I found in my travels that more design-build firms are using BIM than design only or build only. The assumption from the architect/designer is: Why would I/we take on more risk for the same money and that is a valid argument when an Integrated Project Delivery contract is not in place.
I do not get involved in large multi-million dollar commercial projects, I like designing upscale residential homes and condos. I did start as a builder yet I hung my boots up a couple of years ago and now predominately design and QS from the BIM, and I find that builders love it and pay extra for the privilege.
I use an IPD contract for several reasons:
- Although I come from a construction background, I remember that I had my quirky little methods to construct which I put in the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) model. However, many builders take a more traditional approach and prefer their own method. I charge for changes and amend the model if an item is tagged and explained. I also allow the builder or engineer to change the model as this is what IPD is all about. At the end the day, each participant takes responsibility for their own changes as the desired outcome is a better, more profitable & a smoother project from concept to completion.
- Each participant goes through my work and highlights any issues, sure my wife and kids think I am perfect, yet like everyone I make mistakes and it is good to get a second set of eyes before the VDC/BIM model moves to a construction drawing set. The best thing about this is we share responsibility as we all know builders and architects have never been great friends yet this approach is doing what it should and uniting my customers and allowing me to make suggestions without being shot down or abused and in return me firing back.
Collaboration is the key when using BIM, and I feel this is what most do not get when they think of BIM.
Share your models my friends, yet first, have a contract in place that enables you to share the liability and protect your IP. From this everyone is a winner.
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Andrew Dwight
Designer/BIM manager AAD Build
BDM RubySketch
Sydney Australia
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2018 10:53
From: Roger Dunn
Subject: Software Used by Small Firms
Interesting. With all the hype now-days I would have expected more BIM adoption, but I guess cost is the killer. The "pencil/trace paper and eraser" software seems popular. I conclude that small firms sketch on trace, scan to Dropbox, then use MS Word/Excel for the invoice. Just the 'old man.' Thanks for sharing your efforts.
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Roger Dunn Assoc. AIA
Hong Kong
Original Message:
Sent: 02-06-2018 12:49
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Software Used by Small Firms
A survey of software being used by Small Firms that has been running for a number of years. Check out what others are up to ....and add your own entry.
Small Firm Software - Google Drive
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Michael Malinowski FAIA
Applied Architecture Inc
Sacramento CA
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