Orchestrating a Model Masterpiece on Purpose
Masterful works of art aren't accidental, and they don't happen overnight. Like any other remarkable creation, crafting model masterpieces takes time. They start with intention, they persist through obstacles, and they are fine-tuned into a museum-worthy BIM deliverable. That’s right—a BIM deliverable.
Traditional printed deliverables—whether on paper or viewable on the screen—have become outdated and offer a false sense of project quality. We all know what's really lurking in the model shadows and where the detail-line skeletons are buried. In the age of facility maintenance models, digital twins, and models that serve as the primary deliverable, our attention to how we model, what we model, and how we coordinate these components needs to be front and center.
Enter Stage Left - Model Maestro
Casting Call
Nobody comes out of school with a complete understanding of BIM. In fact, our knowledge of Revit is often quite limited. However, through the guidance of mentors and hands-on project experience, we have the resources at our disposal to sharpen our expertise. As project team members, we all bring a specific set of skills to the table—whether it’s proficiency in project management, in-depth code knowledge, a keen eye for detailing, or excelling at the art of rendering. BIM managers are now becoming crucial participants of a project team across the industry but there’s still a critical lead role that could be yours for the taking – a leadership role that could be your launchpad to A/E stardom as a BIM coordinator.
Now, don’t be scared, fellow Revit enthusiasts. If you’re here reading this blog, then you’re already an up-and-coming BIM star. You don't need to know all the answers, have secret cards up your sleeve, or even carry a bag of tricks. All you need is initiative, communication skills, and a healthy dose of perfectionism. Other than that, your model managers will teach you everything you need to know to make your model worthy of a “chef's kiss.”
The Sound of (Model) Music
Given the many moving parts in a design-authoring model, there’s a crucial need for someone to take the lead. To illustrate this pivotal role, I’ve coined the term “model maestro” because of the parallels it shares with the responsibilities of a BIM coordinator, which is akin to an orchestra conductor in the world of design. A model maestro (aka a BIM coordinator) brings a vision of BIM perfection that accommodates both client standards and firm standards for model quality. This vision is broken down into disciplines that accompany each other—each one following the tempo outlined in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), which can be likened to the sheet music for BIM performances.
While the model manager composes the BEP, the task of implementing it precisely within the Revit model falls to the BIM coordinator. Similar to an orchestral maestro who ensures the tempo and timing of instrument cues, the BIM coordinator also possesses a keen understanding of the sequential flow of tasks and the right moments to execute them. We've all encountered models that resemble a chaotic symphony, much like a toddler randomly striking piano keys with no understanding of how one note interacts with the next. Definitely not sweet music to one’s ears! The model maestro's goal is to orchestrate a harmonious model composition throughout the project timeline. With each milestone, a new level of complexity and model content is introduced, which they must harmonize to create a seamless crescendo leading into the final stages of a BIM deliverable.
Encore!
Model management is not a one-size-fits-all concept. While Autodesk provides some standard do's and don'ts, the real insight comes from previous experience, knowledge sharing, and the application of creative problem-solving. Additionally, each client brings their unique set of project-specific requirements, making BIM management a case-by-case discipline. Being a BIM coordinator offers firsthand experience in constructing a model from the ground up—and chances are you've generated your own list of “never-again” moments, lessons learned, and ideas on how to tackle a specific problem differently. Take what you've learned and apply that knowledge to an encore performance on your next project. Fine-tune and build upon your newly found love for BIM management, but most importantly, share what you've learned!
Completing a project is rewarding, and perhaps even a bit of a relief! However, being able to say you had a major role in getting the model and the project team across the finish line with little-to-no model hiccups is a huge undertaking. So, don't be shy—take that well-deserved end-of-project bow as the crowd applauds.
