Implementing BIM to Enhance Design-Build Project Delivery

THE CHALLENGE: Primus Builders is a design/build company specializing in cold storage and distribution facilities. In 2013, Primus was awarded a project for the United States Cold Storage, a 336,500 square foot facility project in Covington, TN. Primus was eager to implement Revit for the project delivery but the design team was posed with the challenge of being able to develop a complete architectural and structural Revit model that could be carried out through all the phases of documentation.

SOLUTION: Primus engaged Microdesk to assist with developing the initial BIM structural model and provide onsite technical support. One of Microdesk’s first initiatives was to implement a training program that would help bridge the skills gap of the Primus architecture and structural design groups. The program integrated a combination of hands-on essentials training and project mentoring. While the training plan was being executed, Microdesk also developed BIM guidelines that defined standard Revit practices for the organization that could be utilized for two major upcoming projects.

RESULTS: At the end of the engagement with Primus, Microdesk left the organization entirely self-sufficient and able to handle BIM production from start to finish. The experience gained by Primus throughout the project allowed both the architecture and structure teams to improve their workflows and processes by leveraging pre-built content and templates that helped streamline common tasks on new projects. Primus successfully completed the project on time and was able to provide added value to the owner by allowing more integrated visualization, which improved their communication process. This also helped the Primus team to understand how to leverage the models for clash conflicts during design and construction. The standards set forth by Microdesk have since been applied to Primus’ other projects, including their largest project ever: a 1,000,000 square foot facility, all of which was designed in Revit.