Skill Profile
BIM Coordination
"The observable action of managing, federating, and clash-detecting 3D building information models from multiple disciplines in order to identify and resolve design conflicts before construction begins."
YOUR SKILLS
Problems This Skill Solves
- A steel beam and a major ductwork run occupy the same space in the ceiling void — clash detection in Navisworks identifies the conflict before steel is fabricated
- Multiple subcontractors are working from different versions of drawings — a federated BIM model in a common data environment ensures everyone works from the same coordinated dataset
- A facilities manager needs to know the specification of every installed asset — BIM object data provides a structured, searchable record embedded in the as-built model
- A design change to the structural grid affects seventeen other discipline models — BIM coordination identifies all downstream impacts before the change is approved
Roles That Use This Skill
2 total · 2 industriesThis skill bridges two industries.
Construction / Property
Construction / Civil Engineering
"BIM coordination is mainly about clash detection — resolve the geometry conflicts between disciplines, and the coordination is complete."
Clash detection resolves geometric conflicts. Coordination also involves aligning model data standards across disciplines, ensuring that components are modelled to the correct level of detail for each project stage, managing the relationship between the 3D model and the cost and programme data it feeds, and producing models that can be used for facilities management handover. Geometry without structured data is 3D CAD.
"BIM coordination is the architect's job."
BIM coordination is typically led by a dedicated BIM coordinator or the MEP contractor, not the architect. It requires cross-discipline authority that no single design team usually holds.
Research & Outlook
ISO 19650 adoption is now mandatory on UK public sector projects, and BIM is increasingly required in infrastructure and international projects. Digital twins — live BIM models updated with sensor data during operation — represent the next evolution, creating long-term demand for BIM-skilled engineers and facilities managers.
See This Skill In Action
Watch a professional demonstrate BIM Coordination in a real working environment — what it looks like, how it's applied, and why it matters.
Technical / Construction & Engineering
BIM Coordination
Also Known As
Growth Path
Understands what BIM is and can navigate a federated 3D model. Can identify and report clashes in Navisworks from a pre-federated model.
Manages the federation of discipline models, runs and triages clash detection reports, chairs coordination meetings, and maintains the project clash log through to resolution.
Establishes BIM execution plans (BEP) and information requirements for large projects. Manages Common Data Environments. Advises clients on BIM strategy and Level of Information Need (LOIN) for handover.
How to Practise
- 1.Federate structural, architectural, and MEP models in Navisworks and run a clash detection report — categorise clashes as hard, soft, or workflow and assign them to discipline leads for resolution
- 2.Attend a BIM coordination meeting on an active project and document how clashes are prioritised, assigned, and closed out
- 3.Study the ISO 19650 standard for BIM information management and map it to a real project's information delivery process
- 4.Complete Autodesk Revit and Navisworks certification training with a focus on multi-discipline coordination workflows
How to Prove
- ·Clash detection report produced for a real or simulated multi-discipline project with documented resolution log
- ·Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit or Navisworks certification
- ·BRE Academy / CIOB BIM certification
- ·Credited coordination role on a project delivered under ISO 19650 or UK BIM Level 2 requirements