BIM Lead

About the role

The BIM Lead is responsible for creating and implementing the customer design and digital fabrication process by creating fabrication-ready 3D models and providing information that facilitates the estimation, procurement, engineering, fabrication, and construction processes utilizing BIM and CAD/CAM tools. BIM Leads may be specialized to certain functions within the process, but all focus on digital fabrication for post-sale contracted projects. Project deliverables include design development sets, structural sets, shop drawings, take-offs, and machine files.

Essential duties and responsibilities

The BIM Lead will collaborate on projects with varying levels of scope of work: FULL scope, STRUCTURAL scope, or FRAME ONLY scope. BIM Lead Supervisors and the Director of Design will make each individual aware of their exact roles and responsibilities within this framework.

Post timber-sale architectural package duties (if applicable)

• Improve the customer journey by using information provided by the customer and sales (ranging from Timberlyne pre-designs, customer sketches, architectural drawings, and construction documents) to perform space planning and 3D modeling for customer approval
• Produce an acceptable drawing set used to coordinate with the estimation team, sales team, customer team, architects, general contractors, engineers, and other external stakeholders, including necessary revisions, in accordance with company objectives and expectations
• Respond to project requirements, including square footage, room functions, site constraints, timber framing concepts, and connection types
• Understand the scope and limitations of timber frame engineering and manufacturing capabilities
• Collaborate with external professionals such as architects, permitting authorities, engineers, and general contractors for comprehensive site planning, code compliance, and permitting
• Coordinate with the PM and consult with Architectural Design Team to provide code-compliant architectural layouts and well-integrated timber structures
• Collaborate with PMs, Architects, and Engineers to resolve design conflicts, including integration with HOA requirements and MEP, Fire, and HVAC systems
• Complete design revisions within the revision rounds included in the contract; acknowledge and communicate that significant changes after Design Approval can affect timeline and cost
• Upon acceptance of the contract, work with the project management team, downstream BIM Leads, and other stakeholders to facilitate operational activities of the project, which may involve providing 3D Models, cut lists, drawing sets, and other design-related information for estimation
• Work with the team to improve digital workflows and enhance the design-to-fabrication process
• Assist in communicating with potential and existing customers, focusing on their needs and clarifying construction standards and BIM practices
• Participate in internal project reviews (such as post-mortems) and provide input on efficiencies, cost impacts, and material optimization

Digital fabrication and structural package duties (if applicable)

• When Architectural Services by Timberlyne convert to timber sales, focus on the structural scope of work and collaborate with the Architectural Design Team by attending handoff meetings, communicating proactively, reviewing engineering redlines together, and providing engineering feedback and fabrication solutions
• Generate 3D models using Revit, AutoCAD, Cadwork, and other 3D modeling software
• Follow direction from project management, design and BIM supervisors, and engineers
• 3D model, detail, and facilitate the coordination of custom timber structural components; provide plans, details, and 3D visualizations
• Upon acceptance of the contract, work with the project management team and other stakeholders to facilitate operational activities, which may involve re-prioritizing to provide cut lists, drawing sets, and other design and estimation deliverables on time
• Ensure drawing standards, naming conventions, file organization, and revision control are maintained throughout the process
• Provide sets of 2D drawings for fabrication and installation
• Build production-level 3D models using Revit, AutoCAD, Cadwork, and other 3D modeling software; follow modelling standards and ensure geometric and data accuracy
• Create detailed structural drawings for engineering approval (such as foundation and framing plans) as well as shop drawings (structural layouts and details, parts drawings, steel fabrication drawings, as required per project)
• If the BIM Lead has acquired the necessary experience and skill, work with the project management team and other stakeholders to facilitate operational activities, which may involve providing engineered cut lists and information for material procurement, CNC programming, simulations, shop drawings and details, logistics and construction sequencing information, as well as other BIM Lead functions
• Export, prepare, quality check, and deliver CNC files and deliverables for production; collaborate with CNC Programmer and/or CNC Operators to troubleshoot 3D modelling errors and provide high-fidelity exports for different machines

Requirements and qualifications

• Proficient in several design programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, CadWork, and others
• Familiar with architectural principles, building codes, building standards, and the permitting process
• Experience designing, drafting, modelling, and creating schedules
• Knowledge of other software such as Tekla, Hsbcad, Lumion, D5, Enscape, Dynamo, Rhino, Grasshopper, Cambium and EKP is preferred
• Must learn the engineering process and be familiar with construction principles
• Coordinate and develop adequate structural beam sizing and connections for digital fabrication ease, manufacturing efficiency, and construction accuracy
• Able to build Revit families and/or Cadwork containers and end-types, correlate attributes and parameters, import and export different file types, design and digitally fabricate different or unique structural connections
• Continuously expand knowledge related to heavy timber engineering, construction methods, and connection types, including post and beam, simple joinery, and traditional timber framing with mortise and tenon connections, as well as the advantages and limitations of different timber species and engineered wood products
• Support the supervisor by developing boilerplate details for structural and construction conditions, including the timber frame, envelope, and relevant details for pass-through products
• Time management skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, respond to production scheduling, coordinate with various stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors and customers
• Support Project Management and Supervisors by understanding resource allocation within their scope, and proposing structurally sound and cost-effective solutions
• Ability to translate creative intent into accurate, constructible models for the customer, including revisions performed in a timely manner and in accordance with the International Building Code and key performance indicators
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to have difficult and adaptive conversations with internal and external stakeholders; proactive in communication with ability to influence others for win-win solutions
• Collaborate effectively across departments while recognizing the importance of valuing differences and communicating the digital fabrication process
• Able to provide modeling for new customers and work collaboratively with PMs and estimation to deliver drawings that meet company expectations
• Strong organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Available during normal operation hours and able to provide clarifications and information to project management, fabrication teams, and installation teams to assist them in timely completion of their work
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 products and able to provide effective presentations to employees and external stakeholders

Physical demands and work environment

• May need to sit or stand as needed; may require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day
• Reaching above shoulder height or below the waist and lifting as required for filing documents or storing materials throughout the workday; proper lifting techniques required
• May include lifting up to 25 pounds for files on occasion
• For the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment