Local Design-Build Team Receives National Recognition

The Fourth Annual AIA TAP Building Information Model Awards selected the design-build team of BNBuilders, Inc. and The Miller|Hull Partnership as the award recipient in the category of Design/Delivery Process Innovation Using BIM.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a simulation of design and construction that increases understanding, communication, and confidence for all project stakeholders. When BIM is used as a digital "mock-up" for a project, it allows the rapid discovery and resolution of potential conflicts before they occur.

The BNB and Miller|Hull design-build team was recognized for their innovative use of BIM on the Five Design-Build Community Libraries project for the King County Library System. The project consists of five buildings, each a 5,000 to 6,000 SF branch library. BIM was used to study specific areas of the buildings in more detail and as a team. Models were used early in design to discuss design intent and ideas. The team also utilized BIM to produce a "4-D" simulation of the construction. This tool was used by BNB and subcontractors alike to visualize the construction of the structures. This visual scheduling and sequencing tool was especially useful during site preconstruction meetings and safety program development by the superintendents and workers.

"This project was exciting for us as it provided an opportunity to be innovative in so many different ways," said Sian Roberts, AIA, Project Designer and Partner with Miller|Hull. "Design-Build was not entirely new to our firm, but a public, design-oriented, design-build project was. Making this our first BIM project added to both the challenge and opportunities presented."

BNB has implemented BIM on 12 current projects, representing more than 500,000 square feet and $195,000,000 in construction. Dace Campbell, BNB's in-house Integrated Delivery Specialist, recognizes the important role BIM plays in the construction industry and is proud of the team's achievements on the Five Design-Build Community Libraries project. "We were granted this award by a jury of leading BIM professionals and analysts, and we are honored that our efforts to innovate with BIM in our delivery processes are regarded as exemplary"

BNBuilders, Inc. is a Seattle-based General Contractor with offices in Washington, California, Montana, and Oregon.