Design & BIM
What is BIM (Building Information Modeling)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the practice of designing and documenting a building as a shared 3D model whose elements carry structured data — a wall knows its type, fire rating, and cost code, not just its geometry. BIM models coordinate architecture, structure, and building systems in one environment and drive downstream outputs like drawings, schedules, and quantities.
In practice
Most firms author BIM in Revit or Archicad, coordinate disciplines in a federated model, and exchange data via IFC. The model becomes the single source for drawing sets, quantity takeoffs, clash detection, and increasingly for AI tools that read model data directly.
Tools for BIM
Revit
Industry-standard BIM authoring for architecture and engineering
ArchiCAD
BIM Software for 2D drawing & 3D building modeling
Snaptrude
Cloud BIM platform for fast concept modeling
Arcol
Browser-based BIM design and documentation
Motif
Shared workspace for design teams
Speckle
Data interoperability platform for AEC
Related terms
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