building information modeling

At Q&D, we are fans of BIM, which compiles the construction and design data from all team members in a single location. This data includes detailed geometry and specific tolerances rendered in three dimensions in a computer model.

Once you get past the challenge of getting everybody on the team to use compatible software, you can achieve great efficiencies in estimating, scheduling, and clash detection. At the Highlands Ritz-Carlton in the Northstar at Tahoe ski resort, our team members have greatly benefited from using BIM clash detection. Once we combined the data of the entire team—architectural, electrical, mechanical—we could see prior to construction, where a plumbing pipe was going to impinge on the space needed for an electrical conduit. On a $230,000,000 hotel, we were able to address clashes well before they impacted field productivity.