What a BIM Specialist Does – And How to Become One

Let us dive into the QnA and understand the role of a BIM specialist from insights by Neha Sadruddin.

BIM specialist is a significantly essential member of the in-house BIM team, which provides support for:

• Various projects in producing BIM models

• Making construction sets

• Guiding through complex modeling

• Managing the models

• Training freshers in BIM

• Conducting post-deadline reviews to streamline the workflow

• Developing the BIM Library

• Setting up office standards, templates

• Developing in-house tools to save time by automating mundane tasks

Yes, it is one of the reasons. We are trying to develop in-house BIM plugins that automate some of the mundane tasks in the modeling and documentation workflow. These plugins save a significant amount of time for Architects & Designers to concentrate more on the creative side of the job.

I have worked on a few projects that required parametric modeling assistance. Fundamentals remain the same, but the approach varies on the project; for example, we use adaptive components to make complex facades. Visual scripting in Grasshopper (especially after Rhino 7) is one of the famous solutions for massing. A hybrid approach and several plugins would make up a final parametric model most of the time.

[Read: 8 Awesome Rhino 3D Plugins That Will Change Your Modelling Life]

I have done some freelance projects but collaborating with Novatr is the most recent pursuit. It's pretty interesting to mentor BIM enthusiasts; this process has also become a learning experience for me to update my methodologies, considering the challenges students face.

Revit is the most common one I use with many other plugins like pyRevit, Ideate, and Rhino inside. Dynamo and C# also has a huge potential to collaborate, automate Revit workflow starting from schematic design to construction documents or parametric modeling. We used Navisworks as a collaboration and clash detection tool, which is now beginning to be dominated by ACC Model Coordination.

We are always on the lookout for the latest plug-ins that can boost productivity. We test and incorporate them into our workflow from time to time. However, I would say, our most sacred assets are our custom templates and libraries that we are constantly developing so they're well-equipped to serve as a good starting point for the project teams. It is a real joy for me to see teams use them!

I follow the pyRevit youtube channel most religiously. Revit pure and Aussie BIMGuru are the other two channels with succinct explanations on each Revit feature. They even conduct conversations with experienced BIM specialists to share their insights on the latest trends. I also follow Parametric Architecture's virtual conferences conducted every quarter.

Attending conferences (ex: Autodesk University) is an excellent opportunity for networking and learning the latest trends. AEC Tech by CORE studio | Thornton Tomasetti has many collaborative options like two-day masterclasses and hackathons, exposing us to diverse BIM practices.

There is a lot of potential in third-world countries for BIM when all the stakeholders have sufficient knowledge and experience to practice it. But once that starts, the graph is going to be quite steep.

The sooner, the better (smiles)! Having BIM in your quiver of skills would always stand out and give an edge while applying for jobs. Precisely, one can start practicing BIM after getting essential AEC knowledge and before getting into a career. This timing would allow one to work with BIM practicing firms which could be a great way to start one's BIM career.

[Read: Salaries and Career Growth of BIM Professionals in India to know more about BIM careers in India]

[Read: BIM Global Growth Rate: What Is The Scope of BIM In The Future?]

I am not certified (smiles). I consistently pushed myself to work on BIM jobs during my work under our BIM manager, and that upgraded my skill. Either good significant experience or certification can be helpful to become a BIM specialist.

If one wants to do a Master's course in BIM, it's best to take advice from alumni or work (internship) at a BIM practicing firm for a while. One should make sure they understand the depth and breadth of the field to check if that's suitable for them.

• Well, one would be learning from BIM experts from across the globe. So we make sure our students get a holistic knowledge of the subject.

• This six-month course would give them time to hone their BIM software skills and thoroughly understand the AEC workflow.

• We consistently respond to students' doubts throughout the course and support them even after six months.

• And most of all, we provide hands-on experience to the students by making them apply the learned knowledge on projects under our supervision.

We hope you now have a better idea about the job of a BIM Specialist!

If you see yourself saving more time for the AEC industry as a BIM Specialist, start your career with Novatr’s BIM Professional Course! For more resources on BIM, parametric design, software & tools, industry trends, and career, head to the Learning Hub!