Are architects doing enough to be bim leaders?

I few weeks back I was asked to write a comment piece on whether I thought architects in general were stepping up to the plate and making themselves BIM leaders. It maybe a UK centric issued, but I am dismayed by the fact the architectural industry doesn’t recognise BIM as a potential opportunity. The extract from this article is below. I hope I can revisit this in years to come & me be proven wrong!

“Are architects doing enough to be bim leaders?”

It would love to say yes, but it pains me to say that I don’t think that is the case. I am privileged that I am employed by a forward thinking firm who recognises the business benefit for using BIM. Within HOK, BIM leadership is driven right from the top by our CEO Patrick McCleamy & the rest of the HOK board. BIM & buildingSMART is one of HOK’s five main business drivers.

There are certainly other architectural firms who also driving the BIM leadership message. However, on the whole, architects are just thinking that BIM is 3d, a quicker way to do a coordinated set of drawings or high quality visualisations. There are others who are sceptical, thinking that BIM is just a fad, it stifles creativity and is doomed failure. But then I remember, people said the same about CAD & before that the fax machine.

Sure enough 3d modelling is one component, but the possibilities extend far beyond that. It has been said many times before; it is the “I” in the BIM that is one of the most important components of this new collaborative process. Information & knowledge, empowers you. Being able to manage & take a lead in the BIM collaboration process potentially allows the architect to once again become the master builder, the integrator.

I understand the challenges with investing in the BIM processes & the necessary supporting technology in these turbulent times. Nether the less, BIM is an opportunity & that opportunity will not last for ever. If architects don’t embrace it & take a lead, there will be plenty in the wings who will certainly step up & grab the BIM leadership crown.