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In 2006, Heitman Architects initiated its own educational
experiment with the goal of fully integrating what we believed to
be a better way of providing architectural services, utilizing a
new software platform that would change our architectural practice
and office dynamics, as well as the services for our clients.
Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) came on the scene in
1997, few firms across the country were harnessing its power. As we
explored the complexity and capabilities that BIM could provide, it
seemed that one roadblock to architecture firms’
implementation was the steep learning curve, combined with an
unwillingness to put aside what for most of us was already a
universally-recognized platform: AutoCad. Additionally, existing
hardware did not have the power needed to run these programs, and
upgrading was costly.
Speed, accuracy, and careful budget estimating are important to the
execution and outcome of even the best designed projects. The big
question was how to offer these measurable outcomes if staff
didn’t become fully entrenched in this new way of working.
After examining the burgeoning BIM training industry, we were not
convinced that on- or off-site training was the best way to ensure
that the staff’s expertise would be deep enough to be
transferable to real projects. Fortunately, two of our staff
architects were very excited about BIM’s potential. They
became involved in BIM user groups and conferences, and one was
also a BIM instructor at a nearby college. Together, this team of
two senior BIM specialists began providing one-on-one tutoring to
staff members, who then applied it on their projects. Our clients
began to respond with appreciation, having never before seen these
capabilities demonstrated.
Staff-wide implementation, however, is a deliberate and slow
process, hindered by a heavy work load which doesn’t allow
much study time between 9 and 5. Some people prefer to remain in
their comfort zone; those who were already well-versed in AutoCad
continued to do projects that way. Yet BIM isn’t something one
can “dip one’s toes into.” It is also not simply
about knowing the program very well; one must first know
architecture very well. BIM forces one to learn more about
architecture--to solve problems better and think of buildings more
holistically. Our first stage of “training methodology”
was to focus on our niche market and building types. Many of our
client projects were especially appropriate for BIM, so we created
a prototype to apply to that niche, then implemented it in our
projects. Criteria such as good design and adherence to tight
schedules were still project requirements, but now AutoCad would be
put aside-- seen by most as “starting over.” As Karl
Heitman has pointed out, “the best training is job application
training.”
The learning curve was challenging, as the training was at times
repetitive, costly and frustrating. However, our senior staff made
a commitment to implement BIM on our projects, and during our
weekly meetings we tried to formulate the best training process. We
even considered what we had tried to avoid: third-party companies
that provide training services.
Enter methodology #2.
The “lunch & learn” concept has become our preferred
training approach, with good results. Our instructors are
developing an ongoing course structure that allows for two weekly
classes that provide pizza, a specific one-hour lesson, and a forum
to share discoveries and questions. Each lesson is augmented by
visual materials that provide demos utilizing our clients’
projects. Tuesday sessions are for senior architects and
concentrate on fundamental management of drawings and files which
emphasizes the coordination of the use of BIM, separate from its
actual operation. Thursday sessions are for interns, job captains,
and project architects--a diverse group of experience levels. Each
session is developed by only one of our BIM specialists, but both
attend both sessions. The challenge is staying aware of
everyone’s level. Some topics can’t be fully understood
by everyone, which is why we still have our “on-call”
instructors for tutoring as it applies to actual project
work.
It is important to point out that each staff member’s attitude
contributes greatly to the success of this learning initiative,
coupled with the desire to share information with each other.
Although early interest in video games may have influenced the
younger staff members, the learning curve is non-generational. The
staff is transitioning well, even those with 10+ years’
experience in traditional software.
The master plan is to instill a solid understanding of the
software’s tools. A metaphor is the wind-up race car: you
prepare it, release it, and let it run. It is important for the
staff to know how to use all the tools and pieces, as BIM is about
levels of tools. The simpler things in drafting mode can be learned
easily, but there are many more tools for accomplishing complex
tasks. The goal is not to shy away from them, but to truly embrace
the software. Our approach of direct application and “training
by doing” is the best way to learn. There aren’t really
any shortcuts. Our weekly, one-hour “lunch & learn”
series encourages that thread of learning. As a result, mastery of
the software is moving beyond our two BIM specialists, so that the
staff assists each other and even invents new ways to solve a
problem or present a project. To date, about 75% of our projects
are being developed this way. Everyone here realizes that this is
the platform going forward in the architecture profession.
Our interior design staff’s experience with BIM has been
unique, enhanced by the release of 2009 versions. It has made it
much easier for clients to visualize their space. Instead of a
floor plan and presentation board with finishes/furniture, the
designer and client travel through space and “see” where
everything is placed—educating clients to understand and
participate in the design of their own space. Previously, it took a
long time to develop something in AutoCad and then illustrate it
using rendering applications. Though the visual result of this
process was compelling, BIM now allows us to integrate our thought
process, visualize space, and create virtual environments that are
spectacular. It’s exciting to see interior designers
demonstrating these virtual environments to clients and involving
them in the design process. These are skills our designers
initially didn’t think they would be able to master.
One hurdle within the interiors industry is that most contract
furnishings companies have not developed and distributed a library
of their products that can be used with BIM. Though it is possible
to download specific furniture pieces and incorporate them into
projects, they come from share websites, not vendors. Part of the
learning process is discovering who in cyberspace has built a
specific chair component and uploaded it for global use. Our
architects and designers are creating their own custom components,
from I-beams to reception desks, making our library part of the
education initiative. The furnishings files are growing—we now
have cubicles, chairs, dishwashers--even a vending machine!
We also hold sessions on other software used within the office:
Photoshop, Google, Go-to- Meeting, Outlook, using digital cameras
properly at job sites, etc. In addition, we are now extending our
educational efforts beyond the walls of our office. Currently, one
of our architects is planning a Tech Night for AIA/Northeast
Illinois. Some members of our stadd are also members and officers
in CLRUG (Chicago Loop Revit Users Group), AUGI (AutoDesk Users
Group International) and participate in user group think tank
sessions.
What we’ve developed is a true learning community. Most of the
staff has come to believe that jumping in is the best way to learn,
combined with the decision to invest heavily in continuing
education. As one architect said, our office is now about
“simultaneity”—the ability for us to plan, design,
render, model, derive costs, schedule and sync all that into client
presentations. We have mastered that capability and it is the most
significant change that our firm has experienced since opening our
doors 15 years ago.
HEITMAN ARCHITECTS, specializes in corporate, commercial, and
industrial development. Over the past fifteen years the firm has
completed over 40 million sf of built facilities throughout the US,
focusing on master planning and design of corporate headquarters,
manufacturing, laboratory, distribution/logistics facilities,
interiors, and municipal revitalization.
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