---
title: What a BIM Specialist Does – And How to Become One
description: Neha Sadruddin, BIM Specialist at Bjarke Ingels Group and a mentor at Novatr, tells us what a day in the life of a BIM Specialist looks like. Read on for her valuable insights on what the job entails, scope for growth, and how one can go about making a career in BIM!
image: https://drt8cv58r2b23.cloudfront.net/images/blog/blogHero/CG004_SC_WhatABIMSpecialistDoesAndHowToBecomeOne_0122_Image01.jpg
---
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Featured Article
# What a BIM Specialist Does – And How to Become One
Sai Sreekar Chebiyyam
February 4, 2022
5 min read
*Neha Sadruddin is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) specialist working at [BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)](https://big.dk/#projects), New York. She completed her architectural education at the [Pratt Institute School of Architecture](https://architecture.pratt.edu/), Brooklyn, New York. We spoke to her about her journey after graduating college to becoming a BIM specialist at one of the best architecture firms in the world.*
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Let us dive into the QnA and understand the role of a BIM specialist from insights by Neha Sadruddin.
## **Q1. Who is a BIM specialist? Can you define the role and how a regular day looks for one?**
BIM specialist is a significantly essential member of the in-house BIM team, which provides support for:
• Various projects in producing BIM models
• Making construction sets
• Guiding through complex modeling
• Managing the models
• Training freshers in BIM
• Conducting post-deadline reviews to streamline the workflow
• Developing the BIM Library
• Setting up office standards, templates
• Developing in-house tools to save time by automating mundane tasks
## **Q2. We've heard that you've also actively taken up coding recently. Is developing in-house automation tools a tipping point that pushed you towards the coding realm**
Yes, it is one of the reasons. We are trying to develop in-house BIM plugins that automate some of the mundane tasks in the modeling and documentation workflow. These plugins save a significant amount of time for Architects & Designers to concentrate more on the creative side of the job.
## **Q3. Previously, you worked on several projects in parametric design. Could you describe that journey for us?**
I have worked on a few projects that required parametric modeling assistance. Fundamentals remain the same, but the approach varies on the project; for example, we use adaptive components to make complex facades. Visual scripting in Grasshopper (especially after Rhino 7) is one of the famous solutions for massing. A hybrid approach and several plugins would make up a final parametric model most of the time.
\[Read: [8 Awesome Rhino 3D Plugins That Will Change Your Modelling Life](https://www.novatr.com/blog/8-awesome-rhino-3d-plugins-that-will-change-your-modelling-life)\]
[](https://big.dk/#projects)
## **Q4. Did you ever practice anything independently outside of your regular job?**
I have done some freelance projects but collaborating with [Novatr](https://www.novatr.com/) is the most recent pursuit. **It's pretty interesting to mentor BIM enthusiasts**; this process has also become a learning experience for me to update my methodologies, considering the challenges students face.
## **Q5. What BIM software do you typically work with, and how do they impact the AEC (Architecture Engineering and Construction) industry?**
Revit is the most common one I use with many other plugins like [pyRevit](https://www.notion.so/pyrevitlabs/pyRevit-bd907d6292ed4ce997c46e84b6ef67a0), [Ideate](https://ideatesoftware.com/), and [Rhino inside](https://www.rhino3d.com/features/rhino-inside-revit/). [Dynamo](https://dynamobim.org/) and [C#](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/) also has a huge potential to collaborate, automate Revit workflow starting from schematic design to construction documents or parametric modeling. We used [Navisworks](https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview) as a collaboration and clash detection tool, which is now beginning to be dominated by [ACC Model Coordination](https://construction.autodesk.com/).
## **Q6. Name one sacred BIM practice that you always follow at work.**
We are always on the lookout for the latest plug-ins that can boost productivity. We test and incorporate them into our workflow from time to time. However, I would say, our most sacred assets are our custom templates and libraries that we are constantly developing so they're well-equipped to serve as a good starting point for the project teams. It is a real joy for me to see teams use them!
[](https://www.cmc.edu/news/first-look-integrated-sciences-plan)
## **Q7. How do you grow your knowledge of BIM while working and keep pace with industry trends? Are there any particular channels (like publications, video series, or podcasts) that you follow?**
I follow the [pyRevit youtube](https://www.youtube.com/c/pyRevit) channel most religiously. [Revit pure](https://www.youtube.com/c/RevitPure) and [Aussie BIMGuru](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCry22yTdpgEDdzIZig7NSMQ) are the other two channels with succinct explanations on each Revit feature. They even conduct conversations with experienced BIM specialists to share their insights on the latest trends. I also follow Parametric Architecture's virtual conferences conducted every quarter.
Attending conferences (ex: [Autodesk University](https://events-platform.autodesk.com/event/autodesk-university-2021)) is an excellent opportunity for networking and learning the latest trends. [AEC Tech](https://www.aectech.us/) by [CORE studio | Thornton Tomasetti](http://core.thorntontomasetti.com/aec-tech-symposium/) has many collaborative options like two-day masterclasses and hackathons, exposing us to diverse BIM practices.
## **Q8. What is the scope of BIM in the future, especially in developing countries?**
There is a lot of potential in third-world countries for BIM when all the stakeholders have sufficient knowledge and experience to practice it. But once that starts, the graph is going to be quite steep.
## **Q9. What, according to you, is the ideal time to start learning BIM as the field is very vast and rapidly growing?**
The sooner, the better (smiles)! **Having BIM in your quiver of skills would always stand out and give an edge while applying for jobs.** Precisely, one can start practicing BIM after getting essential AEC knowledge and before getting into a career. This timing would allow one to work with BIM practicing firms which could be a great way to start one's BIM career.
\[Read: [Salaries and Career Growth of BIM Professionals in India](https://www.novatr.com/blog/bim-salaries-india) to know more about BIM careers in India\]
\[Read: [BIM Global Growth Rate: What Is The Scope of BIM In The Future?](https://www.novatr.com/blog/bim-global-growth-rate-what-is-the-scope-of-bim-in-the-future)\]
[](https://big.dk/#projects)
## **Q10. Can one become a BIM specialist without getting certified? If so, what is the way to go about it?**
I am not certified (smiles). I consistently pushed myself to work on BIM jobs during my work under our [BIM manager](https://www.novatr.com/blog/bim-professional-jobs), and that upgraded my skill. Either **good significant experience or certification** can be helpful to become a BIM specialist.
## **Q11. Students and freshers are generally confused about which specialisation to take up. How does one know if a field like BIM is suitable for them?**
If one wants to do a Master's course in BIM, it's best to take advice from alumni or work (internship) at a BIM practicing firm for a while. One should make sure they understand the depth and breadth of the field to check if that's suitable for them.
## **Q.12 There are many open-source resources for learning BIM, like YouTube channels; for instance, Revit has Autodesk tutorials & forums and some cheaper online tutorials. Why would you recommend Novatr's BIM Professional Course to someone?**
• Well, one would be learning from BIM experts from across the globe. So we make sure our students get a holistic knowledge of the subject.
• This six-month course would give them time to hone their BIM software skills and thoroughly understand the AEC workflow.
• We consistently respond to students' doubts throughout the course and support them even after six months.
• And most of all, we provide hands-on experience to the students by making them apply the learned knowledge on projects under our supervision.
We hope you now have a better idea about the job of a BIM Specialist!
If you see yourself saving more time for the AEC industry as a BIM Specialist, start your career with [Novatr](https://www.novatr.com/)’s [BIM Professional Course](https://www.novatr.com/courses/building-information-modelling)! For more resources on BIM, parametric design, software & tools, industry trends, and career, head to the [Learning Hub](https://www.novatr.com/learning-hub?tag=All)!
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