Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most used terms in design and construction over the past few years, and for good reason. BIM allows architects and engineers to deliver more accurate plans and contractors to have better construction management. Also of note, many people are coining different terms for what is essentially still BIM such as Visual Design and Construction (VDC), 4-D Design, and even 5-D Design.

Regardless of what you call it, if you haven’t begun implementing BIM at your firm then you shouldn’t wait any longer. Many government agencies and private developers are now requiring the use of BIM and some Construction Managers are starting to demand it of their sub-consultants and designers on Design-Build and IPD projects. Don’t get left in the dust-start your learning track of implementing BIM procedures in your office with the following resources:

Autodesk’s BIM Implementation White Papers

Cadalyst’s BIM Implementation Series – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Small Firms Taking on BIM – once again by Cadalyst

A Stanford report on the benefits and lessons learned in implementing Visual Design Construction for an MEP healthcare project.

Also, check this whitepaper to get a good idea on what clients might expect out of a firm for executing a project using BIM.

I hope these articles get you off to a great start with you own BIM implementation.