The BIM Studio at UWM in the fall of 2007 was dedicated to investigating how early and effectively Revit Architecture 2008 can be utilized in the design process. Can it be an electronic paper napkin, or must we regard it as a linen suitable only for the main course? Both the initial idea for the studio and the substantial financial support and expertise were all offered by Eppstein Uhen Architects.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is rapidly becoming the tool of choice for building design, construction, and facility management. Its impact on representation, fabrication, and the culture of architecture is evident and proceeding at an ever-accelerating pace. In fact, if the potential of BIM to support integrative practice were fully realized, the new paradigm would be nothing short of revolutionary. Old models of responsibility and authorship will have to be abandoned. The practice of architecture that has always been described as collaboration will truly become one that includes every member of the process from owner to architect to contractor to facility manager. The earlier all members begin to collaborate on the building information model, the more successful the project will become.

BIM offers both designers and constructors the opportunity to integrate all aspects of design, detailing, and construction management. This integration provides all participants with an increased ability to comprehend what has always been a complex process.

The positives that accrue in professional architectural practice do come with a degree of risk that must be addressed by the architectural professions and the construction industry. The power of BIM to standardize materials and assemblies, if not recognized and addressed, can lead to a lack of thoughtful introspection. If simply taught to accept the libraries that exist in a BIM software catalogue, the opportunity to think critically about the building process will be lost.