How to start BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be applied in countless ways - from generating drawings and quantity take-offs to running calculations, simulations, and integrating with facility management systems. But if you're just starting to explore the technology, my key advice is: keep it simple.

Over 15 years ago, when I first began using BIM as an engineer, I started with the basics — modeling solutions in 3D to visualize how they would look in real life. Only later did I learn how to generate drawings, produce QTOs, and eventually standardize and automate processes.

The same principle applies if you are a client. The less experience and the more that is requested, the greater the risk that the produced information won’t be fully used - and that you’ll overpay for it.

That’s why, for beginners, a simple approach is often enough: either work with designers who already know how to use BIM, or ask us to create a model from your 2D drawings. These models can then be merged, reviewed, and checked for issues in a 3D environment using free and easy-to-use viewers.

Even this basic step can bring substantial value and significantly reduce barriers to adopting BIM in the future.