A&E and Contractor Collaboration

[tmomeyer]

Design phase collaboration between A&E and Contractor with both using Revit. Separate office locations. As the design progresses we're assuming contractor's Revit model goals are coordination, estimating, phasing work sequences, etc. A&E's Revit model goals are assumed to be CD's for permitting and construction, coordination.

Has collaboration using the Revit model between A&E and the Contractor been discussed here? It would be easy to assume A&E hands off the Revit model at incremental stages in the design process, but the Contractor then has to add back in their construction info or build their own model. This came up in a new newsletter Ed Goldberg put out "Architects and Contractors are Divided on the Utilization of the BIM" http://www.hegra.org/EDS%20Independent%20voice%20Jan%202008.html where an industry rep pointed out that Contractors are frequently building their Revit models separate from the A&E model.

Comments?

Tom

[c-hawk]

It's my understanding this is indeed the case due to Contractors needing both a simplified, yet more complex model to truely allow them to do what they need. Simplified in not needing all the various FF&E items and the like. More complex in needing more info on specific calcs and material counts that are readily available in BIM models created by architects. It appears the same scenario exists with LEED analysis as well.