One of the main reasons why BIM projects fail is not the quality of the models created or the lack of advanced BIM software – it is the fact that the teams start modeling without developing a plan. Architects have one workflow, structural engineers – another, and MEP consultants – yet another. As soon as the project is getting to the point of coordination, the inconsistencies arise.

At Camellia Buildtech, we always tell our customers that a successful BIM project starts way before the first wall is modeled in Revit. And the tool that makes it successful is a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) – a document that sets up the process of collaboration, information exchange, and model coordination.

Whether it is a hospitality project in the United States, a commercial office building in London, or a mixed-use project in Australia, every successful BIM project has one thing in common – everyone uses the same playbook and this playbook is called the BIM Execution Plan and Architectural Solutions are the key to establishing this coordinated approach, especially when design and documentation need to be coordinated from the start.

What Is a BIM Execution Plan?

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a project-specific document that establishes the processes, standards, responsibilities, and workflows that should be followed by all participants during the BIM project implementation.

The plan does not describe the design itself; it describes the ways in which the project will be delivered.

It answers the critical questions prior to starting the project work:

  • Who is responsible for each discipline model?
  • What BIM software and file formats will be used?
  • What Level of Development (LOD) will be required at each project stage?
  • How frequently will the models be exchanged?
  • How will clashes be detected and solved?
  • What naming conventions and modeling standards should be followed?
  • How will the revisions and approvals be managed?
  • What kind of information will be required by the client at handover?

Answering all these questions in advance will prevent confusion during the project work and establish a collaborative environment where each consultant will understand their responsibilities.

While BIM is the digital tool that allows managing building information, the BEP will set up the rules according to which this information should be generated, coordinated, and managed during the project work.

Why Is a BIM Execution Plan So Important?

Imagine the construction of a building where each contractor has their own drawings. The results of such work are likely to be confusion, delays, and additional costs due to rework.

The same thing is true regarding BIM.

Without a BEP, project teams will often experience:

  • Different naming conventions between disciplines.
  • Inconsistent Levels of Development.
  • Duplicate or conflicting BIM families.
  • Unclear model ownership.
  • Frequent coordination errors.
  • Delayed model exchanges.
  • Poor communication between consultants.
  • Increased number of Requests for Information (RFI).
  • Construction delays due to coordination errors that could be avoided.

All these issues are prevented by the BIM Execution Plan that provides a structured roadmap for the whole team.

What Does Camellia Buildtech Include in a BIM Execution Plan?

At Camellia Buildtech, every BIM Execution Plan is individualized depending on the project size, complexity, and customer needs. But although no two projects are the same, some elements will always be included in our BEPs.

Project Goals and BIM Objectives

Every BEP begins with establishing why BIM is needed for the project. Whether the client wants to have good design coordination, quantity take-offs, 4D sequencing, facility management data, or a ready-to-go digital twin – it should be defined in advance to provide a focus for all modeling activities.

Roles and Responsibilities

Establishing clear ownership is key to efficient coordination. In our BEP, we define the responsibilities of architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, BIM coordinators, contractors, and project managers – all the disciplines should understand their deliverables and responsibilities during the project.

Level of Development (LOD)

At different stages of the project, different LODs are required. Our BEP will define the LOD for each discipline at schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and as-built stages – it will save modeling efforts but ensure that there is enough information in the model at the required stage.

Model Coordination Workflow

Our coordination strategy will define the frequency of discipline model exchanges, generation of federated models, clash detection process, and tracking of coordination issues until their resolution.

Modeling Standards

For consistent modeling across all disciplines, the BEP will establish the standards for:

  • File naming conventions
  • Shared coordinates
  • Family naming
  • Worksets
  • View templates
  • Parameters
  • Classification of objects
  • Documentation standards

These standards will help reduce coordination errors during project delivery.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

In every project, there are structured model audits prior to every coordination meeting and every major submission of documents. Our QA/QC process will verify the model integrity, documentation consistency, parameter completeness, and client requirements compliance.

Architectural teams can especially benefit from these standards because the consistent modeling, documentation, coordination, and information exchange will ensure that all the architectural deliverables are coordinated with structural and MEP disciplines.

Common Mistakes When Projects Don’t Have a BEP

Throughout the years, we have seen lots of BIM projects where the teams tried to “figure everything out during the work”. The results were often predictable.

Architects are modeling walls in different ways compared to structural consultants. The MEP engineers are using different coordinates. Naming conventions are different between disciplines; model federation becomes problematic. The clash reports become too big because the consultants are using outdated models.

Such problems do not come from the BIM software restrictions – they appear as the result of the absence of a structured execution plan.

The BIM Execution Plan will prevent these problems.

Let’s Build Your BIM Roadmap Together

A great project starts with a great plan. At Camellia Buildtech, we prepare individualized BIM Execution Plans that eliminate the confusion, simplify the coordination, and protect your bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if we start a BIM project without a BEP?

If you start a BIM project without a BEP, the teams will experience fragmented workflows, inconsistent modeling standards, unclear LOD expectations, and endless clashes during coordination. It will lead to extra costs, delayed submissions, increased RFIs, and deteriorated relationships with consultants. Simply put, you are putting your project at risk.

2. How early should a BEP be prepared?

Ideally, the BEP should be prepared at the pre-construction or schematic design phase, before starting any modeling. It will ensure the alignment of all stakeholders from the very start.

3. Can BEP be customized for small projects?

Sure. Although large projects require a detailed BEP, we individualize all plans according to the project size and complexity. Even for small projects, the clear naming conventions, LOD definition, and coordination workflow will save you lots of time and effort.

4. What is the difference between BEP and Project Execution Plan (PEP)?

The PEP contains all information about project management – budget, schedule, procurement. The BEP is the specific plan for BIM processes – model creation, data exchange, clash detection, and digital handover. The BEP operates within the framework of the PEP.

5. Does Camellia Buildtech implement the BEP or only prepare it?

We do both. Not only will we prepare your BEP, but we will also guide your team through the implementation process, conduct QA/QC audits, hold coordination meetings, and ensure the compliance of all stakeholders with the BEP.

6. What standards do you follow in your BEPs?

Our BEPs comply with international standards such as ISO 19650, PAS 1192, and local industry best practices. We also individualize all BEPs according to the client’s needs and project delivery method (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR, etc.).