What’s been happening in the wider industry?
You might think to yourself BIM isn’t for me, we don’t need it, our current practices are
fine. But the time for change is upon us, the Government mandate for centrally funded
projects came into effect in 2016 and the requirement for BIM is spreading to the local
authorities as well. The benefits of BIM are beginning to be recognised by Clients
more often and a lot of design practices are using it regardless of the appointment
requirements because it is more efficient.
The NBS National BIM Report 2017 shows year-on-year growth of 8% with 62% of
respondents currently using BIM. Of those currently using it 70% are reaching a BIM
maturity level 2 with 7% stating
they are reaching level 3 (though
this still isn’t fully defined). So,
the uptake and growth within the
industry is growing, some solace
may come from the fact that of
those surveyed only 24% say
they are very confident in their
knowledge and skills with a further
31% quite confident. So, what
does this mean? Well I see it as
a good time to get involved, 75%
of professionals working in BIM
still feel that they are on a learning
curve, so why not join in?
Here at MDA we have started to invest and diversify the software we use to really start
to benefit from the BIM environment. We are investing in training and developing our
graduate programme to capitalise in the future. We will be able to offer services that
fully integrate us into the collaborative BIM environment.
What’s most important is that fundamentally BIM won’t change our day to day working
practises at MDA. For those with an interest in it we can develop new skills in Digital
take off and cost planning, as well as Project Management roles in BEP bringing better
collaboration and efficiencies. But for most it is business as usual with the knowledge
we have adopted the industry standard procedures and we are investing in the future.
Chris Bees - Associate Director
E:
T: 0117 929 2641
M: 07701 380 630
Sources:
RICS
NBS National BIM Report 2017
BIM REPORT - CONT’D
