The Australian Institute of Architects in Western Australia was a key participant in an industry and government roundtable discussion on 10 March. Representatives from Department of Treasury, Building Management & Works, Building Commission, Construction Training Fund, NATSPEC, Australian Institute of Building (AIB), Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Built Environment Design Professionals (BEDP), Engineers Australia (EA) and Master Builders Association (MBA) attended. The participants agreed unanimously that Building Information Modelling (BIM) was now part of the Australian industry vernacular and that their organisation believed there were benefits to gain from BIM. It was also well accepted that there are significant challenges to obtaining the best benefits from BIM. The three main recommendations to come out of the group included the need to improve awareness and understanding of BIM, the development of rigorous standards and an increase in user training. Participants also supported holding a BIM seminar on 24 October 2014. It was further decided to endorse and promote the NATSPEC National BIM Guide as a learning resource which is freely accessible at www.natspec.com.au. All participants believed that the release of NATSPEC’s National BIM Protocols in June would help remove a major area of confusion.

The Australian Institute of Architects is determined to help make BIM work for you and has actively engaged a BIM committee. More information is available from the Institute’s Western Australia office wa@architecture.com.au 08 9287 9900.