What an Interior Designer thinks about BIM

When we consider the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the built environment, typical applications lie with asset design through to operation and, most typically, the overall design or structural integrity of the asset.

BIM has many distinct advantages, such as improved collaboration across the design team and the wider supply chain, efficiency in time savings by reducing time on site at the build stage with any clashes being identified at the design stage and eliminating reworks onsite. Plus, the savings to be made on budgets, with many hours on site being reduced due to all project information being accurate at design stage – minimising waste on time and materials.

We are all familiar with the exceptional abilities of BIM and how its adoption into the construction industry has digitally transformed the way we design and build.

But let’s look at how BIM supports other, wider aspects of the built environment, namely Interior Design. It’s not all about how a building looks from the outside!

Yes, BIM is a revolutionary process that allows architects, engineers and other professionals to collaborate on the same project in a 3D environment. But as interior designers, we can take it one step further. In a virtual world, we can give the client a fully immersive experience, allowing them to be a part of their building (or asset) as if it were fully finished. And what’s even better, is that they can change it if they don’t like it!

BIM has made it easier than ever for interior designers to create highly detailed designs that incorporate all aspects of a building’s structure and features into the interior aesthetics. BIM can also be used to personalise the design, meeting the exacting requirements of the client.

Even further advantages of using BIM for interior design are the improved accuracy and faster delivery times, BIM can help interior designers get their work done more quickly and efficiently than previously, using traditional design methods. 3D modelling and the use of improved immersive reality can visually enhance the finished product.

BIM also eliminates manual errors as everything is stored digitally, so any changes to colour scheme, finishes, furnishing, etc. can easily be tracked easily. As all information about the project is shared digitally between designer and client, communication between the two becomes much smoother. This makes sure that no detail goes unnoticed or overlooked – ensuring high quality end results every time, and a happy client!

New technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality have opened up new avenues for creativity within the field of interior design, giving designers and the supply chain access not just to better precision when planning out floor plans for example, but also providing possibilities for exploring innovative ideas through these immersive experiences.

The integrated collaboration provided through improved design software allows the interior designer to work collaboratively and in parallel with the architect to provide the ultimate design solution.

The role of an interior designer is more important now than ever. The designs and plans created by interior designers relate to many other documents that will assist with operations of the building, far beyond their input – from product ordering to installation and maintenance. By having an accurate record of all materials and products used within the design/build, any replacements or repairs are made easier.

For an interior designer, creativity is paramount, and BIM enhances the creative process. Interior designers can use BIM to better communicate their design concepts, affording them more freedom, flexibility and ingenuity.

To learn more about BIM in interior design, contact Amandeep Kaur at [email protected].