I am an architect from South Korea with 20 years of experience in handling large projects. I have recently established my own design studio that designs using BIM, which is still considered new in Korea in some point, although it may not be new in other countries. While working, I have visited your channel multiple times and found your useful tips very helpful in my work. Thank you so much for sharing your history. As someone who has just started a business, I often felt very anxious, but your repeated challenges and advice not to rush have been very comforting. I didn't realize that you acquired your current skills and knowledge through such challenges; it is truly impressive. I will also take courage and strive to move forward step by step with diligence.
It sounds like you're doing a great job! I'm glad the channel has helped guide some of your hard work. I hope the business goes well! It's a challenge but very rewarding when it pays off.
Probably one of your most interesting videos! Thank you so much for the honesty, courage to expose your journey ups and downs, and just sharing your experience. I am starting a new job soon and can truly relate to your career path and specially what you said about the risk vs. what you gain from every experience. Cheers! May the next years post-Covid be a great sucess to you!
You're welcome! I like to come back to this video from time to time to remind myself of where my roots were, keeps me humble. I'm glad it helped your own perspectives and I wish you best of luck in the new role.
This video provides genuine insight into the BIM industry. So few videos like this exist. It would be great to get a brief idea of what a BIM tech, BIM Co-ordinator and BIM Manager is from someone who has been in all three roles.
Thanks Anwar! I'd suggest watching the 'careers' section of my webinar for AEC graduates I did a few weeks ago - I go a bit more in depth on my roles at each level.
great presentation! thanks for your insight. I am currently a BIM Coordinator for a Landscape Architecture firm and this has help me to put in mind how to move forward with my career journey
@@AussieBIMGuru the sad thing in our BIM industry is they take those certified people without experience above those that do not have but knows how to implement BIM in actual projects.
hello from egypt actually i a writing this fo you to encourage you your channel was alot of help for me lately so keep up the good work and thank you for your effort :)
Gavin, thanks very much for sharing your journey. Same with me, once I step down from the management level to a senior level because lack of experience. But when I am ready, I step up again with a firm pace. Thanks for running a great channel. Your video help my career.
I am on that journey as BIM Manager. It took me a long time to take the risk due to my low self-confidence in English speaking skills but again its a skill only. But you cannot master it all, So I master all the steps and process from the multidiscipline modeller, families, copying and editing dynamos, Revit apps, automation process and coordinations. I am leaning Linkedin learning every week for 2 years now.
Sounds like you're working hard towards the dream and that's great! Make sure to focus on soft as well as technical skills in your learning journey such as delegation, communication and forming business cases/ROI reports. Do your best to remain confident despite language barriers, I could understand you in your videos well so your english is better than you think probably :)
Thank you for sharing this. It's been a while following your channel,and resolving my revit doubts. For this particular video,I would say as I am in my early days,it will help in shaping in the larger context.
Great video. The proof of your humbleness is you are admitting of your weaknesses and failures. Not many people do that, rather it is discouraged. Office politics as you mentioned in 15th minute 😁. Please share a video of your BIM consultant journey, how you get clients, how to set it up etc.
Working on a video on that topic currently - to be honest the channel has been a huge part of how I find clients, no cold calling involved so I'm very lucky. There are indeed many challenges and opportunities for the industry and ourselves to improve, humility opens a lot of doors and opportunities in my experience. Thanks for the kind words!
Hi! thank you for the video. I'm building engineer but in my degree we've never been taught any software, althow we had to deliver projects made with AutoCAD. So Iearned the basics by myself, but It's an embarassing level. On top of that, I never had internet or a computer at home, so it was even harder to learn anything related to computers. The first time I had access to it was when I started at the university. When I finished my bachelor degree (2015) still didn't know what either revit nor BIM was. I tried to learn it by myself but the licence to download the programs were not affordable for me, but I though I would learn in future jobs anyways. After 3 years trying to get a job unsuccessfully I moved to Norway since everybody wih my education was getting jobs there. 5 years later still didn't get a job as building engineer. I've been learning the language as well as the job marked and regulations but still not enough. I worked 2 years as a project leader assistent but the company was a skam, so I didn't learn much. I wanted o go to the university and study my same degree one more time, but in Norway, so I would have better chances, but I can't. They ask a very hig level of both, norwegian and english, which I'm still getting there. So I thought I could start learning BIM in order to be more competent, but I do not have access to anything here,so I'll have to do it in a privat school or academy I guess. Besides the piont that I should probably learn revit and autoCAD properly. How do I find the courses I need? How do I start? what should I learn firs in order to be successful at it? Is there any on-line education as a package of softwares to end up learning BIM? I'm really lost and I tried to sort this out by myself and asking to others for 5 years, but i never found answers, it seems that no one knows what I'm talking about when I ask. I would appreciate any advice. Thankyou very much.
Hey Eli! I'm not overly familiar with engineer/Norweigan career markets but will do my best to gauge/give tips on your situation. Not being taught BIM/software at university is unfortunately still quite common, most of what I learnt came from research on and off the job - much of it self taught by practicing with the software itself. You can usually procure software access via trial for 30 days at least these days, just need to make new emails when they run out if it's for trial/education. I wouldn't bother studying the same degree a second time, unless you're completely sure it is what is holding you back. I'd be surprised if that is the key to opening more doors, or if it is just the language barrier. It sounds like you probably missed out on researching opportunities before making the decision and finding out the hard way that it was tougher than maybe appeared at first. There are plenty of resources via LinkedIn learning that teach fundamentals well, but not many advanced courses and none I can recommend beyond my channel these days. Remember BIM is both about software but also how to apply it. Courses might teach you about programs but rarely how to apply them. 8 years is a long time to go without securing work so that may be providing difficulty when pursuing roles. Focus on securing a role, even if entry level to build up experience on a profile, it is necessary in a competitive job market. It sounds like you may be building yourself a lot of barriers mentally to justify why this has happened, try to face it with a positive attitude where possible as this also opens up oppportunities in my experience. Don't just follow what your friends do, carve your own journey through life. Some universities offer BIM related courses, but I'm unsure it would be valuable until you work for a while as there would be no context. Begin with LinkedIn learning and keep applying for entry level roles in the meantime I'd say.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you for taking the time to answering me! I try to do that, I apply for any role and job every single day. I have support from job specialists but not even them know what ealse to do. That's why I thought of expanding knowledge. I agree with you, it's been a long time since I finished the degree and trying to get experience but I never found a company not asking for 10 years of experience minimum as a requirement. So the time went by. And that makes it even more difficult. I really appreciate your time and advices, I'll follow them. Thank you!
Biggest thing is you are very honest person. I also got an interview with woods bagot but didn't selected. I will definitely mail you with my career story. (Lots of love from : India)
@@AussieBIMGuru you definitely did, your genuine openness and great friendly personality added to the reasons most people spoke to you, unlike most bim managers even managers don't like being asked questions or even talking to people lol
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Really useful ! I would like to know more about the differences between a BIM manager and a BIM coordinator, in case of possibility. Keep on !
Usually a bim coordinator works below bim manager(s) with a project focused role. Often they may be called a model manager also. BIM managers are typically more involved in company standards and management vs project work.
Looking forward to see more videos of Grasshopper also...😃 I have seen almost all of your videos which are really good im Dynamo. I hope that you will make some more complex and intresting videos in Grasshopper too. Thanks
Still trying to find workflow videos which suit the channel and the industry currently for Grasshopper, but I'll keep an eye out for any which seem suitable.
I am really glad seeing your journey, what have you been through and where are you now. It is an inspiring story that does not glorify you, but shows, that you need to put in the hours to actually reach something. Impressive and motivational! Keep up the wonderful job! Could you elaborate a bit more on the subject of differences between Bim Technician, Bim Manager and Bim coordinator? How do they differ? Also, how useful do you find visual programming to be in an everyday life within an office? All the best! Chris
Thanks for the kind words Iveios! It's been a tough journey, but the reward has always made it worth it. Times are very tough right now, but we'll get through it. The roles are essentially stepping stones on a bigger journey I think. I'd check out my video on BIM Salaries as I cover it in more detail here, but in essence; Technicians deliver projects. A majority of their time is creating, editing or fixing BIM model or documentation elements. Coordinators middle manage projects and middle workings of their company. They have a close interaction with BIM Manager(s) to maintain company standards, and usually get more involved in project coordination (e.g. clash detection). Managers are typically making broader decisions and managing the company from a BIM perspective. This could be such aspects as software maintenance, RnD, scripting, templating, training and other similar aspects. Personally, visual programming helps me save a lot of time in what I do, however some companies don't always take proper advantage of it (e.g. only 1 or 2 people use it). This has usually been my experience but some companies have had great success when it comes to using Dynamo and plugins to save time and increase effiency/quality.
Dear Gavin , ‘’If u can’t explain it simply , you don’t understand it well’’ ( Albert Einstein) Quoting the above , I am humbly requesting you to upload a video for Dynamo ( basics only ) to start that that software as a fresh learner with great knowledge in Revit . Pls 🤝
Whilst I agree with that quote, much of my audience are not beginners so I need to vary my content to engage all skill levels. I am currently developing a paid course for beginners, but have some older resources on TH-cam. My learning series: th-cam.com/play/PLBKwx9iS-Luk38UWL7gU9LCP_gojOu1qi.html Beginner topics: th-cam.com/video/Sj1VVflYHs0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Tl87tw6srDc/w-d-xo.html Article i wrote: www.bimguru.com.au/post/dynamo-mistakes-to-avoid I tend not to focus on beginner topics beyond these as the dynamo primer and many other videos out there are available. Trust that these will help somewhat though.
Hi Gavin, congrats on your BIM journey! Exactly like your said, I took the risk and I'm moving from my comfort zone starting a new role today as BIM Coordinator in London. Also, I'm currently doing my MSc degree in BIM management. Doing both things at the same time is quite time consuming as you can imagine, but I think it is a great formula combining real work with education. Your channel is a great support on my journey. It would be great to have a Skype conversation or similar if it's possible! 👍🏻 David
David that's amazing! Best of luck in your new venture - you should be very proud. Always happy to organize skype chats outside my work hours, maybe send me an email and we'll see what we can do?
@@AussieBIMGuru Thanks Gavin, it's going to get really busy but I'm ready for the challenge. That's great, I will send you an email. I'm sure you can provide me with some really interesting insights.
hey, so you already did some course or learn the BIM before applying or studying your MSc in BIM as you mentioned about working as BIM cordinator...... or you along with the MSc in BIM management you go the job as the BIM Cordinator, .... I'm so confused rigt now about my career, so pls reach out to me and were are you doing your Msc from.. University...?
Thanks for sharing your story! Very interesting and I'm glad to have been able to help you. If you find yourself in Australia let me know and I can see if we're able to meet. Yes currently I am using pyRevit more than Dynamo as it lets you build more user friendly tools and has a lot of great features built into it. From Revit 2023 and onwards you will need to install the 'IronPython' custom package to support old packages that did not use CPython3 (for example, my custom package 'Crumple' does not use CPython3 and probably never will). I use both Grasshopper and Dynamo depending on the project requirements and scale. Dynamo is well suited to simple Revit geometry and complex data management in Revit, whilst Grasshopper is well suited to complex geometry and algorithmic design. It sounds like you are a well accomplished designer and professional and have reached a strong position in your career, despite not necessarily having the same opportunities and backgrounds as others in a similar position. Congratulations!
Thanks! Yes I plan to make a followup for sure about 2020-2022 around the end of this year, a few moving pieces in life to get in place and then another chapter begins so would be fitting.
Here I come again, I always see your videos when I have anything to do with BIM and you are always helpful. I really have one question. Does becoming a BIM consultant pay you as good as becoming an Architecct and owning a firm? Becasue I am at the verge of deciding to beomce either an Architect or a BIM consultant. Equally passionate on both. It's just my decision now. So want to know if becoming a BIM going to pay you good?
It depends on your ambition and dedication to what you are truly passionate about - success follows those who are passionate about what they do in my experience. I made plenty of money in the last 2 years as a consultant, much more than most architects I know. Having said that I know plenty that didn't - it depends on how well set up you are to run a recognizable and approachable business as well as attract and close out projects well with clients. I doubt I would have done as well without my channel marketing my abilities.
Awesome video! I'm going into my 5th year of architecture (masters) next year and I recently scored my first job an architectural office, mainly Revit based. I'm also Sydney based. I would like to eventually move into BIM as I really enjoy working in Revit and I have been ever since the start of my degree. I have become quite adequate in Revit now which is really helping me for my job. Any advice on how to make that step to become a bim technician?
Hi Quinton. First of all well done on securing a job in the current market! I actually move interstate next week from Sydney, otherwise would have offered to grab lunch and discuss in more detail, bummer... Anyway, I usually recommend sticking out your first role for 2-3 years and try to soak up as much architectural knowledge as you can and don't focus just on the tech skills. Aim to get involved with project coordination eventually as this is a good pathway into a BIM coordinator type role. Generally around years 3-5 is where BIM pathways become more viable due to an increased level of understanding in architectural project delivery and design requirements. In the background, try to learn about the potential of platforms like Rhino/Grasshopper/Dynamo and over time their place will become apparent in the broader picture as well. Keep an eye on platforms like Twinmotion/Unreal as they will change architecture significantly in future I think.
Hey thanks for your videos, very inspiring! It would be great if you could tell about your experience in model audit and what a good model/standard is.
Hey thank you for this video and the honesty , i am a freshly graduated architect too , and i am looking for courses or certifications to learn bim managing and i really relate a lot to the first part of your video about applying to 50 firm and only getting 5 replies bcz i am going through the same but i am not giving up i am doing traineeships and learning new skills to be able to find a good job and now i am very curious about the bim managing
Generally I'd focus on working your way up the roles instead of studying too hard in a management role - experience is the most important part to being a BIM Manager. Focus on tech/coordinator level roles first. Wishing you luck in your job searching!
I am eyeing for a BIM line of work, and your channel is of very much help. I got a Civil Engineering degree, so I wonder if how does it vary being a BIM professional as an architect as compared to as an engineer?
It would be a very similar career pathway, just with experience gained as an engineer instead of an architect. Focus on interdisiplinary coordination as this is crucial for MEP BIM management.
@@AussieBIMGuru Oh wow, thank you for the response! I have watched your other video about knowing your market worth, to which I assume salary would also be within similar range?
@@AussieBIMGuru By the way "Take the risk or Lose the chance" is really motivating to hear, I honestly think I am taking a shot in the dark at this whole BIM field. I got some plan to work overseas, singapore probably, with much uncertainty if it's worth it or not, chances of being hired, and lot whole other issues. So i just want to say i really appreciate your channel man. Thank you.
@@altamont_2439 i find on average engineers make slightly more than architects after the 3-5 year mark. Before then usually slightly less as they begin in a 'drafting pen' typically. It will vary from country to country though. My market is Australian based so its specific to that.
@@altamont_2439 glad the channel has given ideas and motivations! Doubt and hesitation are perfectly natural to feel, especially given the industry has extra uncertainty from covid. I would say just always aim high and make sure you are developing towards your long term goals wherever possible.
These days I would say yes, as you need to be in a firm with your base discipline generally (architecture, engineering etc.). If you can land the base role, then from there you can pursue this pathway - so if you find a way into that then not necessarily.
What is the work life balance as a BIM technician/Coordinator/manager? I understand it's mainly based on the firm, but what's the overall experience. Thanks.
It will definitely come down to the firm but also depends on how far you want to get in the industry. There is a LOT of software and standards to learn and it can be difficult to do much of it on the job. I spent upwards of 10-20 hours per week putting in self training time outside the office for years, especially the formative ones. I'd say the balance isn't great sometimes, but it's much better than that for archirects/engineers as you wont get stuck in projects as often.
Great... I got my bachelor's in architecture but I don't wanna be a designer who can draw something beautiful so I came to Italy and studying Master of building and architectural Engineering in Politecnico di Milano University which is a multidisciplinary course... I've worked with Autocad for more than 10 years (I'm 29 right now) and Revit for 5 years and because of my interest in Engineering, I learned about the Energy analyzing and structure in Revit and have a plan to learn Navisworks and Green Building Studio in this summer... Also, I'm keen on management so I've taken a Construction course on the Coursera website (from Columbia University) I eagerly wanna be a BIM manager, but I don't know whats my next step to learn... I know we have to start in Technician BIM member but I just wanna be a perfect Technician and perfect coordinator to be a perfect manager... So what should I do in your opinion? I just wanna know your opinion as a same-age person and who is passed this complex situation.
Wow what a journey, thanks for sharing! Its important that if you aim to BIM manage, you focus on developing your coordination and management skills - typically technical skills help, but are not really 'the core' of what makes a BIM manager. Try some programs outside the Autodesk suite also like Rhino in order to learn more about interoperability as this is a big part of BIM management. Finally, make sure you learn about Dynamo, Grasshopper and Rhino Inside as these are becoming essential skills for efficient BIM managers these days too!
Aussie BIM Guru I appreciate your comment. It shows why you are a successful person in this field... I just wanna know about the references that I can read for improving my knowledge about BIM (Technician, Coordinator, and Manager) Because I have to find a job in Europe after my Master's course here (2 years until graduation)... So I wanna know about what major company asks for a CV from someone who didn't have any professional career in Europe. Sorry if I ask my question in a complex way.
@@alirezaraoufhassanzadeh2401 the best reference will be experience and time. Focus on finding companies that feature BIM as one of their specialties and target an entry level BIM technician/coordinator type role. BIM Coordinators and Managers operate in a 'high trust' zone of companies, so you will always need to establish this over the course of a year or so at least before you're likely given access to these types of roles. Time as a BIM technician live on projects also builds your awareness for the issues your technicians will face once you are promoted, so this time is invaluable to build your empathetic side.
Hi bro I'm really impressed by your journey ,I'm mechanical engineer graduate interested in building service as my career, currently I'm in Melbourne which are the course available in Australia to get innto mechanical electrical plumbing engineer
Hello Gavin! I wanted to thank you for this video and all your dynamo tutorials (they have helped me a lot). I'm reaching you because I have developed a lot of interest on the data science industry which included learning how to code with python. This has raised some positive comments and interest from the company I'm working currently. My question is if you have any advice about how I can connect this two subjects?
Most people I know that go into data science from AEC do so because they wish to develop applications and tap into fields like AI/ML. The connections here aren't always direct, but I'd suggest reaching out to the team over at DiRoots for some guidance as they're very much hiring people like this and have a good grasp on how they go together. As well as this go check out 'The BIM Coordinator's channel, Dalton is very much into data science and AEC and would definitely reply back to you on his content or via LinkedIn if you're keen to learn more.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you so much for your reply and your advice! I will definetely follow it. Again, thank you also for everything you have taught us.
Hey Gavin. Lovin' the videos, learning so much. I have one thing that you probably can clear up- does any of BIM technician or BIM manager do any type of designng of the buildings or they only create the 3D models of those buildings. I do understand that the actual structural calculation are done by others. I studied as a civil engineer (specializing in infrastructure and bridges) and now am looking to maybe go into BIM technician/ coordinator role. Just now taking my first steps in BIM, revit and dynamo so that might be a long shot for now, but who knows.
Thanks for the kind words! It's a great question, whilst most technicians focus on BIM modelling and documentation, they usually need to be skilled at design also so that they understand what they model. Most BIM managers have the ability to design, but tend not to draw on these skills as often. Instead, we design more from an aspect of design strategy and software/workflow based design.
@@AussieBIMGuru Damn that's a fast reply, thanks for that! Do you plan on doing a video covering rebar or post-tensioning in Revit? I have palyed around with rebar options in Revit, but maybe there are some great option that can be dome using Dynamo. Have you ever done anything with post-tensioning in Revit and how can that be achieved?
Thank you so much for sharing this useful information with us , maybe it is too late to ask in this video but I would be grateful if you could guide me on how to learn dynamo which , I as an architecture student who graduated last year found it challenging with coding becasue in university we just learned architecture template for revit. I see in many videos you are working with dynamo and I really love it . Do I have to take courses for dynamo to learn it ? Thank you!
I have quite a lot of beginner videos on the channel which might help to begin with such as these: th-cam.com/video/Sj1VVflYHs0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Tl87tw6srDc/w-d-xo.html I'd suggest finding room for it in your daily workflows and the interest typically springs from there. Tutorials can be helpful, but they don't always give the context people need to understand the value of Dynamo to them specifically. I also have some articles and podcasts about coding/Dynamo here which may be of interest: www.bimguru.com.au/articles Hoping to release a subscription based dynamo course before the end of this year at courses.bimguru.education.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you very much , I definitely check all the videos and articles. Hope I could manage to work on it on daliy basis. I hope you release dynamo courses , it would be amazing certainly looking forward to it . I really like your channel and the the way you teach . Thank you for all of your time and effort you putting in this channel .
Hey mate, awesome video I got a good insight into your journey - I've just finished a diploma and have been working as a CAD/BIM technician in London for 2 years (22 years old now) working on different projects bridges and marine mainly - a lot in Australia ahaha. I've been jumping from software to software such as AutoCad Tekla microstations and revit. I find it kind of hard to pick a career path and a software to specialise in. My question would be that do I need to specialise in a specific software or is versatility good but not proficiency? I'm also interested in computational design - been learning VBA and Dynamo on my downtime and whenever I'm free. Hope to hear back from you!
I think the right approach is to pick and commit to a career path and let your software choices respond to that and the market demands. Bridges and marine would probably be keen to see Civil3d, 12D and Tekla if doing steel fab primarily. Dynamo is in civil3d so is worthwhile, but do look into sofistik/grasshopper for rhino if doing less conventional approaches.
Very interesting, Im an Adelaide boy as well. moved around but have come back home the last year. quick question (in your opinion), why is BIM/Revit (MEP/Arch) not taught in Uni when it is entry level for work in most companies and why is it that companies dont allow time during work hours for learning the correct way to use revit and therefore you are required to self teach outside work hours almost making you not employable due to wage expectations when you move beyond just drawing in revit? the company i am currently working for reduced/removed drafters from the work environment to employ graduate engineers and have lost a lot of knowledge which they are now wondering why they cant automate drafting processes. they believed they would get a better drafter.
One answer to both queries; money and short sightedness. Noting that when I was at University and BIM wasn't taught it was 2012, 8 years have passed and some universities are now making efforts to teach BIM at an entry level. I find University becomes a bit of a playground for academics who find the reality of the industry quite boring, they would often rather play with futurist or abstract concepts. As a result this bias imparts onto graduates' experience in many cases; so the reality of the industry can be quite jarring or off-putting to them. Often they would rather generate unrealistic forms to a project's needs than learn why we cannot always achieve a zany concept; we need to ground our concept in reality, then push the limits from here as an 'overlay' to the functional and briefed requirements. I believe 'drafters' are an outdated concept, BIM has shown us that we need to know more than how to document; BIM modelling demands a deep understanding of construction, data rich environments and parametric design. A better strategy I think would have been to upskill willing drafters, and let those not interested move on to less progressive companies. It's a shame they took such a heavy handed approach - sounds very reactive.
@@brendanryan6244 it's always refreshing to hear that Universities are catching up on the industry standards. UK/Ireland are way ahead the pack in their education syllabus from what I've seen.
Aussie BIM Guru I thought it was the right move however agree that upskilling drafters to maintain your standards during transition would have been a better approach. Most companies in MEP are still only interested in the 2D end game of a project and are now starting to realise ,even though the industry has been heading that way for years know, that you need to understand that you not only need the 3D aspect, you needed to have dedicated time to the 3D aspect. Companies expect the BIM to be correct to get data from models and not just nice 2D plans. Unfortunately MEP is geared towards fast turn around and minimum construction involvement.
@@tonyhoward6085 very true. I expect the pack leaders will raise pressure on the lagging firms as client expectations raise. Do your best in the meantime!
H Gavin i, i am a civil engineer and when i started bim I didn't even know how to use revit. I invested a lot of time learning it myself in my spare time, but I also had a good mentor like you. When our bim manager left the company everything fell on me. (at that moment I had 2 years of experience in bim during which I supplemented my knowledge with Navisworks, dynam and similar programs) The big problem is that in my country BIM is not developed or received at all like in other countries, and people have low knowledge. My tasks are design modeling, teaching people to use revit, preparing models for submission, creating scripts, templates, families, and more that investors require, adjusting models to standards, etc. We mainly do construction models of the order of 100 + k square meters (at least, and not only one project). In this chaos, I no longer know what my position is. can you give me some advice? Thanks in advance :)
Hi Dusan, thanks for taking the time to share your journey! It's great to hear you've always been trying to keep your knowledge moving and learning new platforms; I know what you mean - development can hold back the reality in practice sometimes. It sounds like you've become a bit of a 'mr fix-it' - doing everything and anything to keep the company BIM infrastructure moving (but never having enough time to improve it outside the context of projects). You sound like you have the skills to be a strong BIM Manager, try to inspire middle-managers like BIM coordinators around you where you see them taking on such a role. No man is an army! If it gets bad, notify your reporting managers and develop a more controlled strategy for the long term BIM vision of your company - they just might need it! Hope this advice helps, and keep up the great work I'm sure you're doing.
Ultimately it depends on the company culture! I work from home but as a consultant so more like a BIM specialist. If you are early on your career focus on people to people interaction rather than software which is usually more remote.
hello, I'm a BIM modeller (Revit MEP ) but still, I'm confusing about a career in bim field, can you suggest me how to grow in this field, is there anything to learn or higher course
Whilst there are courses out there, as I state a few times here experience is the best teacher (and clothes don't make the man). Nothing will take you further than getting more involved in project coordination, reading about BIM standards such as iso19650 and developing your skills in programs like Dynamo and Navisworks. Over time, sharpen soft skills like leadership, communication and public speaking - these are critical to getting higher roles. It takes time, but it will give you far more than any course ever would.
I tried solidworks at university but haven't encountered any dassault programs since then - they don't have a big presence in australia. It seems inventor/fusion is more widely used, maybe check out 'TFI's channel where he focuses on these types of programs more.
Huge difference. BIM managers often wont do much drafting or modelling, they manage company strategy and high level workflows instead. I do no drafting anymore in BIM management myself
Do you regret doing the Uni stuff when all you really needed to do was learn Revit? I’d say most graduate jobs here in the UK require Revit experience, so to go through uni and be told not to use it is surprising. I’d also say you can teach software skills, but you can’t teach experience!
Great question! I learnt a lot about how to be more objective and inquisitive, and got a base exposure to CAD and the history of architecture, so I'm glad I went to Uni, but wish it wasn't 5 years +. Times have changed a bit since 2012 when i graduated, Uni's expose grads a bit more to Revit and Rhino now, but they still come out pretty fresh and disillusioned when they realise most projects are boxes with facades on them! 100% agree, time is the best teacher.
The main issue I am finding is that graduates expect to be associates and or directors in companies in 5 years and that dedicating time to BIM is seen as a lesser career path for a graduate engineer. How to change that perception is my biggest hurdle with the grads that come through our company. When you show them what is possible if they only use the software correctly they change their tune but still expect someone else to be the “BIM Guru”.
@@tonyhoward6085 yes it's a very real issue - I'm glad you recognise it, all too often ignored. I hope in future BIM and digital avenues will hold more company value weight and prevent the 'retreat to the high table' from digital roles. Loyalty is a 2 way street!
Not that I am aware of. I'd ask around on LinkedIn, I see people post about them there sometimes. Whatsapp isn't used widely for career purposes in the west so I don't use it personally for BIM.
I am an architect from South Korea with 20 years of experience in handling large projects. I have recently established my own design studio that designs using BIM, which is still considered new in Korea in some point, although it may not be new in other countries. While working, I have visited your channel multiple times and found your useful tips very helpful in my work.
Thank you so much for sharing your history. As someone who has just started a business, I often felt very anxious, but your repeated challenges and advice not to rush have been very comforting. I didn't realize that you acquired your current skills and knowledge through such challenges; it is truly impressive. I will also take courage and strive to move forward step by step with diligence.
It sounds like you're doing a great job! I'm glad the channel has helped guide some of your hard work.
I hope the business goes well! It's a challenge but very rewarding when it pays off.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I have decided in my career to a BIM manger.
You're welcome, and best of luck!
Probably one of your most interesting videos! Thank you so much for the honesty, courage to expose your journey ups and downs, and just sharing your experience. I am starting a new job soon and can truly relate to your career path and specially what you said about the risk vs. what you gain from every experience. Cheers! May the next years post-Covid be a great sucess to you!
You're welcome! I like to come back to this video from time to time to remind myself of where my roots were, keeps me humble. I'm glad it helped your own perspectives and I wish you best of luck in the new role.
This video provides genuine insight into the BIM industry. So few videos like this exist.
It would be great to get a brief idea of what a BIM tech, BIM Co-ordinator and BIM Manager is from someone who has been in all three roles.
Thanks Anwar! I'd suggest watching the 'careers' section of my webinar for AEC graduates I did a few weeks ago - I go a bit more in depth on my roles at each level.
@@AussieBIMGuru Brillinat - will watch Webinar: Preparing yourself for BIM in AEC👍
If you find you still want to know more detail let me know though, probably a good future video topic in either case!
Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring BIM Guru
You're welcome!
I really admire to actually step down when you are already a bim manager..
Yeah this was one of the best choices i made in my career, I was young and needed more experience. Hard at the time, but it paid off later.
Love from Pakistan. Learning alot from you. Thanks for every single video
Glad they are helping people abroad!
Extremely inspiring!
Glad it inspired, and hope it helps!
great presentation! thanks for your insight. I am currently a BIM Coordinator for a Landscape Architecture firm and this has help me to put in mind how to move forward with my career journey
Glad to hear this has helped you in your journey!
Thanks for sharing, it's more like hard work and passion that got you here rather than luck. Please keep posting these wonderful videos.
You're welcome Rajesh, and thanks for the kind words.
"THE BEST TEACHER IS LIFE EXPERIENCE"..I really agree with this quote..thanks for sharing your inspiring journey in the BIM world.
You're welcome, and indeed it is!
@@AussieBIMGuru the sad thing in our BIM industry is they take those certified people without experience above those that do not have but knows how to implement BIM in actual projects.
@@PracticalBIM yeah BIM certifications are a bit of a sham in most cases. I think having degrees in AEC is important, but not in BIM as much.
@@AussieBIMGuru i absolutely agree
hello from egypt actually i a writing this fo you to encourage you your channel was alot of help for me lately so keep up the good work and thank you for your effort :)
Glad to hear Omar! Keep up the learning journey 😀
Gavin, thanks very much for sharing your journey.
Same with me, once I step down from the management level to a senior level because lack of experience. But when I am ready, I step up again with a firm pace. Thanks for running a great channel. Your video help my career.
Great to hear I've been of help during your career, and I wish you the best with your career moves!
I am on that journey as BIM Manager. It took me a long time to take the risk due to my low self-confidence in English speaking skills but again its a skill only. But you cannot master it all, So I master all the steps and process from the multidiscipline modeller, families, copying and editing dynamos, Revit apps, automation process and coordinations. I am leaning Linkedin learning every week for 2 years now.
Sounds like you're working hard towards the dream and that's great! Make sure to focus on soft as well as technical skills in your learning journey such as delegation, communication and forming business cases/ROI reports. Do your best to remain confident despite language barriers, I could understand you in your videos well so your english is better than you think probably :)
Thank you for such inspiration. I liked your journey, especially getting into Dynamo and Grasshopper. wish you the best always.
Thank you! You too!
Thank you for sharing this.
It's been a while following your channel,and resolving my revit doubts.
For this particular video,I would say as I am in my early days,it will help in shaping in the larger context.
Glad to have helped!
So thoughtful of putting up this video. Thanks! Got to learn many things.
Glad it was useful!
Great video. The proof of your humbleness is you are admitting of your weaknesses and failures. Not many people do that, rather it is discouraged. Office politics as you mentioned in 15th minute 😁.
Please share a video of your BIM consultant journey, how you get clients, how to set it up etc.
Working on a video on that topic currently - to be honest the channel has been a huge part of how I find clients, no cold calling involved so I'm very lucky.
There are indeed many challenges and opportunities for the industry and ourselves to improve, humility opens a lot of doors and opportunities in my experience. Thanks for the kind words!
thank you very much for sharing
cheers from Brazil
You are welcome!
Thank you for all your content and I'm sure your new step is the right one.
You're welcome Petros, and it sure was!
Hi! thank you for the video.
I'm building engineer but in my degree we've never been taught any software, althow we had to deliver projects made with AutoCAD. So Iearned the basics by myself, but It's an embarassing level. On top of that, I never had internet or a computer at home, so it was even harder to learn anything related to computers. The first time I had access to it was when I started at the university. When I finished my bachelor degree (2015) still didn't know what either revit nor BIM was. I tried to learn it by myself but the licence to download the programs were not affordable for me, but I though I would learn in future jobs anyways. After 3 years trying to get a job unsuccessfully I moved to Norway since everybody wih my education was getting jobs there. 5 years later still didn't get a job as building engineer. I've been learning the language as well as the job marked and regulations but still not enough. I worked 2 years as a project leader assistent but the company was a skam, so I didn't learn much. I wanted o go to the university and study my same degree one more time, but in Norway, so I would have better chances, but I can't. They ask a very hig level of both, norwegian and english, which I'm still getting there. So I thought I could start learning BIM in order to be more competent, but I do not have access to anything here,so I'll have to do it in a privat school or academy I guess. Besides the piont that I should probably learn revit and autoCAD properly.
How do I find the courses I need?
How do I start? what should I learn firs in order to be successful at it?
Is there any on-line education as a package of softwares to end up learning BIM?
I'm really lost and I tried to sort this out by myself and asking to others for 5 years, but i never found answers, it seems that no one knows what I'm talking about when I ask.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thankyou very much.
Hey Eli!
I'm not overly familiar with engineer/Norweigan career markets but will do my best to gauge/give tips on your situation.
Not being taught BIM/software at university is unfortunately still quite common, most of what I learnt came from research on and off the job - much of it self taught by practicing with the software itself. You can usually procure software access via trial for 30 days at least these days, just need to make new emails when they run out if it's for trial/education.
I wouldn't bother studying the same degree a second time, unless you're completely sure it is what is holding you back. I'd be surprised if that is the key to opening more doors, or if it is just the language barrier. It sounds like you probably missed out on researching opportunities before making the decision and finding out the hard way that it was tougher than maybe appeared at first.
There are plenty of resources via LinkedIn learning that teach fundamentals well, but not many advanced courses and none I can recommend beyond my channel these days. Remember BIM is both about software but also how to apply it. Courses might teach you about programs but rarely how to apply them.
8 years is a long time to go without securing work so that may be providing difficulty when pursuing roles. Focus on securing a role, even if entry level to build up experience on a profile, it is necessary in a competitive job market. It sounds like you may be building yourself a lot of barriers mentally to justify why this has happened, try to face it with a positive attitude where possible as this also opens up oppportunities in my experience. Don't just follow what your friends do, carve your own journey through life.
Some universities offer BIM related courses, but I'm unsure it would be valuable until you work for a while as there would be no context. Begin with LinkedIn learning and keep applying for entry level roles in the meantime I'd say.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you for taking the time to answering me! I try to do that, I apply for any role and job every single day. I have support from job specialists but not even them know what ealse to do. That's why I thought of expanding knowledge.
I agree with you, it's been a long time since I finished the degree and trying to get experience but I never found a company not asking for 10 years of experience minimum as a requirement. So the time went by. And that makes it even more difficult.
I really appreciate your time and advices, I'll follow them.
Thank you!
Great story. I hope to see your company grow and thanks for all your tutorials.
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the interesting video !!
You're welcome!
Biggest thing is you are very honest person.
I also got an interview with woods bagot but didn't selected.
I will definitely mail you with my career story.
(Lots of love from : India)
Thanks Immi!
Look forward to hearing your story :)
Gavin you were great as a manager and taught me an awful lot
Thanks! Glad I made some level of impact in my time there.
@@AussieBIMGuru you definitely did, your genuine openness and great friendly personality added to the reasons most people spoke to you, unlike most bim managers even managers don't like being asked questions or even talking to people lol
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Really useful ! I would like to know more about the differences between a BIM manager and a BIM coordinator, in case of possibility. Keep on !
Usually a bim coordinator works below bim manager(s) with a project focused role. Often they may be called a model manager also. BIM managers are typically more involved in company standards and management vs project work.
@@AussieBIMGuru I really appreciate you. Regards
Looking forward to see more videos of Grasshopper also...😃 I have seen almost all of your videos which are really good im Dynamo. I hope that you will make some more complex and intresting videos in Grasshopper too. Thanks
Still trying to find workflow videos which suit the channel and the industry currently for Grasshopper, but I'll keep an eye out for any which seem suitable.
Great Sir
Thanks!
Inspiring one...!! Looking forward to learn more from you Gavin..!! Especially dynamo ..🙂
Thanks Ravi! Much more to come :)
Thank you
You're welcome!
I am really glad seeing your journey, what have you been through and where are you now. It is an inspiring story that does not glorify you, but shows, that you need to put in the hours to actually reach something. Impressive and motivational! Keep up the wonderful job!
Could you elaborate a bit more on the subject of differences between Bim Technician, Bim Manager and Bim coordinator? How do they differ?
Also, how useful do you find visual programming to be in an everyday life within an office?
All the best!
Chris
Thanks for the kind words Iveios! It's been a tough journey, but the reward has always made it worth it. Times are very tough right now, but we'll get through it.
The roles are essentially stepping stones on a bigger journey I think. I'd check out my video on BIM Salaries as I cover it in more detail here, but in essence;
Technicians deliver projects. A majority of their time is creating, editing or fixing BIM model or documentation elements.
Coordinators middle manage projects and middle workings of their company. They have a close interaction with BIM Manager(s) to maintain company standards, and usually get more involved in project coordination (e.g. clash detection).
Managers are typically making broader decisions and managing the company from a BIM perspective. This could be such aspects as software maintenance, RnD, scripting, templating, training and other similar aspects.
Personally, visual programming helps me save a lot of time in what I do, however some companies don't always take proper advantage of it (e.g. only 1 or 2 people use it). This has usually been my experience but some companies have had great success when it comes to using Dynamo and plugins to save time and increase effiency/quality.
@@AussieBIMGuru such a detaailed response - thank you so much! :)
I am looking foreward to learning more on the subject from your videos
Best regards!
@@Ivelios2 you're welcome!
Dear Gavin ,
‘’If u can’t explain it simply , you don’t understand it well’’ ( Albert Einstein)
Quoting the above , I am humbly requesting you to upload a video for Dynamo ( basics only ) to start that that software as a fresh learner with great knowledge in Revit . Pls 🤝
Whilst I agree with that quote, much of my audience are not beginners so I need to vary my content to engage all skill levels. I am currently developing a paid course for beginners, but have some older resources on TH-cam.
My learning series:
th-cam.com/play/PLBKwx9iS-Luk38UWL7gU9LCP_gojOu1qi.html
Beginner topics:
th-cam.com/video/Sj1VVflYHs0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Tl87tw6srDc/w-d-xo.html
Article i wrote:
www.bimguru.com.au/post/dynamo-mistakes-to-avoid
I tend not to focus on beginner topics beyond these as the dynamo primer and many other videos out there are available. Trust that these will help somewhat though.
Thank you Guru
You're welcome Mauricio!
Hi Gavin, congrats on your BIM journey! Exactly like your said, I took the risk and I'm moving from my comfort zone starting a new role today as BIM Coordinator in London. Also, I'm currently doing my MSc degree in BIM management. Doing both things at the same time is quite time consuming as you can imagine, but I think it is a great formula combining real work with education. Your channel is a great support on my journey. It would be great to have a Skype conversation or similar if it's possible! 👍🏻
David
David that's amazing! Best of luck in your new venture - you should be very proud.
Always happy to organize skype chats outside my work hours, maybe send me an email and we'll see what we can do?
@@AussieBIMGuru Thanks Gavin, it's going to get really busy but I'm ready for the challenge. That's great, I will send you an email. I'm sure you can provide me with some really interesting insights.
@@davidmoneda for sure. Risk always leads to reward!
hey, so you already did some course or learn the BIM before applying or studying your MSc in BIM as you mentioned about working as BIM cordinator...... or you along with the MSc in BIM management you go the job as the BIM Cordinator, .... I'm so confused rigt now about my career, so pls reach out to me and were are you doing your Msc from.. University...?
Thank you sir. Loved every bit of your journey. Quite inspiring and motivating.
You're most welcome!
我是2014年毕业,以前在学校里听过Revit,但是不知道是干什么的,因为有个Autodesk举办的学生竞赛,名字叫Revit杯。我大学毕业的第一家公司他们是用Revit的,那时候我不会,完全重头开始学,刚毕业的时候还是富有激情,我看了Autodesk在中国的金牌代理商出的书和按F1键出来的帮助文档学习Revit。后来在15年的时候,我认识了一个别的公司的人知道他在用图形化的编程工具叫Dynamo,那时候我以为是在二次开发,而且我天真的以为我不会用的到。18年我加入了一家新公司,第一次要用到真正的参数化设计做项目,是一个曲面的体育馆(现在马上要施工完成了),其实当时方案已经在SkechUp里做完了,但是因为SketchUp定位不准确,后来需要在Rhino中重新建模确定定位线,我现学现用Grasshopper,我大学时候一个同学也用过这个,刚好他也和我在同意做城市工作,所以开始我寻求了他的帮助,做完后我想起来Revit里也有个类似Grasshopper的图形化参数化设计工具Dyanmo,出于好奇以及我对Revit更熟,于是我又重新做了一遍,发现Dynamo还是不如Grasshopper的,但是我还是很喜欢,那时候节点的颜色,简单的文字标题,版本还是1.3,需要外部安装。后来我们领导的小孩在美国本科毕业,选择研究生方向的时候也是希望往参数化方向发展,于是让我做了一些参数化提高效率和特殊应用的例子。但是至那以后,我又回到了AutoCAD的二维制图,毕竟中国用得到参数化的项目,我能接触到的也是少之又少,但是我一直没放弃,前段时间有个特殊的办公楼也有部分曲面的幕墙,原设计是在3ds max做效果图的,我尝试用Dyanmo做了出来,然后疫情隔离在家,我发现我的Autodesk账户有了Revit2023,出于好奇我又下载下来,然后发现Dynamo也变了,于是我又重新过了一遍自带的节点,然后发现第三方的Packages很多不兼容强制使用的CPython3,无法使用。我打开了部分能打开的,了解到里面大部分其实使用Python编的调用Revit API实现的功能,于是我就好奇我要不要学习Python,查了一些资料比如Dyanmo Premier里写的,以及在TH-cam上查了一些视频,这也是我发现你的频道的缘由,我决定还是学一下Python,然后最近发现你讲的pyRevit做自己的工具栏,跟着也学着做了一下,我并不是那么聪明的人,来回看了好几遍才做成功,毕竟编程用的是英文,我分不清那些是描述,哪些是编程的语法,很容易混淆。公司曾经问过我是否愿意做BIM Manager,考虑到我对Revit掌握的熟练度,但是我并不中意这个职位,只是我单纯的喜欢图纸和模型一致的设计工具,以及参数化提供的更多的可能性,大学原来在同学电脑上看到同学的cad图纸导入到3ds max里已经有了模型的时候,那时候就很惊艳。出于一些原因,我知道我们国家推广BIM的初衷不是为了建筑设计,包括我们公司现在大范围培训以及实现线上不同城市之间分公司的协同的初衷,但是不妨碍我对BIM和参数化的热情,我觉得我赚了不少钱,相对于我的出生背景,我更多的还是希望做自己想做的事情,然后养活自己,我的学历也不高,但是因为一些原因,我身边很多高学历的,包括海外留学生,有美国Columbia University,有英国Oxford大学,也有来自澳洲的留学生,具体学校不知道,但是能和这些优秀的工程师合作,起码也证明我的学历只是一方面,具体工作能力是另一会事,我很感激在你的频道学了很多,比如Python,比如pyRevit,以后有机会能去澳洲旅游的话,希望能和你见一面。
Thanks for sharing your story! Very interesting and I'm glad to have been able to help you. If you find yourself in Australia let me know and I can see if we're able to meet.
Yes currently I am using pyRevit more than Dynamo as it lets you build more user friendly tools and has a lot of great features built into it. From Revit 2023 and onwards you will need to install the 'IronPython' custom package to support old packages that did not use CPython3 (for example, my custom package 'Crumple' does not use CPython3 and probably never will).
I use both Grasshopper and Dynamo depending on the project requirements and scale. Dynamo is well suited to simple Revit geometry and complex data management in Revit, whilst Grasshopper is well suited to complex geometry and algorithmic design.
It sounds like you are a well accomplished designer and professional and have reached a strong position in your career, despite not necessarily having the same opportunities and backgrounds as others in a similar position. Congratulations!
This was very interesting, this was made just a few weeks before the first Covid lockdown, (is there a part 2?)
Thanks! Yes I plan to make a followup for sure about 2020-2022 around the end of this year, a few moving pieces in life to get in place and then another chapter begins so would be fitting.
Thank you very much for the educational videos. Following you on Linkedin as well. Take care and please continue. Best regards.
You're most welcome, and thanks for following :)
i realy liked this video ... it was useful for me and helped me alot ... it was Inspiring ...
Thanks Mohamad, I hope you find ways to channel the inspiration in your daily work!
Here I come again, I always see your videos when I have anything to do with BIM and you are always helpful. I really have one question. Does becoming a BIM consultant pay you as good as becoming an Architecct and owning a firm? Becasue I am at the verge of deciding to beomce either an Architect or a BIM consultant. Equally passionate on both. It's just my decision now. So want to know if becoming a BIM going to pay you good?
It depends on your ambition and dedication to what you are truly passionate about - success follows those who are passionate about what they do in my experience. I made plenty of money in the last 2 years as a consultant, much more than most architects I know. Having said that I know plenty that didn't - it depends on how well set up you are to run a recognizable and approachable business as well as attract and close out projects well with clients. I doubt I would have done as well without my channel marketing my abilities.
Awesome video! I'm going into my 5th year of architecture (masters) next year and I recently scored my first job an architectural office, mainly Revit based. I'm also Sydney based. I would like to eventually move into BIM as I really enjoy working in Revit and I have been ever since the start of my degree. I have become quite adequate in Revit now which is really helping me for my job. Any advice on how to make that step to become a bim technician?
Hi Quinton. First of all well done on securing a job in the current market! I actually move interstate next week from Sydney, otherwise would have offered to grab lunch and discuss in more detail, bummer...
Anyway, I usually recommend sticking out your first role for 2-3 years and try to soak up as much architectural knowledge as you can and don't focus just on the tech skills. Aim to get involved with project coordination eventually as this is a good pathway into a BIM coordinator type role. Generally around years 3-5 is where BIM pathways become more viable due to an increased level of understanding in architectural project delivery and design requirements.
In the background, try to learn about the potential of platforms like Rhino/Grasshopper/Dynamo and over time their place will become apparent in the broader picture as well. Keep an eye on platforms like Twinmotion/Unreal as they will change architecture significantly in future I think.
Hey thanks for your videos, very inspiring! It would be great if you could tell about your experience in model audit and what a good model/standard is.
You're welcome! Good idea, I'll add it to my list of future topics.
@@AussieBIMGuru Awesoome! :)
Hey thank you for this video and the honesty , i am a freshly graduated architect too , and i am looking for courses or certifications to learn bim managing and i really relate a lot to the first part of your video about applying to 50 firm and only getting 5 replies bcz i am going through the same but i am not giving up i am doing traineeships and learning new skills to be able to find a good job and now i am very curious about the bim managing
Generally I'd focus on working your way up the roles instead of studying too hard in a management role - experience is the most important part to being a BIM Manager. Focus on tech/coordinator level roles first. Wishing you luck in your job searching!
I am eyeing for a BIM line of work, and your channel is of very much help. I got a Civil Engineering degree, so I wonder if how does it vary being a BIM professional as an architect as compared to as an engineer?
It would be a very similar career pathway, just with experience gained as an engineer instead of an architect. Focus on interdisiplinary coordination as this is crucial for MEP BIM management.
@@AussieBIMGuru Oh wow, thank you for the response!
I have watched your other video about knowing your market worth, to which I assume salary would also be within similar range?
@@AussieBIMGuru By the way "Take the risk or Lose the chance" is really motivating to hear, I honestly think I am taking a shot in the dark at this whole BIM field. I got some plan to work overseas, singapore probably, with much uncertainty if it's worth it or not, chances of being hired, and lot whole other issues. So i just want to say i really appreciate your channel man. Thank you.
@@altamont_2439 i find on average engineers make slightly more than architects after the 3-5 year mark. Before then usually slightly less as they begin in a 'drafting pen' typically. It will vary from country to country though. My market is Australian based so its specific to that.
@@altamont_2439 glad the channel has given ideas and motivations! Doubt and hesitation are perfectly natural to feel, especially given the industry has extra uncertainty from covid. I would say just always aim high and make sure you are developing towards your long term goals wherever possible.
I really motivated when i watched your career story. Thanks for encourage video clip:-)
You're welcome, I hope the motivation serves you well :)
@@AussieBIMGuru Also I also looking forward to learn more from you Gavin...! Especially MEP Family Creation...:-)
@@aungkyawthu4417 I'm still learning MEP too, but I'll share some content once I'm more familiar with it!
@@AussieBIMGuru Thanks!
this is so inspirational!! Is it necessary to have Bachelor Degree rather than Diploma in order to pursue BIM Management role?
These days I would say yes, as you need to be in a firm with your base discipline generally (architecture, engineering etc.). If you can land the base role, then from there you can pursue this pathway - so if you find a way into that then not necessarily.
What is the work life balance as a BIM technician/Coordinator/manager? I understand it's mainly based on the firm, but what's the overall experience. Thanks.
It will definitely come down to the firm but also depends on how far you want to get in the industry. There is a LOT of software and standards to learn and it can be difficult to do much of it on the job. I spent upwards of 10-20 hours per week putting in self training time outside the office for years, especially the formative ones.
I'd say the balance isn't great sometimes, but it's much better than that for archirects/engineers as you wont get stuck in projects as often.
Great... I got my bachelor's in architecture but I don't wanna be a designer who can draw something beautiful so I came to Italy and studying Master of building and architectural Engineering in Politecnico di Milano University which is a multidisciplinary course... I've worked with Autocad for more than 10 years (I'm 29 right now) and Revit for 5 years and because of my interest in Engineering, I learned about the Energy analyzing and structure in Revit and have a plan to learn Navisworks and Green Building Studio in this summer... Also, I'm keen on management so I've taken a Construction course on the Coursera website (from Columbia University) I eagerly wanna be a BIM manager, but I don't know whats my next step to learn... I know we have to start in Technician BIM member but I just wanna be a perfect Technician and perfect coordinator to be a perfect manager... So what should I do in your opinion? I just wanna know your opinion as a same-age person and who is passed this complex situation.
Wow what a journey, thanks for sharing!
Its important that if you aim to BIM manage, you focus on developing your coordination and management skills - typically technical skills help, but are not really 'the core' of what makes a BIM manager.
Try some programs outside the Autodesk suite also like Rhino in order to learn more about interoperability as this is a big part of BIM management.
Finally, make sure you learn about Dynamo, Grasshopper and Rhino Inside as these are becoming essential skills for efficient BIM managers these days too!
Aussie BIM Guru I appreciate your comment. It shows why you are a successful person in this field... I just wanna know about the references that I can read for improving my knowledge about BIM (Technician, Coordinator, and Manager) Because I have to find a job in Europe after my Master's course here (2 years until graduation)... So I wanna know about what major company asks for a CV from someone who didn't have any professional career in Europe. Sorry if I ask my question in a complex way.
@@alirezaraoufhassanzadeh2401 the best reference will be experience and time. Focus on finding companies that feature BIM as one of their specialties and target an entry level BIM technician/coordinator type role.
BIM Coordinators and Managers operate in a 'high trust' zone of companies, so you will always need to establish this over the course of a year or so at least before you're likely given access to these types of roles.
Time as a BIM technician live on projects also builds your awareness for the issues your technicians will face once you are promoted, so this time is invaluable to build your empathetic side.
Hi bro I'm really impressed by your journey ,I'm mechanical engineer graduate interested in building service as my career, currently I'm in Melbourne which are the course available in Australia to get innto mechanical electrical plumbing engineer
Thanks Abdul!
Most people I know studied their respective engineering trade at university (I don't know of one that covers them all).
Hello Gavin! I wanted to thank you for this video and all your dynamo tutorials (they have helped me a lot). I'm reaching you because I have developed a lot of interest on the data science industry which included learning how to code with python. This has raised some positive comments and interest from the company I'm working currently. My question is if you have any advice about how I can connect this two subjects?
Most people I know that go into data science from AEC do so because they wish to develop applications and tap into fields like AI/ML. The connections here aren't always direct, but I'd suggest reaching out to the team over at DiRoots for some guidance as they're very much hiring people like this and have a good grasp on how they go together. As well as this go check out 'The BIM Coordinator's channel, Dalton is very much into data science and AEC and would definitely reply back to you on his content or via LinkedIn if you're keen to learn more.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you so much for your reply and your advice! I will definetely follow it. Again, thank you also for everything you have taught us.
@@AussieBIMGuru helpful
Hey Gavin. Lovin' the videos, learning so much.
I have one thing that you probably can clear up- does any of BIM technician or BIM manager do any type of designng of the buildings or they only create the 3D models of those buildings. I do understand that the actual structural calculation are done by others. I studied as a civil engineer (specializing in infrastructure and bridges) and now am looking to maybe go into BIM technician/ coordinator role. Just now taking my first steps in BIM, revit and dynamo so that might be a long shot for now, but who knows.
Thanks for the kind words! It's a great question, whilst most technicians focus on BIM modelling and documentation, they usually need to be skilled at design also so that they understand what they model.
Most BIM managers have the ability to design, but tend not to draw on these skills as often. Instead, we design more from an aspect of design strategy and software/workflow based design.
@@AussieBIMGuru Damn that's a fast reply, thanks for that!
Do you plan on doing a video covering rebar or post-tensioning in Revit? I have palyed around with rebar options in Revit, but maybe there are some great option that can be dome using Dynamo. Have you ever done anything with post-tensioning in Revit and how can that be achieved?
@@aps1s probably not anytime soon - I haven't used rebar much and it isn't my specialty. There's some good videos on autodesk university I'd say.
Thank you so much for sharing this useful information with us , maybe it is too late to ask in this video but I would be grateful if you could guide me on how to learn dynamo which , I as an architecture student who graduated last year found it challenging with coding becasue in university we just learned architecture template for revit. I see in many videos you are working with dynamo and I really love it . Do I have to take courses for dynamo to learn it ? Thank you!
I have quite a lot of beginner videos on the channel which might help to begin with such as these:
th-cam.com/video/Sj1VVflYHs0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Tl87tw6srDc/w-d-xo.html
I'd suggest finding room for it in your daily workflows and the interest typically springs from there. Tutorials can be helpful, but they don't always give the context people need to understand the value of Dynamo to them specifically.
I also have some articles and podcasts about coding/Dynamo here which may be of interest:
www.bimguru.com.au/articles
Hoping to release a subscription based dynamo course before the end of this year at courses.bimguru.education.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thank you very much , I definitely check all the videos and articles. Hope I could manage to work on it on daliy basis.
I hope you release dynamo courses , it would be amazing certainly looking forward to it .
I really like your channel and the the way you teach . Thank you for all of your time and effort you putting in this channel .
My Dynamo course is now available :)
courses.bimguru.education/courses/course-dynamo-4revit
Hey mate, awesome video I got a good insight into your journey -
I've just finished a diploma and have been working as a CAD/BIM technician in London for 2 years (22 years old now) working on different projects bridges and marine mainly - a lot in Australia ahaha.
I've been jumping from software to software such as AutoCad Tekla microstations and revit. I find it kind of hard to pick a career path and a software to specialise in. My question would be that do I need to specialise in a specific software or is versatility good but not proficiency? I'm also interested in computational design - been learning VBA and Dynamo on my downtime and whenever I'm free.
Hope to hear back from you!
I think the right approach is to pick and commit to a career path and let your software choices respond to that and the market demands. Bridges and marine would probably be keen to see Civil3d, 12D and Tekla if doing steel fab primarily. Dynamo is in civil3d so is worthwhile, but do look into sofistik/grasshopper for rhino if doing less conventional approaches.
Thank you!
Great stuff! I'm curious is there a reason for choosing BIM over a design role?
It comes down to the person, but for me it was just more interesting and challenging.
Very interesting, Im an Adelaide boy as well. moved around but have come back home the last year. quick question (in your opinion), why is BIM/Revit (MEP/Arch) not taught in Uni when it is entry level for work in most companies and why is it that companies dont allow time during work hours for learning the correct way to use revit and therefore you are required to self teach outside work hours almost making you not employable due to wage expectations when you move beyond just drawing in revit? the company i am currently working for reduced/removed drafters from the work environment to employ graduate engineers and have lost a lot of knowledge which they are now wondering why they cant automate drafting processes. they believed they would get a better drafter.
One answer to both queries; money and short sightedness.
Noting that when I was at University and BIM wasn't taught it was 2012, 8 years have passed and some universities are now making efforts to teach BIM at an entry level.
I find University becomes a bit of a playground for academics who find the reality of the industry quite boring, they would often rather play with futurist or abstract concepts. As a result this bias imparts onto graduates' experience in many cases; so the reality of the industry can be quite jarring or off-putting to them. Often they would rather generate unrealistic forms to a project's needs than learn why we cannot always achieve a zany concept; we need to ground our concept in reality, then push the limits from here as an 'overlay' to the functional and briefed requirements.
I believe 'drafters' are an outdated concept, BIM has shown us that we need to know more than how to document; BIM modelling demands a deep understanding of construction, data rich environments and parametric design. A better strategy I think would have been to upskill willing drafters, and let those not interested move on to less progressive companies. It's a shame they took such a heavy handed approach - sounds very reactive.
As an arch tech 4th year student from Ireland we started learning Revit in year 2 and learning the bim process where we had to comply with bs 1192 ect
@@brendanryan6244 it's always refreshing to hear that Universities are catching up on the industry standards. UK/Ireland are way ahead the pack in their education syllabus from what I've seen.
Aussie BIM Guru I thought it was the right move however agree that upskilling drafters to maintain your standards during transition would have been a better approach. Most companies in MEP are still only interested in the 2D end game of a project and are now starting to realise ,even though the industry has been heading that way for years know, that you need to understand that you not only need the 3D aspect, you needed to have dedicated time to the 3D aspect. Companies expect the BIM to be correct to get data from models and not just nice 2D plans. Unfortunately MEP is geared towards fast turn around and minimum construction involvement.
@@tonyhoward6085 very true. I expect the pack leaders will raise pressure on the lagging firms as client expectations raise. Do your best in the meantime!
H Gavin i, i am a civil engineer and when i started bim I didn't even know how to use revit. I invested a lot of time learning it myself in my spare time, but I also had a good mentor like you. When our bim manager left the company everything fell on me. (at that moment I had 2 years of experience in bim during which I supplemented my knowledge with Navisworks, dynam and similar programs)
The big problem is that in my country BIM is not developed or received at all like in other countries, and people have low knowledge. My tasks are design modeling, teaching people to use revit, preparing models for submission, creating scripts, templates, families, and more that investors require, adjusting models to standards, etc. We mainly do construction models of the order of 100 + k square meters (at least, and not only one project). In this chaos, I no longer know what my position is. can you give me some advice? Thanks in advance :)
Hi Dusan, thanks for taking the time to share your journey! It's great to hear you've always been trying to keep your knowledge moving and learning new platforms; I know what you mean - development can hold back the reality in practice sometimes.
It sounds like you've become a bit of a 'mr fix-it' - doing everything and anything to keep the company BIM infrastructure moving (but never having enough time to improve it outside the context of projects).
You sound like you have the skills to be a strong BIM Manager, try to inspire middle-managers like BIM coordinators around you where you see them taking on such a role. No man is an army! If it gets bad, notify your reporting managers and develop a more controlled strategy for the long term BIM vision of your company - they just might need it!
Hope this advice helps, and keep up the great work I'm sure you're doing.
@@AussieBIMGuru Thanks a lot, i appreciate your quick reply.
@@dusanodalovic3905 you're welcome!
Thanks , your movie was helpful
Glad to hear!
Who needs college when there is X-FORCE!
Haha for sure
And what is x-force?
Hi Aussie BIM Guru! Is it possible to develop a career as a BIM Manager working mainly home-based?
Ultimately it depends on the company culture! I work from home but as a consultant so more like a BIM specialist. If you are early on your career focus on people to people interaction rather than software which is usually more remote.
hello, I'm a BIM modeller (Revit MEP ) but still, I'm confusing about a career in bim field, can you suggest me how to grow in this field, is there anything to learn or higher course
Whilst there are courses out there, as I state a few times here experience is the best teacher (and clothes don't make the man).
Nothing will take you further than getting more involved in project coordination, reading about BIM standards such as iso19650 and developing your skills in programs like Dynamo and Navisworks. Over time, sharpen soft skills like leadership, communication and public speaking - these are critical to getting higher roles.
It takes time, but it will give you far more than any course ever would.
@@AussieBIMGuru thank you
hi there , what about digital project / solidworks ?
I tried solidworks at university but haven't encountered any dassault programs since then - they don't have a big presence in australia. It seems inventor/fusion is more widely used, maybe check out 'TFI's channel where he focuses on these types of programs more.
Xforce stuff gives you a real force 😂
It sure did ;)
How different is BIM Modeler/Drafter and a BIM Manager
Huge difference. BIM managers often wont do much drafting or modelling, they manage company strategy and high level workflows instead. I do no drafting anymore in BIM management myself
Do you regret doing the Uni stuff when all you really needed to do was learn Revit? I’d say most graduate jobs here in the UK require Revit experience, so to go through uni and be told not to use it is surprising. I’d also say you can teach software skills, but you can’t teach experience!
Great question! I learnt a lot about how to be more objective and inquisitive, and got a base exposure to CAD and the history of architecture, so I'm glad I went to Uni, but wish it wasn't 5 years +.
Times have changed a bit since 2012 when i graduated, Uni's expose grads a bit more to Revit and Rhino now, but they still come out pretty fresh and disillusioned when they realise most projects are boxes with facades on them!
100% agree, time is the best teacher.
The main issue I am finding is that graduates expect to be associates and or directors in companies in 5 years and that dedicating time to BIM is seen as a lesser career path for a graduate engineer. How to change that perception is my biggest hurdle with the grads that come through our company. When you show them what is possible if they only use the software correctly they change their tune but still expect someone else to be the “BIM Guru”.
@@tonyhoward6085 yes it's a very real issue - I'm glad you recognise it, all too often ignored.
I hope in future BIM and digital avenues will hold more company value weight and prevent the 'retreat to the high table' from digital roles. Loyalty is a 2 way street!
Can we get remote jobs in bim????
Yes it is possible with the right firms. For example I consult for remote clients for nearly all my work.
X Force 😂
Smokin' the competition!
Sir any whatsapp group for Bim jobs
Not that I am aware of. I'd ask around on LinkedIn, I see people post about them there sometimes. Whatsapp isn't used widely for career purposes in the west so I don't use it personally for BIM.