Chapter 4. Best Practices for Sharing Projects with Consultants

Since the beginning of engineers and architects working together on building projects, an integrated project delivery (IPD) has been the ultimate goal. The goal of consultants working together as seamlessly as possible is made more achievable by using a building information modeling (BIM) solution such as Revit MEP 2011. Many are quick to believe that BIM equals IPD, but the truth is that developing a building information model is only part of the process of IPD. You can build a 3D model and even put information into it, but it is how this information is shared and coordinated that defines an IPD.

Revit MEP enables you to interact with the project model in a way that you can realize the design as a whole, even if you are only working on pieces or parts. You do not have to work for a full-service design firm to participate in a project that results in a complete model. Architectural, structural, and MEP engineering systems can all come together regardless of company size, staff, or location. It is the sharing of computable data that makes for an integrated project delivery. Owners and contractors can also participate in the process. In fact, anyone who has any input into the design decisions should be included in and considered part of the project team.