Since BIM is a common undercurrent in project RFQ and RFP language, we know owners are paying attention to BIM processes and using that to evaluate their procurement selections. Let’s also not forget the huge efficiencies BIM can bring (I would bet owners are looking to see more data such as cost and schedule savings from their prospective firms).

Owners represent a strong potential to affect change in the industry because of their power to dictate deliverables, work style, contract type, and team technology use. Forward-thinking owners can really set the standard for the industry, and firms should be on the lookout for owners who are as BIM savvy as they are.

Take, for example, Texas A&M University, who requires the BIM as part of their deliverable. This is a beautiful requirement since it acknowledges that the building information model contains inherent value above and beyond typical paper documentation sets (though, those are still required, too).

Also of note is A&M’s published “BIM Execution Plan.” I suggest reading some of the more technical details available at the link below. Here are some of the more inspirational parts proclaiming the usefulness of building information modeling to the complete project lifecycle. Food for thought:

“When implemented properly, BIM is an enabler. BIM optimizes and integrates otherwise fragmented workflows and communication in project execution.”

“BIM enables rapid prototyping of design alternatives and performance analyses among the different disciplines.”

“Visual explanations of complex issues support clearer communication with team and non-professional stakeholders.”

Owners like A&M are becoming more and more common, and I see a time where BIMs will be a standard component of deliverables industry-wide in the not-so-distant future. What do you think about A&M’s published BIM execution plan? Leave us a comment with your thoughts, or even other owners who you think are putting their best foot forward and adopting BIM.

You can find A&M’s BIM Execution Plan in its entirety here.