Why Managing-Level Architects Must Understand
the BIM Process
In today’s design and construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is no longer a novelty—it’s the backbone of project delivery. Yet, in many firms, managing-level architects still review project progress the way they always have: by marking up 2D drawings on paper or PDFs. While that method may feel familiar, it falls short in the BIM era, especially on large, complex projects.
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When dozens of architects and engineers are working on different parts of the same BIM model, even a small change in one area can have ripple effects elsewhere. An adjustment to a wall in one zone might impact structural coordination, MEP clearances, or fire egress paths in another. If the managing architect only sees the change in a flattened 2D drawing, the broader impact may be missed until it’s too late—when resolving it could mean costly rework and schedule delays.
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Relying solely on a BIM manager to identify and fix issues is not enough. A BIM manager can coordinate the process, but true quality control requires oversight from the project’s design leadership. Managing-level architects and engineers need to review the actual BIM model themselves. This isn’t about turning them into production drafters—it’s about equipping them to make informed design decisions based on the full, interconnected picture.
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And the industry is moving even further—towards virtual reality walk-throughs and real-time rendering generated directly from the construction BIM model. This means that the same model used for coordination will also be used for immersive client presentations, instant visualizations, and even design decision-making on the fly. For leaders to guide projects effectively, they need to be fluent in navigating and understanding the model itself.
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By stepping into the BIM environment—rather than staying on the sidelines—managing architects can bridge the gap between design intent and coordinated delivery. It’s not about replacing experience with technology, but about combining the wisdom of seasoned professionals with the power of modern tools.
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