The Impacts of BIM on the AEC Industry

The advent of building information modeling (BIM) is the driving force in the AEC industry today. With an observed growth rate of 10.7% from 2021 to 2022, the market is projected to reach $10.7 billion USD by 2026 in the US alone. BIM adoption rates are soaring; To stay competitive, the business benefits of digital transformation and information modeling simply can’t be ignored.  

Adaptability and resilience are top of mind for many AEC professionals given the rise of remote and hybrid work brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. BIM provides a means to work effectively in remote and hybrid situations and to respond to the competitive project demands of a changed workforce.

This chapter of the Beginner's Guide to BIM will explore how BIM impacts each sector of the AEC industry, from architects and engineers to construction professionals and project owners.

• BIM in Architecture
• BIM in Engineering
• BIM in Construction
• BIM in Facilities Management & Planning

With BIM, architects can create virtual models that allow them to visualize and analyze every aspect of a building before it is constructed. This not only saves time and money, but also allows for better collaboration with engineers, contractors, and clients.

As the industry grapples with rising sustainability targets, a BIM workflow provides the means to deliver more sustainable projects. BIM models can simulate energy usage, lighting, and ventilation to optimize a building's performance and reduce its environmental footprint. This not only benefits the planet but can also lead to cost savings for building owners and tenants.

BIM software programs such as Vectorworks Architect are capable of vastly increasing project efficiency as well. During the design phase of a project, changes and revisions are inevitable, and good BIM software can ensure that changes are coordinated across all areas of the design file, including documentation.

It’s no surprise that, in 2022, BIM adoption rates in architecture were the highest they’d ever been. Coming off the remote-first workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, firms largely embraced digital transformation, accepting the reality and necessity of hybrid work.

According to AIA’s 2022 Firm Survey, there’s a significant uptake in small firms of 10 or fewer employees adopting BIM, from 37% in 2019 to 52% in 2022. These numbers are quickly approaching adoption percentages of large and midsize firms, showing that BIM benefits are plentiful even on smaller scales.

The survey results indicate that overall BIM adoption rates among surveyed firms is just shy of 80%.

Professionals in landscape architecture are also taking advantage of BIM workflows. Landscape architects find similar BIM benefits to other AEC disciplines. These include enhanced collaboration, reduced costs, risk mitigation, and more. You can read an in-depth analysis of BIM in landscape architecture here.

With the help of advanced software and 3D modeling tools, BIM workflows enable engineers to create digital representations of buildings and their components, which can be shared with teams and stakeholders.

Engineers using a BIM workflow benefit from more effective collaboration with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. By working in a shared digital environment, engineers can easily exchange information, detect design clashes, and resolve conflicts before they become costly errors on the construction site.

Another advantage of a BIM workflow is improved accuracy and efficiency in the design process. With the ability to visualize and simulate building components and systems, engineers can identify potential issues early on and make necessary adjustments before construction begins. This can save time and resources, as well as reduce the risk of mistakes and rework.

With BIM workflows, mechanical, engineering, and plumbing systems can be optimized more easily due to having an accurate digital model. This in turn can play a huge role in meeting the project’s sustainability goals.

According to a 2021 Dodge Data & Analytics report, 51% of MEP and structural engineers have adopted BIM to use on 50% or more of projects. That number was forecasted to increase to 80% in the 2-3 years following the publication of the 2021 report.

Contractors and construction managers are among the key stakeholders who benefit from BIM workflows in various ways.

BIM workflows also provide more accurate cost estimates and improved project management. Contractors and construction managers can use BIM to create detailed schedules, track progress, and manage resources. This allows them to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and ensure that everyone involved in the project is working towards the same goals.

One of the significant benefits of BIM workflows is the ability to visualize and coordinate all aspects of the construction project before construction begins. With BIM, contractors and construction managers can review detailed 3D models of the building and identify potential clashes or errors in design, materials, or systems. This helps to minimize errors, reduce rework, and ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time.

Furthermore, BIM workflows enable better collaboration and communication among all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. By using a shared model, everyone can work together seamlessly, share data, and make informed decisions. This leads to fewer conflicts, better designs, and more satisfied clients.

In conclusion, contractors and construction managers benefit greatly from BIM workflows. By using BIM, they can improve project planning, reduce costs, enhance collaboration, and ensure that construction projects are completed successfully.

According to data from Statistica and BIMobject, the rate of UK construction professionals using BIM has increased from 13% in 2011 to 73% in 2020.

Project owners generally aren’t involved in executing the BIM process. Owners do, however, benefit greatly from BIM, which is why certain mandates are in place requiring the use of BIM.

With greater transparency, reduced errors, and expedited timelines, the benefits of BIM are clear for project owners and governing entities. Ultimately, BIM allows project owners to follow along more clearly with the design process with the ability to forecast budget more accurately.

BIM workflows help clients visualize the final product before construction begins, which helps them make informed decisions about design and functionality. BIM models also allow for better cost estimation and scheduling, reducing project delays and unexpected expenses. Additionally, BIM workflows help clients identify potential conflicts and design flaws early in the process, allowing for quick and cost-effective solutions.

BIM workflows also provide transparency and accountability throughout the building’s lifecycle. By using BIM models, project owners and governing entities can ensure that all building codes and regulations are being met, as well as monitor the project’s progress and budget.