BIM Architect Course

Lesson 1 • BIM Standards and Protocols

Introduces open standards such as IFC, COBie, and buildingSMART frameworks that govern interoperability. Establishes the regulatory and contractual context learners will encounter on real projects.

Lesson 2 • What BIM Is and Why It Matters

Defines Building Information Modelling beyond 3D geometry, covering data-rich models and lifecycle thinking. Grounds all subsequent technical learning in real-world professional relevance.

Lesson 3 • Key Roles in a BIM Project

Maps the BIM ecosystem: architects, engineers, contractors, BIM managers, and coordinators. Clarifies responsibilities so learners understand their professional position within collaborative teams.

Lesson 1 • Modelling Walls, Floors, and Roofs

Introduces the primary architectural elements using sketch-based and pick-based tools. These elements form the structural shell of every architectural model.

Lesson 2 • Views, Sheets, and Basic Annotation

Explains how to create plan, section, elevation, and 3D views, then place them on sheets. Connects model geometry to deliverable documentation from the start.

Lesson 3 • Navigating the Revit Environment

Covers the ribbon, project browser, properties palette, and view controls. Efficient navigation is the prerequisite for all modelling tasks that follow.

Lesson 4 • Doors, Windows, and Openings

Demonstrates placing and modifying hosted families for doors, windows, and custom openings. Accurate placement drives schedule data and coordination with structural models.

Lesson 1 • In-Place Families and Adaptive Components

Teaches in-place modelling for unique site-specific elements and adaptive components for complex geometry. Expands the learner's toolkit for non-standard architectural conditions.

Lesson 2 • Understanding the Family Editor

Introduces the Family Editor environment, templates, and reference planes. Mastery of this environment is the foundation for all custom content creation.

Lesson 3 • Family Library Management

Addresses organising, auditing, and sharing family libraries across a practice. Consistent library management reduces errors and accelerates project startup.

Lesson 4 • Parameters and Formulas

Covers instance vs. type parameters, shared parameters, and formula-driven geometry. Parameters transform static geometry into intelligent, schedule-ready BIM content.

Lesson 1 • Material Takeoff and Quantity Schedules

Explains how to extract material quantities and element counts from the model for cost estimation. Links model data to 5D BIM workflows introduced conceptually in Chapter 1.

Lesson 2 • Callouts, Sections, and Enlarged Plans

Teaches creating and managing callout views, building sections, and enlarged detail plans. These views communicate design intent at multiple scales within a single model.

Lesson 3 • Room and Area Schedules

Demonstrates placing rooms, defining area schemes, and generating area and room schedules. Schedule accuracy directly supports code compliance and client reporting.

Lesson 4 • Annotation and Detailing Standards

Covers tags, keynotes, detail lines, and filled regions for construction-level annotation. Consistent annotation standards ensure drawings meet professional submission requirements.

Lesson 1 • Linking Revit and CAD Files

Covers linking architectural, structural, and MEP Revit models and managing CAD underlays. Linked models form the basis of multi-discipline coordination reviewed in Chapter 6.

Lesson 2 • Common Data Environment Management

Explains CDE folder structures, naming conventions, and access permissions for document control. A well-managed CDE prevents version conflicts and supports audit trails.

Lesson 3 • Cloud Collaboration Platforms

Introduces cloud-based BIM collaboration tools including BIM 360 and ACC for model hosting and issue tracking. Cloud workflows are increasingly standard on commercial projects.

Lesson 1 • Federated Model Assembly

Teaches assembling architectural, structural, and MEP models into a single federated model for review. Federation is the prerequisite for meaningful clash detection.

Lesson 2 • 4D Construction Sequencing

Introduces linking model elements to a construction schedule to simulate build sequence in 4D. Connects the coordination model to time-based project planning.

Lesson 3 • Navisworks for Clash Detection

Covers Navisworks Manage interface, appending models, and running hard and soft clash tests. Navisworks is the industry-standard tool for pre-construction coordination.

Lesson 4 • Clash Resolution Workflows

Demonstrates assigning, tracking, and resolving clashes through structured coordination meetings. Systematic resolution workflows reduce RFIs and construction-phase rework.

Lesson 1 • Energy Modelling from BIM

Explains how to generate an energy analytical model from Revit geometry and run early-stage energy simulations. Energy modelling informs design decisions before detailed engineering begins.

Lesson 2 • Structural and Thermal Analysis Integration

Introduces exporting BIM geometry to structural and thermal analysis platforms via open formats. Interoperability between authoring and analysis tools reduces manual data re-entry.

Lesson 3 • Green Building Certification Support

Demonstrates how BIM data supports documentation for green building rating systems and performance benchmarks. Learners learn to extract and format model data for certification submissions.

Lesson 1 • Model Quality Assurance and Auditing

Covers model audit procedures, health checks, and quality control checklists for BIM deliverables. QA processes protect project teams from costly errors at handover and construction.

Lesson 2 • Handover and Asset Information Models

Explains preparing an Asset Information Model (AIM) for facility management handover using COBie and IFC. Connects design-phase BIM investment to long-term operational value.

Lesson 3 • Authoring a BIM Execution Plan

Guides learners through writing a project-specific BEP covering goals, uses, workflows, and responsibilities. The BEP is the primary contractual BIM governance document on most projects.

Lesson 4 • BIM Standards Development for a Practice

Teaches creating office BIM standards covering templates, families, naming, and workflows. Firm-wide standards reduce onboarding time and ensure consistent project delivery.