Three Architectural Success Stories Demonstrating the Capabilities of BIM (in 2023)

Architectural BIM modeling has connected new horizons to unlock long-term benefits for architects and architectural firms. Creating, managing, and sharing smart 3D models carrying accurate data helps to reduce design conflicts and resolve design flaws in the preconstruction stage.

For a long time, architects have been challenged by a lack of visualization, design mistakes, siloed workflows, and layers of rework. However, 3D BIM modeling has helped them achieve high-quality designs and accuracy with greater ease. In fact, as per the leading market research firm, MarketandMarkets, the building information modeling (BIM) market was valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 15.0 billion by 2028.

Clients from every corner of the globe have received cost and time benefits along with high-impact results with BIM. And reducing discrepancies between design intent and construction documentation has helped architects focus on the creative aspects of their work to exceed client expectations.

To illustrate this, we showcase three real-life projects we worked on with clients ranging from Australia to the USA, and project aims ranging from client presentations to housing approvals by local authorities.

Success Story 1

Approval drawings for 500+ residential units save project costs for a California based architectural and construction firm

A US-based architectural and construction firm specializing in real estate housing aimed to construct a 500+ home township in California. To get quick approvals from authorities in line with city standards, they needed precise architectural and electrical approval drawings. However, due to lack of adequate in-house resources — five times short of what was needed — the firm opted to outsource to a dependable BIM service provider.

The team at HitechDigital met with the clients and understood the project needs of converting architectural and electrical drawings to approval drawings for 500+ residential units. The drawings had to be per the local standards and coordinated drawings had to be generated in AutoCAD. The client also required the team to generate approval drawings for other township projects running in parallel, which led to very tight deadlines.

To achieve the desired results within the stipulated timelines, the team analyzed both the target city rules and AutoCAD standards. A team of skilled AutoCAD experts was brought together and trained in local standards to achieve faster approvals. The team used a fast-track approach to achieve the deliverables. This included:

• Files received in .dwg format were converted to approval drawings by validating coordinated drawings against architectural and electrical drawings.
• Using a proper scale, format, line weight, and other standards, approval drawings were generated.
• Design issues were reviewed and resolved by raising RFIs.
• Faster design replication based on similar houses was done to save time.
• The approval drawings were signed and submitted for city approval.

The project was completed within the scheduled timeline of 18 months with an FTR (First Time Right) accuracy of 95%. This helped the client save project costs and complete the project within the scheduled time.

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Success story 2

Coordinated and clash-free BIM models speed up installation of utilities for a public park in California, USA

A leading US building contractor, known for delivering numerous successful global projects, was tasked with expanding a public park's garden area and installing new utility systems. The project's complexity arose from the need to integrate the new installations seamlessly with the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, all while maintaining their functionality and integrity.

For this, they needed a coordinated BIM model to ensure flawless integration of new utility systems with the existing setup and natural garden layout. The scope of work included:

• Architectural BIM models of the terrain at LOD 300 derived from the CAD drawings of the garden.
• Coordinated 3D models for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems.
• High-definition project renderings for optimal visualization and effective presentation to authorities.

The client was looking for a reliable BIM outsourcing partner. They partnered with HitechDigital to carry out this project.

HitechDigital's BIM engineering team suggested providing fully coordinated and clash-free BIM models (within the project timeline) to enable seamless installation of new utility systems in the national park.

A dedicated team of 10 BIM modelers was brought together to analyze the client-provided input drawings and project requirements. Here's how they executed the modeling process:

• First, they created terrain models using CAD-based contour points.
• Then they imported these models into Revit for developing 3D architectural models of the site, existing structures, and systems.
• They also created a 3D MEP model conforming to the proposed designs.
• The team then integrated the MEP and architectural models with existing connections and services to prevent conflicts and get a coordinated and clash-free 3D BIM model.
• They used Navisworks to identify and resolve clashes between existing and new MEP systems.
• Upon client approval, the team of BIM experts created Revit families for BIM objects. Complex structures, not suited for Revit family modeling, were constructed using Rhino. These Rhino-derived Revit families were subsequently integrated into the Revit Model.
• The team also provided high-definition renderings to enhance project visualization and client presentations.

The final deliverables included:

• A detailed and information rich LOD 300 architectural model for the new garden area.
• High-definition architectural model renderings.
• Revit families of BIM objects for the site.
• A clash-free and coordinated 3D BIM model (including Navisworks clash detection reports).
• 3DsMax-rendered 3D BIM model for seamless inter-team communication, swift approvals, and expedited design workflows.

Our BIM modeling services delivered excellent outcomes for the client:

• The client was able to meet tender deadlines due to deliverables sent before the scheduled time.
• RFIs and iterations were reduced due to high accuracy of the coordinated BIM models.
• The client also gained improved project visibility with HD renderings.

Figure 1. The coordinated BIM model at LOD 300 for a Public Park in California.

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Following the successful completion of this project in California, we embarked on an Australian project with an Architectural Consultant focused on township and residential unit design and construction.

Success Story 3

Architectural 3D BIM model at LOD 350 for 2,500+ residential units slashes time and costs for an Australian Architectural Consultant

An Australian architectural consultant, specializing in design and construction, sought LOD 350 Architectural BIM models for over 2500 residential units in an upcoming township project. They required a reliable BIM outsourcing partner to create multiple architectural models, consolidate models across disciplines (Architecture, Structure, MEP), extract shop drawings, and produce BOQs and BOMs. The final deliverables were to be uploaded to BIM360 for collaborative purposes.

HitechDigital's team engaged with the client and understood the scope of work. They needed to devise robust solutions and approach to tackle challenges such as:

• Incorporating last-minute design changes during the time-consuming model creation process
• Quick ramp-up of the team from 5 to 25 to meet volume targets
• Coordinating with offsite structural and MEP teams

The team at HitechDigital first analyzed the client CAD drawings and design sketches. Here is how we created the actual architectural BIM model.

• Converted the CAD drawings into LOD 350 Architectural BIM models using Autodesk Revit.
• Iteratively developed a 3D model, adapted to design changes and raised RFIs for clarity.
• Created a coordinated 3D model by integrating offsite Structure and MEP 3D models, backed by interdisciplinary clash detection and resolution.
• Extracted shop drawings, BOQs, and BOMs from the coordinated 3D model.
• Performed quality checks across stages to ensure design accuracy.

All the deliverables were uploaded to the BIM360 platform for easy stakeholder access. The coordinated model was completely clash-free!

Architectural BIM modeling and clash resolution yielded high impact outcomes: significant time and cost savings as well as scalability. The coordinated, clash-free, and accurate 3D model improved onsite material planning. BIM360-hosted deliverables facilitated quick collaboration and information access.

Figure 2. These images represent the actual project and views from a 3D perspective, 2D elevations, and 2D housing plans.

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Conclusion

Embracing the power of architectural BIM modeling and unlocking its full potential for digital design with experienced BIM service providers can help Architects integrate BIM faster into their existing ecosystems.

The success stories discussed above illustrate how Architectural 3D BIM modeling has transformed large-sized design projects through high-impact results. The presence of 360-degree visualization boosted by collaboration has served every business need with faster and high-quality deliverables.

About the Author

Bhushan Avsatthi is Director of BIM at HitechDigital. An architect with over 25 years of experience in the AEC industry, Bhushan leads a 200+ strong team of BIM professionals at HitechDigital. He commands a successful track record of having delivered 1,000+ complex projects across hospitals, hotels, malls, airports etc. Bhushan’s focus on operational excellence relies on integration of technology tools, automation. and lean techniques.

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