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Let’s talk about Building Information Modeling. What’s so special about BIM? A lot. This technology helps us take the process of generating and managing building data to the next level, by ensuring our models work through preconstruction, construction, and the lifespan of the project. In this article, meet the team behind our cutting-edge technology, and how they’re using it to keep our company at the forefront of our industry.

Benefits of using BIM

For all our teams across our jobsites, there are many benefits of using Building Information Modeling. Here are a few:

• Enhanced communication
• Increased collaboration
• Cost savings due to error reduction
• Faster processes and shortened construction schedules
• Quality control
• Accurate as-builts

Of course, it requires an excellent team to manage and implement this technology. So keep reading to learn about the experts in our BIM Department.

Chuck, our BIM Manager

This is Chuck, our BIM Manager. Here’s the story of his rise in tech.

• Thirty years ago, Chuck started as a Union Plumber and Pipefitter.
• During his 10 years in the field, he progressed into a Master Plumber and Foreman in the commercial Mechanical sector.
• In 2000, CAD was opening up in the piping world. Chuck’s growing computer skills earned him a role in his previous employer’s CAD department.
• Today, he’s come a long ways from 2D velum overlays on the light table. Here at Williams, he’s using Augmented Reality software to visualize our models in real time.

One of Chuck’s favorite parts of the job is working with the old school plumbers that don’t believe in the fancy tech stuff. It’s super cool when they realize that technology like BIM can make plumbers’ lives easier and help them beat their project budgets.

Dillon, our BIM/Layout Engineer

This is Dillon, our BIM/Layout Engineer. Dillon works with the engineering teams across our many projects, using his technical knowledge of BIM software to help make crucial design decisions. In the video above, he demonstrates the 3D model overlay capabilities of the Microsoft HoloLens 2.

Why is this important? At our plumbing and construction jobsites, seeing our engineers’ designs in the real world — before we install the prefabricated materials — ensures our projects are safe, accurate, and cost-effective.

Caitlin, our new BIM Engineer

This is Caitlin. After her BIM Engineering internship with Williams, she decided to pursue a career in Building Information Modeling in our BIM & Prefab department. Our BIM Manager, Chuck, is her mentor — and he’s guided her experience in using modeling software like Revit and Navisworks.

Caitlin just completed her Mechanical Engineering Technology degree at Montana State University, and is excited to be working at Williams in the BIM department.

Want to learn more?

• If you’re excited about the HoloLens 2, Watch our YouTube playlist of all our HoloLens 2 videos to see how we’re leveraging BIM and VDC technology.
• If you’re curious to learn more about all our incredible tech — including BIM, VDC, 3D Earthwork Modeling, and Prefabrication — visit this page.