Organizational Transformation Strategies for Adopting Building Information Modeling in the Engineering-Construction Industry

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is beginning to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM), benefiting from the resulting improved visualization and productivity, better coordination of construction drawings, building documents that contain embedded links to virtual information, faster delivery, and lower costs. However, construction firms often face challenges when reorganizing their company structure to take full advantage of these benefits. This paper proposes an organizational structure that will enable engineering-construction firms to successfully adopt and implement BIM for major construction projects. A case study research method is utilized based on in-depth interviews with four BIM directors and vice presidents charged with BIM adoption, implementation and education. Organizational transformation challenges and recommendations are discussed in detail for those considering implementing BIM in the engineering-construction industry. Topics such as organizational changes in the firm, costs and benefits of BIM implementation, strategies of BIM implementation (execution) plan, BIM education, risks and opportunities associated with BIM, BIM software, contract methods, human resource management and new hires, and the future implementation and direction of BIM are discussed in detail.