Mastering the Craft: Key Skills Every BIM Coordinator Must Possess for Success

Virtual BIM Coordination Before Construction Starts

90% of what the BIM coordinator will be involved in, is during the preconstruction process of the project. The BIM coordinator is so far ahead of the actual construction, they find issues sometimes months before the install (1).

Required skills for BIM Coordinator

As a BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordinator, you are responsible for overseeing the coordination and integration of digital models and data throughout the design, construction, and operation phases of a building project. The BIM coordinator shall have very strong personal and technical skills, as indicated in the above image.

1. Personal skills:

Those abilities can differ from person to person and depend on the background, education, and personal experiences of each person; they will be discussed in the next article. but, today, we will discuss the technical skills.

2. Technical skills

To be effective in this role, you should possess the following technical skills:

• Tools skills:

1. BIM software proficiency: You should be highly skilled in using BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Solibri, Coordination Plugins or ArchiCAD, and have a deep understanding of how to create, pre-defined templates, and manage 3D models, 2D drawings, and associated data.
2. Quality assurance: Ensuring the quality and accuracy of BIM models and data is critical. You should have a strong attention to detail and be committed to maintaining high-quality standards in all aspects of BIM coordination, including model accuracy, data integrity, and compliance with project requirements and industry standards.

• Knowledge skills:

1. Technical knowledge: A solid understanding of architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems is crucial. You need to be knowledgeable about construction processes, and have the ability to identify and resolve clashes, conflicts, and coordination issues in the BIM model.
2. Problem-solving: BIM coordination often involves identifying and resolving conflicts, clashes, and issues within the model. You should possess strong problem-solving skills to identify potential clashes and conflicts before construction begins and propose solutions to resolve them.
3. Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is necessary to spot discrepancies, errors, and inconsistencies in BIM models and drawings. You should be meticulous in reviewing and verifying data and models to ensure accuracy and completeness.
4. Time management and organization: BIM coordination requires managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Excellent time management and organizational skills are vital to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure smooth workflow.
5. Flexibility and adaptability: Construction projects can be dynamic and unpredictable, and changes may occur throughout the project lifecycle. Being adaptable and flexible in handling changes and adjustments to the BIM model and workflows is essential.

• Understanding Process skills

You can read the last article, which discusses in detail the process of coordination according to ISO 19650.

Finally what is the BIM Coordinator job description

Your job description may include the following:

• BIM Coordination: Collaborate with project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders, to establish BIM standards, guidelines, and protocols. Coordinate and manage the development and execution of BIM execution plans (BEPs) to ensure consistent and efficient BIM workflows across the project or organization.
• BIM Modeling: Oversee the creation and maintenance of 3D BIM models, including architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems. Ensure BIM models are accurate, complete, and aligned with project requirements and standards. Review and validate BIM models for clashes, conflicts, and discrepancies, and facilitate their resolution through coordination meetings and clash detection software.
• BIM Data Management: Manage BIM data and information, including model elements, parameters, properties, and attributes. Ensure data integrity, consistency, and quality across all BIM models and related documents. Coordinate the integration of BIM data with other construction technologies, such as scheduling, estimating, and facility management systems.
• BIM Collaboration: Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination among project team members through regular BIM coordination meetings, model reviews, and clash resolution processes. Collaborate with subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate exchange of BIM data and information. Provide training and support to project team members on BIM tools, software, and workflows.
• BIM Documentation: Create and maintain BIM documentation, including BIM execution plans, BIM protocols, BIM standards, and project-specific BIM workflows. Generate BIM reports, visualizations, and presentations to communicate project status, progress, and issues to project stakeholders. Prepare as-built BIM models and data for handover to facility owners and operators.
• BIM Innovation: Stay updated with the latest trends, developments, and innovations in BIM and related construction technologies. Evaluate and recommend new BIM tools, software, and workflows to enhance project efficiency, accuracy, and quality. Drive continuous improvement in BIM processes, standards, and workflows to optimize project outcomes.
• BIM Quality Control: Establish and implement BIM quality control procedures to ensure compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and best practices. Conduct regular audits of BIM models and data to identify and resolve errors, omissions, and discrepancies. Ensure that BIM deliverables meet the project's quality standards and are delivered on time.
• BIM Coordination with Project Management: Collaborate with project managers to align BIM processes and workflows with overall project schedules, budgets, and goals. Provide input and support to project planning, coordination, and risk management efforts. Coordinate with project managers on resource allocation, task assignments, and progress tracking related to BIM activities.
• BIM Training and Support: Provide training and technical support to project team members on BIM tools, software, and workflows. Conduct workshops, seminars, and other training sessions to enhance BIM competency among project stakeholders. Provide ongoing support to resolve BIM-related issues, challenges, and inquiries from project team members.
• BIM Standards and Compliance: Ensure compliance with project-specific BIM standards, industry standards, and relevant regulations. Develop and maintain BIM standards, templates, and libraries to ensure consistency and accuracy in BIM models and data. Monitor and enforce BIM standards and protocols throughout the project or organization.

BIM Coordinator vs BIM Manager

There can be some overlap between the roles of a BIM coordinator and a BIM manager, as both positions are related to the implementation of BIM processes and workflows. In some organizations, the roles may be used interchangeably, or the responsibilities may be combined into one role.

A BIM coordinator is typically focused on the day-to-day coordination and management of BIM processes, models, and data within a specific project or team. They work closely with project team members, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure smooth collaboration and coordination among different disciplines, and they may also be responsible for tasks such as model coordination, clash detection, and resolution. On the other hand, a BIM manager typically has a more strategic and leadership-oriented role, overseeing the implementation of BIM processes and workflows across multiple projects or throughout an organization. They develop and implement BIM strategies, establish BIM standards, provide technical support and training, ensure quality control, foster collaboration, and drive innovation in BIM processes and technologies. They also work closely with project managers and other stakeholders to align BIM with project goals, schedules, and budgets. A BIM coordinator is typically more focused on project-specific coordination and management, while a BIM manager has a broader and more strategic role in driving BIM implementation across an organization or multiple projects. The specific responsibilities and scope of work may vary depending on the organization, project size, and complexity.

Reference (1):

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/virtual-bim-coordination-construction-2019