BIM Coordinator: What They Do and Skills Required

A Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordinator is the focal point of all the processes in the AEC industry. A BIM coordinator’s roles and responsibilities are to ensure integration and management of information at various stages of the project. 

They play a pivotal role in fostering communication and collaboration among the various stakeholders of the project. This blog delves into the benefits of working as a BIM coordinator, their roles and responsibilities and more.

Benefits of Working as a BIM Coordinator

Salary Growth

BIM coordinators are well-versed in using various BIM software, which distinguishes them from the other professionals in AEC sector. Hence, they often earn higher salary packages compared to other professionals in the same industry. 

Moreover, you can boost your earning potential if you work on a high-level or complex project. 

High Demand and Job Security

BIM is one of the most popular technologies today, which has increased the demand for a BIM coordinator. Upskilling in BIM can provide you a better job with more security as your skills will remain relevant.

Career Development

Working as a BIM coordinator is the step towards moving to a host of advanced job opportunities. This role provides you an opportunity to gain new skills, which can promote you to positions like BIM manager. As a BIM manager, you can supervise a team or work on a bigger project. Furthermore, you can become a project manager and manage the entire project. 

More jobs in the sectors like teaching, consultancy and technology development await you after establishing yourself as a BIM coordinator.

Gain Experience in Diverse Projects

BIM coordinator is an exciting career path that promises involvement in a broad range of construction projects. In this job, you may work on an infrastructure project or develop a new tower, which ensures better learning. 

A portfolio studded with working on the diverse projects broadens your expertise as well as experience. Also, you will feel enthusiastic while working on a new project constantly.

Stay Updated with Latest Technology

Technology is evolving constantly and has become an integral part of the AEC projects. BIM coordinators work with advanced software and stay updated with the newest technologies and enhance their technical skills. It can push you towards a rewarding career. 

Better Project Efficiency

Ensuring proficiency is vital while working in the BIM processes. Your dedicated efforts to detect errors, streamline workflows and reduce rework can have a positive impact on the project. You will gain expertise while striving to ensure proficiency in a project and become a skilled BIM coordinator.

What Do BIM Coordinators Do?

The BIM coordinator’s roles and responsibilities are mentioned below:

• Developing plans for the BIM implementation and ensuring all teams adhere to the same in the project.
• Creation and management of the digital construction models and making sure they comply as well as integrate with other models.
• Provide training to the team members in BIM processes and tools.
• Manage BIM coordination meetings to improve project collaboration and problem resolution.
• Detect clashes to ensure there is no conflict in the construction phase.
• To work as an assistant in the technical management of data exchanges and subcontractor models.
• To ensure retrieval and systematic storage of project information. Also, project documentation maintenance. 
• Collaboration with architects, design teams, project managers, engineers, surveyors and clients.

Key Skills Required to Become a BIM Coordinator

BIM Software Proficiency

You must master various BIM software like Revit, Naviswork, ArchiCAD and Solibri to seal a job as a BIM coordinator. Possessing knowledge of the creation of pre-defined templates, 3D model management, 2D drawings and associated data is also necessary. 

Technical Knowledge

A BIM coordinator must be aware of the architectural, structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) systems. You should have knowledge of construction processes. Also, have a knack for identifying as well as resolving conflicts, coordination issues and clashes in the BIM model.

Quality Maintenance

BIM coordination requires commitment and strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in models, data integrity and compliance of the models with the requirements of the project.

Also, a BIM coordinator should spot discrepancies, inconsistencies and errors in the BIM models and sketches. You should have an excellent command in reviewing and verifying models and dates to ensure accuracy.

Time Management

Managing multiple tasks and following various deadlines is a common thing for a BIM coordinator. Hone your time management and organizational skills to prioritize a task and complete it within the deadline.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Many stakeholders are involved in the construction process and changes are part of every project. You must show flexibility and adaptability in ensuring all the adjustments or changes to the BIM model are done. 

A BIM coordinator must have excellent written and verbal communication skills for better communication and collaboration among all the stakeholders. 

Conclusion

Beginning your career journey as a BIM coordinator requires you to possess excellent skills and knowledge about BIM. Also, having personal skills such as team management, time management and problem solving can take you a long way. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the objectives of a BIM coordinator?

Ans. The main motto of a BIM coordinator are to improve communication and coordination between all the teams. They also strive to increase accuracy and reduce rework as well as waste. 

Q2. What is the scope of work for the BIM coordinator?

Ans. BIM coordinators develop and implement BIM in the project. Present the design to various stakeholders and learn their feedback to facilitate problem resolution. They also train the team members in BIM tools and processes.

Q3. What makes a good BIM coordinator?

Ans. Gain proficiency in BIM software like Revit, Navisworks and ArchiCAD. Having knowledge of systems related to architecture, structure and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) is also necessary. You should have personal skills such as problem solving, time management, flexibility and collaboration.

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