developing and writing guidelines for project teams, which will be using the technology, so elements such as title boxes and pull downs will automatically be there for them, as is the case with technology that meets the present CAD standard.