Building Information Modelling (BIM) has evolved from a specialized skill held by top experts in architecture, engineering, building sciences and other construction fields into a highly sought-after capability that organizations now expect from new hires.
Today there are specialized positions requiring BIM expertise that didn’t exist a decade ago. From technicians to project coordinators, modellers and other BIM-specific roles, demand is growing across various fields.
But what is BIM and why is BIM modelling knowledge or Building Information Modelling programs completion evolving from a nice-to-have to a career essential and focus?
At Mohawk College, we believe a thorough understanding of BIM can give graduates a significant career boost, especially for those already working in their chosen industry.
Let’s take a closer look at what BIM is, the benefits of using it, how it can help students and working professionals, what to look for in programs, and provide a quick overview of our all-new Building Information Modelling Graduate Certificate program.
So whether you’re in your final stretch of your undergraduate degree or already working but looking for an effective way to grow in your career, we hope this information helps you get to know BIM more thoroughly.
What is BIM?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to a process where a digital 3-D model of a structure is created that accurately represents the project and relevant project data. This data can help create the design, determine building materials required for construction, or help with operations in the maintenance of the building for inspections and optimizing energy efficiency.
This process opens new ways of working with other experts and encourages innovation. By understanding how to use and collaborate in Building Information Modelling programs and Building Information Modelling software, such as Revit, professionals get access to an entirely new way of working.
This digital model can be used effectively throughout the planning, designing, building, and operating stages of a project. It allows teams working on the project to collaborate online using the model to plan, problem-solve, and easily access essential information.
BIM plays an important role in the digital transformation of the construction, engineering and architecture industries.
“With BIM you can see potential problems in a building before they are presented on a construction site. It allows you to coordinate construction and minimize site rework. Saving time and money. With BIM models you can reduce construction cost, coordinate building systems, enhance sustainability, increase safety, and provide tools for facility management post-construction.”
— Nathaniel Adie, Professor of Architectural Technology
Despite its recent rise in use, BIM isn’t a new concept. The idea of using digital models started back in the 1970s. Charles M. Eastman, began researching and developing modelling systems that would enable computers to create 3D models.
Known as the father of BIM, his first iterations were called “Building Product Modelling” which he later renamed “Building Information Modelling.” As software evolved and became more sophisticated, the ability Eastman pioneered to create complex 3D digital models became a reality.
Beyond the ability to create an accurate model, BIM transformed not just what was built, but how. It became easier than ever to empower ideation and encourage collaboration between teams working on different aspects of construction projects.
The more organizations move to working with a BIM model, the more they discover this approach could transform the global construction process from start to finish.
Because BIM allows teams to work with experts around the globe on one project simultaneously, the International Standards Organization (ISO) released ISO 19650 to set standard principles and concepts for businesses and organizations using building information modelling. These standards help professionals in construction, procurement, design, operations, and management.
Some of the nations adopting BIM as a best practice include the US, UK, China, South Korea, France, Singapore and more. The US especially has embraced BIM for projects within the public sector. Globally, governments and non-profits are turning to BIM modelling to help create innovative projects as efficiently as possible.
Here in Canada, organizations like buildingSMART point to technology like BIM modelling and the adoption of Building Information Modelling software as a solution to two of the industry’s biggest challenges: productivity and sustainability. But they also pinpoint knowledge gaps and government advocacy as two reasons why Canada is lagging behind other countries that are seeing wider use of BIM.
What are the benefits of using BIM?
Architects, engineers, construction professionals and others who embrace BIM have experienced the benefits of working with and embracing this new process. Here are brief overviews of some of the most celebrated benefits of BIM.
Productivity
Streamlining workflows by transitioning to digital collaboration allows teams to work more efficiently, communicate easily and readily access the information needed to complete their work.
Cost reduction
While productivity improvements can help reduce project costs, other ways building information modelling can lead to cost reductions include:
- Teamwide access to controlled-life costs and environmental data
- Lower likelihood of rework and the associated costs
- Reduced risk of miscommunication and costly mistakes
- Accurate software-generated estimates of supplies and materials based on 3D models avoids ordering excess building materials
- Early clash detection alerts teams to design conflicts that may not be discovered until construction begins
Safety
Throughout the entire process of using BIM modelling, projects can reduce risk and improve safety conditions, especially during construction.
During the planning and design phases, clash detection can flag dangerous errors before they become a reality, reducing the chance of injury before the construction process even begins.
During construction, rework can lead to conflicting schedules and the need to push workers to help correct issues on tight deadlines. These conditions, even created with the best intentions and support, can lead to injury. BIM can reduce the amount of risk by highlighting potential errors teams may encounter with the particular project to help supervisors prepare in advance.
Sustainability
With Building Information Modelling software, teams can plan sustainability goals early in the planning process, collaborating easily with experts in real-time. Sustainability standards, such as decarbonization goals and standards, can be factored in during early decision-making.
After construction is completed, BIM modelling can also predict essentials and risks for the lifecycle management of buildings, identifying what type of maintenance and updates will be required for the project to continue to meet sustainability goals over time.
Do recent graduates and working professionals need to learn BIM?
Currently in Canada, BIM experience isn’t required for many traditional roles in architecture, engineering, building sciences and other construction fields but BIM-specific roles are on the rise and require a working knowledge of processes, tools and software like Revit.
For technologists, technicians and operations roles BIM is becoming essential for keeping up with industry standards.
“BIM knowledge boosted my career prospects by enhancing my technical skills and allowing me to collaborate more effectively. It increased my ability to design, plan, and execute construction projects. Working with BIM models allowed me to find and solve problems early in the construction process.
Gaining BIM abilities opened career opportunities for me in larger projects and at companies with better future job growth.”
— Nathaniel Adie, Professor of Architectural Technology
If you hope to secure a position in other countries where BIM is endorsed by governments as being a best practice, learning how the process works for different roles can be a big asset, if not essential.
For recent graduates, adding BIM training and education to your resume is a smart way to level up your experience, open yourself up to more hiring opportunities, and distinguish yourself from other candidates.
If your future or current career goals include:
- Work on government or public sector projects and contracts
- Work internationally or collaborate with international contracts
- Transition into a BIM specialist role
Then your next step will be to look at Building Information Modelling courses that best fit your needs, educational background and career objectives.
Finding the right Building Information Modelling courses
Finding a course created by real industry professionals and educators is one of the best ways to ensure what you learn is worth your time and investment. Beyond just a foundational knowledge of BIM, you’ll want to find courses that connect to your previous education, led by a faculty connected to your desired industry.
Graduate certificates are a great option for those with a bachelor’s degree. These programs are designed for students who have a solid base education, ensuring that you get what you need from the program in a shorter amount of time than a typical college or university degree.
Why Mohawk College?
Mohawk’s new Building Information Modelling Graduate Certificate is designed to build on students’ existing education and help further prepare them for a successful career. Perfect for working professionals or students gaining entry-level experience in their chosen fields, this Building Information Modelling course in Canada was created with 30% remote work for added flexibility.
Designed by our experienced faculty with extensive industry expertise, this graduate certificate will teach students how to integrate BIM from the conceptual stages of a project and beyond.
Who can apply?
Graduates from the following programs can apply:
- Architectural Technology
- Civil Technology
- Building Systems
- Building Science Construction Management
Learn more about Mohawk College’s Building Information Modelling Graduate Certificate and how you can open doors to this exciting career path.
