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What Are Scan-to-BIM Services and When Are They Most Useful for Construction Projects?

Posted on July 3, 2026 by faz_business

As technology rapidly advances, the construction and architecture industries are also opening their doors to more effective ways to deliver projects that are accurate and efficient. And one of the most popular and fastest-growing solutions is Scan-to-BIM. Scan-to-BIM is the process of scanning a real building or structure and transforming it into a precise, detailed digital model. Using this digital model, maintenance, planning, renovations, and construction projects are accurately created and built. Most of the industries now don’t just rely on old drawings or the traditional measurements. Instead, they use laser-scanning technology to capture accurate data for every building.

This high-tech approach helps in reducing errors, saving time, and improving every project planning. Scan-to-BIM services is useful, especially for renovation projects and buildings with complex measurements. It may be difficult to find and hire experts, but through Cad Crowd, businesses can connect with experienced BIM and CAD professionals more easily, as they offer an accurate, reliable process for connecting with experts who deliver high-quality Scan-to-BIM services.

🚀 Table of contents

What is scan-to-BIM?

Scan to BIM is a modern process that is widely used by the construction and architecture industries, wherein they scan real buildings or structures in order to turn them into a detailed and precise 3D digital model. It’s a way to create a digital copy of an existing space for construction, renovation, planning, or even maintenance. It is very convenient because, instead of taking the usual measurements, this advanced scanning technology captures accurate building data more efficiently and quickly.

In this process, a major step is laser scanning. Laser Scanning collects the exact measurements by capturing millions of points from different surfaces, such as ceilings, walls, floors, and structural elements. After that, the captured points are going to be combined in order to create a point cloud. A point cloud is a digital representation of a building made up of millions of tiny dots that show its shape and dimensions with greater accuracy and detail.

After completing the point cloud, professionals then use the Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to transform scanned data into a smart 3D model design. This is not your ordinary 3D model since BIM models contain important information regarding the structure, building systems, materials, and dimensions. This really makes the work of contractors, architects, and engineers more efficient and accurate throughout the entire project.

How scan-to-BIM services work

Site scanning and data collection

Scan to BIM process starts with site scanning and the collection of data. At this early stage, professionals are bound to visit specific buildings or structures where they begin using advanced laser scanners to capture accurate measurements of certain spaces. With these scanners, detailed information is being recorded from floors, ceilings, walls, windows, pipes, doors, and other important structural elements.

Laser scanners work by sending out laser beams that bounce back almost immediately after hitting specific surfaces. After it, the scanner measures its distance from the object, and then it collects detailed measurements in just a short span of time. Compared to manual measurement methods, laser scanning is much faster and more efficient, with more accurate results, especially for large and complex structures

Point cloud creation

After completing the scanning process, the collected data is then processed into a file called a point cloud process. A point cloud is composed of millions of tiny measurement points that represent the exact shape and dimensions of a scanned structure. You can think of it as a highly detailed digital map of a scanned building or structure, made entirely of small dots. At each point, there is location data that helps recreate the structure more accurately in a digital environment. And the more data points collected, the more precise and detailed the digital representation. Point clouds serve as the primary basis for creating the BIM model.

BIM model development

If the point cloud data is already prepared, BIM specialists then convert it into a detailed BIM model using specialized software such as Autodesk Revit. In this stage, professionals carefully trace and model the structure’s mechanical elements, structural, and architectural components based on the scanned data. The BIM model is far more than just a standard 3D visual representation. It also provides intelligent information about the building, including its layout, systems, dimensions, materials, and structural details. Through this, contractors, architects, and engineers are able to use the model efficiently for construction, planning, maintenance, renovation, and even in project coordination.

Review and quality checking

Before delivering the final BIM model output, the project undergoes review and quality checks. Professionals verify its accuracy by comparing it with the original scan data to ensure that every important detail is represented accurately. In this stage, any cases of corrections and adjustments are thoroughly made if needed.

This way, they could identify potential errors and eliminate them to improve accuracy and ensure the BIM model strictly meets industry requirements and standards. Once everything is checked and proven to be completed, the model is prepared for delivery and can then be used for construction, design, or any facility management purposes.

Key technologies used in scan-to-BIM

Scan-to-bim-guide-for-renovation-projects

3D laser scanning

One of the main technologies used in the Scan-to-BIM process is 3D laser scanning. It specifically works by sending laser beams that hit surfaces such as ceilings, floors, walls, and structural components. Once it hits the object, it directly bounces back to the scanner, which would directly measure its distance and record the exact position of that specific point.

This is repeated a million times within seconds to ensure accurate measurements of that specific building or structure. It is a very important technology because it enables professionals to collect precise data efficiently and quickly. Compared to manual measurements, 3D laser scanning is more detailed, reducing errors, saving time, and providing a more accurate representation of the structure. It is mostly used for complex spaces, large buildings, and renovation projects where accuracy and reliability are critical.

Drones and aerial scanning

Another tool that is widely used in the process of Scan-to-BIM is drones and aerial scanning technology. It is usually used for infrastructure projects, large-scale buildings, and hard-to-reach areas. Drones are known for being equipped with cameras or laser-scanning devices that capture aerial images and obtain accurate measurements from above. It makes scanning of towers, rooftops, bridges, and other elevated structures way easier, safer, and more efficient.

Using drones eliminates the need for manual inspections, which are much easier, especially in difficult and dangerous locations. It speeds up data collection as well and delivers broader site coverage even in just a short span of time. This technology is really useful, especially for industrial facilities, construction sites, and any outdoor infrastructure projects that need to be captured from above, especially when ground-based scanning alone is not enough.

Point cloud software

After completing the scanning process, specialized point cloud software is used to process and organize all the collected scan data. This mainly combines millions of measurement points into a specific digital point cloud, which accurately represents a certain building’s dimensions and shape. Point cloud software helps professionals align, clean, and manage scan data before converting it into an actual BIM model. It also helps remove any scan noise or issues and ensures that all data is accurate and ready for modeling. With the use of this software, a large amount of information is being handled smoothly when gathered during scanning.

BIM software platforms

In the Scan-to-BIM process, software platforms are undeniably essential, as they transform scanned data into 3D building models. One of the most used BIM tools is Autodesk Revit. It mainly helps professionals create accurate digital representations of buildings or structures based on point cloud data gathered during scanning. Through these platforms, engineers, architects, and designers are allowed to model important building components like ceilings, walls, doors, floors, windows, and other structural systems with accuracy.

It is not your ordinary 3D model since it contains precise information about the building, like its layouts, dimensions, materials, and even its mechanical systems. BIM software helps improve collaboration between the parties, as all information for the specific project is organized in a single digital model. Through this, different teams who work together ensure it is managed efficiently, detecting potential errors early to make better decisions throughout the project. By using tools like Autodesk Revit, they can create and organize accurate and data-rich building models, especially for renovation, construction, and facility management projects.

Benefits of scan-to-BIM services

Improved accuracy

One of the benefits of Scan-to-BIM services is that they improve accuracy. Compared to traditional measuring methods, which rely solely on manual measurements and often lead to human error. Scan-to-BIM uses laser scanners to measure precise points. It accurately scans structural or building details, creating reliable digital data. Through this, engineers, architects, and construction teams can have a reliable reference as they work throughout the process. Accurate and precise models help reduce the risk of design conflicts, incorrect measurements, and, most of all, the costs of revisions during construction and renovation.

Faster project completion

Scan-to-BIM services certainly speed up project timelines by creating an efficient digital workflow. It no longer requires manual measuring and drafting plans, since professionals can already gather building data by the use of laser scanning process and easily convert it into a BIM model. It also benefits every business, since there’s no need to rely more on traditional measurement methods, allowing internal teams to focus on other important work.

With accurate, fully available digital models, project teams can start planning, coordinating, and designing faster. This allows everyone involved to work smoothly, reducing delays, boosting productivity, and enabling every project to move forward more efficiently from the very beginning to the end.

Better collaboration

Scan-to-BIM services really improve collaboration among industries such as contractors, architects, engineers, and other key project teams. Since BIM models contain organized and precise information about the specific building that is being focused on, everyone involved can get access to the same data.

They share this digital model to ensure clear communication between teams, smoothly coordinate designs, and easily identify potential issues before construction begins. In this way, misunderstandings and miscommunications would be less likely to happen, and project execution would be smoother as it progresses.

Reduced costs and rework

Scan to BIM effectively reduces costly mistakes and unnecessary revisions by providing highly accurate building data. If this process isn’t applied, it has more chances to result in multiple errors since inaccurate measurements and outdated drawings can really lead to a lot of rework, additional expenses, and project delays.

However, with the help of detailed BIM models, project teams can easily identify conflicts and issues as early as they can. This really helps avoid expensive changes during construction and improves the overall project’s efficiency. As the process goes on, reducing multiple errors and rework can really save businesses a significant amount of time and money, and everyone would be satisfied with the project result.

Efficient facility management

Scan-to-BIM services are also highly valuable, especially for facility management in planning future structures design or building maintenance. BIM models contain all the important information about a building, such as its layout, systems, components, and materials, so facility members can easily manage and monitor the property.

These digital models significantly help with future upgrades, renovations, or repairs, making it more ready and readily available. So instead of working from scratch, teams can use the existing BIM model to plan the modifications or changes they need.

When should you use scan-to-BIM services?

Scan-to-BIM is highly recommended, especially for businesses seeking renovation projects, as this service provides accurate, detailed information about a building. There are many cases where old building plans are outdated, contain missing details, and no longer reflect the current condition of the structure due to past modifications or repairs. And using manual measurements can really take a lot of time and could possibly lead to multiple errors and issues that could affect the entire project process later on.

However, through laser scanning and BIM technology, project teams can easily capture detailed, accurate measurements of the building and convert them into a reliable, efficient digital model. This allows contractors, architects, and engineers to have a clear understanding of the intricate details about the structure before they hop into the renovation. With an accurate BIM model, professionals and project teams can effectively plan renovations in advance by detecting issues early and avoiding construction conflicts in the long run. This specifically helps minimize delays, reduce unnecessary and expensive costs, and improve overall efficiency in the renovation process.

Why scan-to-BIM is useful: renovations and remodeling

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Historic building preservation

Historic and heritage buildings often feature delicate architectural details that require careful preservation. Scan-to-BIM services help create accurate, precise digital records of these structures without physically affecting or damaging the buildings themselves. Using laser scanning technology, project teams can capture accurate measurements, designs, and the condition of their structures.

After scanning, it will be transformed into BIM models to support renovation, restoration, and other long-term preservation efforts. By using these digital models, project teams can protect important historical features while ensuring they remain organized and accurate, especially during repair planning and maintenance.

Facility management and maintenance

Facility managers and building owners often use BIM models to improve day-to-day operations and long-term maintenance. Since BIM models contain all the important information about a building’s components, layout, and systems, it becomes easier to track maintenance schedules, equipment management, and repairs.

So instead of just focusing on paper documents or outdated plans, they can access more detailed digital information whenever they need it. In this way, maintenance is improved efficiently, downtime is reduced, and future innovations or upgrades are supported in a more efficient and effective way.

Construction and infrastructure projects

Scan-to-BIM services are really valuable, especially for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. Roads, airports, bridges, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities often require precise measurements and careful planning due to their scale and complexity. Using laser scanning and BIM technology, professionals can quickly create accurate digital models, improving coordination among contractors, architects, and engineers. In this way, errors are reduced, and the workflow is improved, all while supporting every project management team throughout the construction process.

Complex structures and hard-to-measure spaces

Not all buildings and structures have the same measurement points, and some are very difficult to measure manually because of their complex designs, shapes, or hard-to-reach areas. In situations like this, Scan-to-BIM technology is really helpful because it uses laser scanners to capture accurate data, even in high areas, and does so quickly and safely.

This is really useful, especially for structures with detailed interiors, industrial plants, curved surfaces, or areas with limited access. So, instead of relying on traditional measurements that often miss important details, laser scanning provides complete, precise data that is really useful for transforming into reliable BIM models, which are significant for planning and the entire construction process.

Common challenges in scan-to-BIM projects

Large data files

One of the most common challenges in Scan-to-BIM projects is managing a large volume of scan data. Laser scanners capture millions of measurement points, creating very large files commonly known as point clouds. These heavy files require powerful computers, large storage space, and specialized software to be processed efficiently.

Being unable to handle large data files can significantly slow down workflows, especially when the team doesn’t have the proper equipment or technical experience to work with them. That is why optimized software tools and proper data management process are crucial to keeping these projects organized and running smoothly.

Accuracy and quality control

One of the most important parts of any Scan-to-BIM project is having accuracy and quality control. Even the smallest error in scanning or modeling can significantly affect the final BIM model and lead to major conflicts or issues during the construction process. That is why it needs to have professionals who are experienced in the field to do the work since it is a very skill-based job.

Scanning to BIM specialists who are skilled and experienced are really equipped with knowledge and have the proper training. So, they really know how to appropriately capture scan data, process point clouds, and accurately create BIM models that surely meet the project requirements. It is also important to conduct regular quality checks and verify the model, as this helps ensure the final output is delivered reliably and precisely.

Coordination between teams

In every Scan-to-BIM project, there is always a team of people working together, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and BIM specialists. That is why it is important to have clear coordination among all the people involved, since poor communication can lead to significant inconsistencies, delays, and misunderstandings that would adversely affect the final model.

So, to avoid these potential issues, teams should set clear communication standards, manage and organize the workflow, and provide regular updates as the project progresses. Using BIM models and collaboration tools, everyone would surely stay aligned with the vision and work efficiently with one another throughout the entire project. It just feels lighter to be working with people you get along. It makes the workflow more engaging and more likely to maintain its productivity.

Cost of equipment and software

Scan to BIM projects require equipment that is high-tech, like powerful computers, laser scanners, and specialized BIM software, which are all very expensive to purchase and maintain for every business. That is why it is important to properly train employees to use these tools, since it can really cost a lot if they are damaged or broken.

But as businesses become wiser and smarter, they opt for an approach that benefits them more: outsourcing Scan-to-BIM services rather than building a full in-house setup. Outsourcing gives companies an advantage by allowing them to access a wide pool of experienced professionals, avoid buying expensive advanced technologies and equipment, and invest in software. So it really helps cut costs as well, since they no longer need to train, provide extra benefits, or pay salaries, since, through outsourcing, they are guaranteed to work with experts who really meet their project requirements.

The cost of Scan-to-BIM services is typically calculated based on factors such as building size, project complexity, required level of detail (LOD), and the amount of scanning and modeling work involved.

Project Type	Typical Building Size Estimated	Scan-to-BIM Cost
Small Residential Building	Up to 2,000 sq ft	$1,000 – $5,000
Medium Commercial Building	2,000 – 10,000 sq ft	$5,000 – $15,000
Large Commercial Facility	10,000 – 50,000 sq ft	$15,000 – $50,000
Industrial Facility	50,000+ sq ft	$25,000 – $100,000+
Historic Building Preservation	Varies	$10,000 – $75,000+
Infrastructure Projects (Bridges, Airports, etc.)	Large Scale	$50,000 – $250,000+

Conclusion

As more industries adopt digital construction technologies, Scan-to-BIM services will continue to grow, and their importance and reliability will be further fostered. It really feels different working with experienced professionals, as they help ensure every project is completed with accuracy and efficiency. There are a lot of platforms that provide businesses with BIM and CAD professionals, but nothing really works like Cad Crowd.

Cad Crowd offers a smoother, easier process for hiring professionals who are guaranteed to deliver dependable Scan-to-BIM solutions tailored to every project’s needs. If you or your business is planning a project that really requires accurate digital building models, you are in the right place. Since Cad Crowd can really help you connect and match with the right professionals who are technically and literally well-suited for the job.

How Cad Crowd can help

Cad Crowd can connect you with a variety of professionals who can significantly impact your business and make your project more achievable. This platform covers a variety of fields and expertise rather than just one specialization that you can choose. It implies you will have the opportunity to experiment with various concepts that may meet your project’s requirements. Learn how it works or contact us today for a free quote!

MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.

Connect with me: LinkedIn ✦ X ✦ Cad Crowd

CAD Outsourcing: Architecture & BIM Drafting Strategies for Architectural Design Firms

Posted on March 2, 2026 by faz_business

The AEC industry is no stranger to outsourcing. Back in the day, architectural design firms probably saw outsourcing as a quick alternative to full-time hiring in times when the workload was too much to handle by the in-house team. They may hire smaller firms or freelancers to do the drafting or basic quantity takeoffs on smaller projects, just to keep the workflow running while the internal team is preoccupied with higher-stakes tasks. Things have changed quite a bit since then, most likely as soon as 3D modeling turned mainstream and BIM entered the scene afterward.

With the possible exception of real-time rendering in architectural visualization, BIM is arguably the biggest thing to have ever happened to the industry in a long time. It has introduced a new paradigm in design workflow by putting everything into a data-rich digital simulation where structural designs, materials, scheduling, cost estimation, clash detection, and energy performance are laid bare. The interactive nature of the BIM file makes the architectural design process an immersive experience and is loaded with all the data you need to formulate an informed design decision each time. The problem is that BIM professionals are few and far between, at least for now.

Outsourcing, which started as an “option” in the old days, has now become a necessity if an architectural firm wishes to take full advantage of everything BIM has to offer. And as an AEC-focused freelancing platform, Cad Crowd has the resources and the network to connect you with some of the most talented BIM specialists from all over the world.

🚀 Table of contents

BIM outsourcing strategies

With the lack of BIM experts in the industry, outsourcing is no longer a simple cost-saving measure for architectural firms, but a strategic move to gain a true competitive advantage. There are more than a few ways to make sure you get the best out of your money by hiring external BIM experts; some are listed below.

Pilot project

As a general rule, it’s a bad idea to fall into the trap of hiring a BIM partner solely based on what you see on their portfolio and other clients’ reviews. While both are pretty good indicators of quality of services, you can certainly use a little bit more concrete evidence of their capabilities. BIM is as sophisticated as architectural drafting services get at this point, and most likely used for a reasonably large project that involves complex technical calculations of geometry, bill of materials, prefabricated components, etc. And just because a potential partner, whether a firm or an individual freelancer, says they can do the job well, you are under no obligation to take them at their word. Instead, use the “pilot project” strategy.

The idea behind a pilot project is to gauge the partner’s technical proficiency and see if they have the expertise to handle a small-scale BIM task. In addition, you also get the chance to establish an efficient communication protocol without any big investment. Since the primary objective is to make sure that the partner can work at the pace you desire, hire them to do a BIM project that’s somehow representative of your typical workflow. The project must be small enough that you don’t have to spend too much money on it, yet sufficiently challenging because it needs to be a test at the same time.

Another benefit is that you have the chance to establish a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) early on, in case you actually end up collaborating with the partner for future and larger projects. BEP may contain guides to procedures like file naming conventions, software to use, file formats, data sharing, and so forth (you know a project is complex enough if you have to use an elaborate execution plan). Assuming the pilot project is successful with the partner delivering exactly what’s promised, you gain the confidence to bring the collaboration further. If not, move on to the next candidate. Either way, the time and effort you spend running the pilot project are resources well spent.

BIM rendering and design examples by Cad Crowd architectural experts

Layered review

Outsourcing makes little sense if the deliverables fail to meet your expectations. In an ideal world, you should only outsource a BIM project to a partner proficient enough to create models that exceed (or at least match) the in-house quality standards. Otherwise, you might as well just rely on the team you already have.

It’s only natural that most freelancers and BIM service providers claim to have their own internal quality assurance professionals whose primary role is to ensure that all files are checked for errors and analyzed for inconsistencies before delivery to clients. All this sounds very reassuring, up until the point you remember that true professionals run their work through a third-party evaluation service. There’s no need to hire any independent analyst here; if the partner does use such a service, it’s a big plus all to your advantage, but you still need to practice due diligence anyway. An effective analysis happens in a layered review process to make sure that the audit is dependably objective:

1st Layer: an automated review process in the form of clash detection by software. Solibri, Navisworks Manage, Revizto, ClashMEP, Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM Track, and Bentley Navigator are among the most widely used options.
2nd Layer: Make it clear in the project brief that the deliverable must be reviewed by at least one senior member of the outsourced team. Provide a list of the quality standards used by your firm and have the partner compare it against the deliverables.
3rd Layer: your in-house team reviews the work, both automatically and manually, to ensure everything is in order. This means the outsourced team has to send a copy of the file ahead of schedule to compensate for the audit process and the possibility of a revision or two.

Please note that revisions are nothing but normal in any kind of outsourced task. The lack of direct supervision and management means you can’t control everything that happens during the workflow. Just because the deliverable isn’t 100% correct doesn’t mean the outsourced team is doing a bad job. In some cases, multiple rounds of revisions are still acceptable so long as the mistakes are within the margin of error.

BIM component outsourcing

Considering how popular BIM is in today’s architectural landscape, there’s a good chance that your architectural planning and design firm will gradually (if not already) implement the technology in current and future projects. In the grand scheme of things, however, adoption is slow. Even for firms that have used BIM for a little while at this point, they still occasionally suffer from what’s typically referred to as BIM Bloat.

One thing that separates BIM files from other architectural visualizations is the amount of information contained directly in the models. BIM is supposed to be data-rich, filled with just about every single detail you can muster about structural elements, materials, plumbing configuration, HVAC installations, construction schedules, cost estimation, timeline projections, and more. With that in mind, there’s actually such a thing as too much data. Information overload happens when a BIM file is embedded with an excessive amount of non-critical data, leading to performance issues and unreliable error identification.

In a specialized component outsourcing scenario, you’re not hiring a partner to build an entire 3D building model from scratch. The main focus of the collaboration is to create efficient content libraries (such as Revit Families) to ensure standardized high-performance BIM components. For example, you can ask the partner to parametric components like cabinetry, doors, appliances, roofing, flooring, piping, or basically any architectural element with only the necessary metadata, such as manufacturer links, fire ratings, U-Values, etc. This project serves two major purposes: achieving a leaner component library and preparing an in-house team to create better BIM files.

Specialized BIM partner

It’s not uncommon for an architect or a small architectural firm to outsource or subcontract a certain portion of a project. A licensed architect is a qualified expert in building design, code compliance, project management, and cost estimation, but they might not be as adept at trade-specific tasks like HVAC duct routing, electrical wiring, or plumbing pipe installation. A typical strategy to solve the problem is to outsource the jobs to a BIM partner that specializes in MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and MEP drafting services.

This allows the architect to maintain control over design intent while ensuring that the actual construction/fabrication of MEP components has no negative impact on the building’s aesthetic and structural integrity. Because the MEP services will be integral parts of the building, the outsourced partner will need access to the architectural draft so they can configure a proper integration between the services and the structure itself. An MEP specialist often works directly with fabricators to locate the clearance zones (based on the provided draft) for installation and determine the right tolerances for maintenance. Once the plan is ready, the partner integrates the diagram with the architect’s BIM file for clash detection.

A big architectural firm probably employs an MEP professional to handle the task, but an architect running a small firm or a one-person business probably cannot justify hiring a full-time salaried expert for the job. Outsourcing to a specialized BIM partner enables the architect to focus on the design and management side of the project rather than getting bogged down with the particulars of non-structural building components.

Building energy modeling

Not every architectural project needs a Building Energy Modeling (or BEM), which is a subset of BIM that specifically concerns indoor air quality, energy consumption, and acoustics. But thanks to growing awareness of the importance of eco-friendly architecture and sustainability, every architectural firm must take these issues more seriously.

In short, BEM uses a digital model of a structure to evaluate energy performance under various conditions. Take, for example, an architectural model to simulate and analyze the energy-saving potential of different HVAC configurations; even seemingly simple things like insulation materials can affect the overall effectiveness of the entire service installation over a long period of use. Hiring a BEM freelancer should count as specialized CAD outsourcing, too.

Instead of hiring a sustainability consultant full-time or purchasing an expensive simulation tool that you use probably no more than half a dozen times a year, outsourcing the task to a specialized professional is the more sensible choice. Because you have to send the BIM file of the structural design to ensure accurate evaluation, such a project may involve an NDA, so make sure to prepare the form and that the outsourced partner is willing to agree to your IP protection term.

BEM should provide not just a report of the energy performance, but also simulation-based suggestions on various elements like the size of the HVAC system, ventilation, window-to-wall ratio, design of shading device, roof insulation, and more. BEM outsourcing is a popular strategy often used by small to mid-sized architectural firms to compete with their bigger counterparts. In the event a client asks about why a certain design approach is taken while the alternative is discarded, the firm can easily explain that everything is based on a valid simulation technology by a professional partner. This is how the small firms increase their credibility without allocating big financial resources – resources they can otherwise spend on the core design and construction services.

3D BIM designs by Cad Crowd architectural design freelancers

Augmentation model

Hiring freelancers as external non-payrolled professionals makes things practical and straightforward. You pay someone from outside the company to handle tasks that would be too time-consuming or resource-demanding for the in-house team to do. Think of it as bringing in a reinforcement without all the overheads typically associated with full-time salaried employees, like benefits and insurance. In many freelance engagements, the work is performed off-site, and this is especially true for architectural drafting projects. The freelancer does much of the drafting work without direct contact/supervision from the employer. For example, a freelancer based in Canada might be hired by an architectural firm located in the United States. Sometimes, the employer and the employee are on different continents entirely.

But CAD outsourcing is also possibly done in a “staff augmentation model” method, where the employers bring in additional workforce to reinforce the in-house team. The external employees are hired on either a contractual or per-project basis, but they may work alongside the internal ones under the same roof, at least temporarily. These CAD design services serve as an extension of your firm for the duration of the contract.

A staff augmentation model makes good financial sense if the external team only consists of a small group of people, or perhaps an expert BIM consultant, and they’re locally-based. Otherwise, you may have to compensate for the travel and accommodation expenses, which can pile up to a huge bill very quickly. This is not to say that overseas staff augmentation always amounts to an expensive venture, because it all depends on how the reinforcement can improve your team and project.

Knowledge transfer

Considering how the AEC industry is in a transitory period from 2D drafting to BIM implementation, chances are you’ll see a lot of staff augmentation in the coming years in an attempt to expedite adoption. Many firms will hire BIM experts and consultants to help prepare their internal teams for the changes and to ensure a smooth transition.

One of the primary objectives of staff augmentation is to facilitate knowledge transfer. At this point, the AEC industry has to admit that trained BIM professionals are still relatively scarce. For some reason, the industry appears to be hesitant to make the move toward full adoption, despite the perceived maturity of the BIM technology itself. Many new architects on their way to licensure aren’t necessarily adept at BIM, either. In fact, many architectural schools and instructors don’t require the students to use it in the first place.

Hiring BIM experts, especially with the staff augmentation model, opens the doors to an effective hands-on knowledge transfer. BIM remains a highly specialized field in the architectural discipline. While the benefits are enormous, jumping into BIM all at once can be pretty intimidating to seasoned architects, let alone the junior ones. By including “knowledge transfer” as a job specification in staff augmentation, the freelancer understands that part of the role is to provide guidance on BIM implementation, rather than taking over the task. Guidance can be as simple as a walkthrough of a model, an hour of presentation into the BIM software at the beginning of a shift, a crash course, or anything else your firm may see fit.

The FTS workflow method

Say the in-house team is already familiar with using BIM for architectural drafting, but a project has a tight deadline that makes everyone feel rushed. A reinforcement may help reduce the workload for the team, but on the other hand, it just isn’t the right time to hire new employees. Let’s not forget that the project must be completed as quickly as possible, that even with the addition of new employees, everyone still has to work overtime almost every day just to meet the deadline.

What you need in this situation is an FTS-based outsourcing. FTS, short for “Follow-the-Sun” model, is a strategic outsourcing method that leverages the global time zones to increase productivity. The idea is to keep the project running even when the traditional work hours are already over in your local time.

Let’s say your firm is located in New York, USA, where the typical work hours last between 9 AM and 5 PM local time. Because the construction is already scheduled to begin within the next few weeks, you need to get the BIM file done in record time, as it needs to be reviewed and evaluated by the architectural design expert first. And it’s always important to take into account the likelihood of having to revise the file, too.

Outsourcing with an FTS model means hiring freelancers located in different time zones, so that the work on the BIM file is running around the clock. In this case, you need someone to pick up exactly where you left off at 5 PM. A freelancer located in Australia or Japan would make for a good candidate, because it’s still morning in those two countries while your in-house employees have already signed off. To keep the project running 24/7, you may want to consider bringing in another freelance drafter (from yet another timezone, preferably in the UK or Europe) to fill in the void between the end of the second shift and the start of the first one. The cycle continues until the BIM file is ready just in time.

Cloud-based collaboration

A prerequisite for BIM outsourcing is a cloud-based collaboration tool, and even more so if you’re using the “follow-the-sun” model. Some portions of an architectural project workflow might still rely on the tried-and-true FTP or email, but it won’t be sufficient for BIM, as it takes real-time collaboration. Among the most popular of such platforms are Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, Trimble Connect, BIMcollab, Graphisoft BIMcloud, Newforma Konekt, and Bentley ProjectWise.

The idea behind cloud collaboration is to allow everyone (architects, engineering design experts, designers, clients, or any authorized stakeholder) to access the BIM file simultaneously. It enables co-authoring and instant feedback because everyone is viewing, editing, and working on a single centralized dataset. Most, if not all, cloud-based platforms automatically record version history, making it easier to revert to the previous configuration in case one of the outsourced partners makes a mistake or some disproved modifications. Because changes happen in real-time, there’s minimal coordination gap.

Cloud collaboration also opens the door to effective issue tracking. Multiple teams located in different time zones might be assigned to handle specific tasks to avoid overlapping designs. If the team in the US takes care of the structural design, the freelancer in Japan can do the HVAC and MEP layout, whereas the European partner handles the issue tracking. The final design decision is ultimately at your firm’s (or the client’s) discretion, but cloud collaboration is always helpful to improve transparency. Even if you can’t provide direct supervision to overseas outsourced partners at all times, the real-time coordination keeps the workflow in control with clear deliverables, as observed in the centralized BIM file.

architectural BIM examples by Cad Crowd professional freelancers

About risk management

Every task outsourced to an external partner comes with a risk of issues concerning intellectual property and data security. And when it comes to CAD outsourcing, especially for any project that has anything to do with a BIM file, you just can’t be too careful about confidentiality. To minimize the risk, the collaboration needs to be carried out under the umbrella of compliance with ISO 19650 (the international standard for BIM information management) and Common Data Environment or CDE, to restrict file access (in practice, the outsourced partners need only to have access to the data relevant to specific tasks assigned to them).

At the very least, enforce an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) as the legal framework to protect your firm against unauthorized data access/sharing of any sort.

Takeaway

There’s no denying that BIM has introduced some major improvements to the AEC industry almost in its entirety, from design and sustainability planning to construction management and cost estimation. Despite its proven usefulness, maintaining an in-house team of BIM professionals remains quite a challenge for small to mid-sized architectural firms. While software and hardware are getting more affordable every year, the relative scarcity of trained BIM specialists is a challenge too difficult to overcome at this point. It does seem that the vast majority of the available BIM workforce choose to offer their services as independent contractors instead of full-time salaried employees. And it’s no coincidence that most of those independent talents find home in Cad Crowd, a freelancing platform specializing in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry. Request a quote today.

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