+
Is using BIM productive for Architects?
Real Estate

Is using BIM productive for Architects?

It is only a matter of time that BIM will become a mainstream software, especially for larger projects.
“BIM allows us better conceptualisation, evolution and conflict resolution in the early stages and during project construction, which leads to lower costs to designers over the long term. It generates quick working drawings in less time. Currently, the higher cost is the only deterrent,” says Amol Prabhu, Partner, Shashi Prabhu & Associates.
Attesting to the productivity BIM has brought about for his firm, CN Raghavendran, Managing Director, CR Narayana Rao (Consultants), adds, “More important, integrated design from concept to completion, change management and simultaneous collaboration or co-working by different people on the same model and keeping everyone aware of the process are big advantages.” He adds that problems can be evaluated and identified at the design stage itself, saving time and money rather than discovering a mismatch during execution, which is “highly cumbersome”.

At ANA Design, BIM is work in progress. Amin Nayyar, CEO & Founder, ANA Design, says, “It has definite advantages in terms of project conceptualisation and the quality and completeness of our work.” Similarly, Kapil Aggarwal, Founder & Principal Architect, Spaces Architects@ka, is exploring the possibilities of BIM for his firm and says, “Hopefully, we will switch to BIM in coming years.”

In a country like India where most architects spend their time executing projects at site, things will get much easier with BIM, as things will be predefined and there will be complete transparency from the initial stages itself, reasons Aggarwal. “Hence, to save time and money, we should gravitate towards the implementation of BIM.” 

“Implementation of this philosophy requires a change in mindset,” explains Nayyar. “It is not the learning of a software or an isolated process. It encourages and welcomes the idea of teams of experts working together, and being able to ‘see’ the complete picture of the project. Transparency in communication is also key to the process. Therefore, any company wishing to transition to BIM will have both, un-learning and learning along the way. And, as it is an idea of mindset and people, the change requires constant communication, reinforcement of the idea and time!”

“Recognise the business and marketing aspects of implementing BIM in your organisation,” advises Prabhu. “To lead the effort, find a BIM expert in your organisation, explain your BIM capabilities to clients clearly, and educate your staff about BIM trends, language and culture to avoid difficulties while explaining to clients.”

In Raghavendran’s view, “Successful implementation requires close hands-on training, cost-effective software and spread of awareness to all stakeholders in the building industry. And this initiative should come only from BIM software sellers. They have to invest time and money to produce learning and application modules as well as case studies of successful projects with benefits, particularly, India-specific ones. They must also involve as many stakeholders as possible across India in all kinds of building projects to spread awareness to the end-user in a convincing manner.” If the end-user sees an efficient but cost-effective solution, the product will be used without any marketing and people will automatically become addicted to it.

In short, BIM is an excellent product but needs to be marketed among professionals with a grand vision in the Indian market.
- SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

It is only a matter of time that BIM will become a mainstream software, especially for larger projects. “BIM allows us better conceptualisation, evolution and conflict resolution in the early stages and during project construction, which leads to lower costs to designers over the long term. It generates quick working drawings in less time. Currently, the higher cost is the only deterrent,” says Amol Prabhu, Partner, Shashi Prabhu & Associates. Attesting to the productivity BIM has brought about for his firm, CN Raghavendran, Managing Director, CR Narayana Rao (Consultants), adds, “More important, integrated design from concept to completion, change management and simultaneous collaboration or co-working by different people on the same model and keeping everyone aware of the process are big advantages.” He adds that problems can be evaluated and identified at the design stage itself, saving time and money rather than discovering a mismatch during execution, which is “highly cumbersome”. At ANA Design, BIM is work in progress. Amin Nayyar, CEO & Founder, ANA Design, says, “It has definite advantages in terms of project conceptualisation and the quality and completeness of our work.” Similarly, Kapil Aggarwal, Founder & Principal Architect, Spaces Architects@ka, is exploring the possibilities of BIM for his firm and says, “Hopefully, we will switch to BIM in coming years.” In a country like India where most architects spend their time executing projects at site, things will get much easier with BIM, as things will be predefined and there will be complete transparency from the initial stages itself, reasons Aggarwal. “Hence, to save time and money, we should gravitate towards the implementation of BIM.”  “Implementation of this philosophy requires a change in mindset,” explains Nayyar. “It is not the learning of a software or an isolated process. It encourages and welcomes the idea of teams of experts working together, and being able to ‘see’ the complete picture of the project. Transparency in communication is also key to the process. Therefore, any company wishing to transition to BIM will have both, un-learning and learning along the way. And, as it is an idea of mindset and people, the change requires constant communication, reinforcement of the idea and time!” “Recognise the business and marketing aspects of implementing BIM in your organisation,” advises Prabhu. “To lead the effort, find a BIM expert in your organisation, explain your BIM capabilities to clients clearly, and educate your staff about BIM trends, language and culture to avoid difficulties while explaining to clients.” In Raghavendran’s view, “Successful implementation requires close hands-on training, cost-effective software and spread of awareness to all stakeholders in the building industry. And this initiative should come only from BIM software sellers. They have to invest time and money to produce learning and application modules as well as case studies of successful projects with benefits, particularly, India-specific ones. They must also involve as many stakeholders as possible across India in all kinds of building projects to spread awareness to the end-user in a convincing manner.” If the end-user sees an efficient but cost-effective solution, the product will be used without any marketing and people will automatically become addicted to it. In short, BIM is an excellent product but needs to be marketed among professionals with a grand vision in the Indian market. - SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Enviro Infra Enters ZLD Space with Rs 4 Bn CETP EPC Order

Enviro Infra Engineers, a prominent EPC Player in Water & Waste-Water Treatment across PAN India, has announced a significant step forward in its growth journey with its foray into the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) space. The company has secured a prestigious project from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) aimed at pollution control of the Panchganga River worth Rs 4 billion.The project entails the upgradation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) with advanced ZLD technology in the co-operative industrial estates of Ichalkaranji, Hatkanangale, and Yadrav in Kolh..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SPML Infra Wins Rs 3.85 Bn Water Project Order in Rajasthan

SPML Infra, India’s leading water infrastructure company, has been awarded a prestigious Rs 3.85 billion project for the Water Production & Supply System for Kekri-Sarwar Sector Package-III in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The project, awarded under the Government of India's flagship Jal Jeevan Mission, includes a comprehensive 10-year Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract.The Kekri Water Supply Scheme to be implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to upgrade and strengthen the water supply infrastructure for the Kekri-Sarwar region, while also enhancing the water production and distribu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Oswal Pumps' FY25 Income Rises 88.2% YoY to Rs 14,329 Million

Oswal Pumps, one of the most trusted name in the Solar Pumps manufacturing, announced its Q4 FY25 & FY25 results yesterday. The Board of Directors of Oswal Pumps at its meeting held on 10th July 2025 took on record the Audited Financial Results for the Financial Year 2024-25.Commenting on the results, Vivek Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Oswal Pumps, said, “On behalf of the management team at Oswal Pumps, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire investment community for the overwhelming response to our IPO. We are truly humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?