Eckenhoff Saunders

ESA utilizes three-dimensional building information modeling (BIM) programs early in the design process to enable greater pre-visualization of conceptual design elements and spatial relationships. With BIM, all members of a design team-including architects, MEP/FP engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, cost estimators, and contractors-speak the same language with a single model to which each discipline contributes their specific knowledge. Each three-dimensional model contains essential data regarding not only the building's design, but also that of the building's performance capabilities, logistics, and constructability. We have found that combining the BIM programs Autodesk Revit Architecture and Navisworks in the construction documents phase helps us identify and correct potential problems among the different design and engineering disciplines early on, creating more coordinated documents and a smoother construction process. As contractors continue to shift toward practices rooted entirely in BIM, our ability to provide a quality model is a valuable tool to help our clients save time and money. BIM is the next generation in documentation for architects. As such, we want to make sure we maximize the software's capabilities in order to deliver the highest quality documents to our clients. Our BIM Quality Assurance Team comprises architects with extensive technical experience. It dedicates significant time and measures to instating and reviewing our BIM standards, as well as leading continuing professional development for the office.