“don’t just draw it when you can build it”

The greatest adjustment for architects - since the transition from drafting by hand to drafting on a computer - is upon us. The use of the computer to draft lines representing the design is now being replaced by the virtual building of the design in the computer. Not just for visualization purposes but to create a building information model to be used for collaboration, takeoffs, documentation etc..

My focus for the last thirteen years has been on model based object oriented design and collaboration. During this time I have experienced a gradual shift in awareness among colleagues and industry professionals. In the near future a building information model will be required in every project.