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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Respect the Intern, Respect the BIM


I ran across this article on Twitter.  Although it is written in a more "rant" style of blog post there are many interesting points and it really got me thinking.  

Personally, I have always hated the title "intern". It automatically places you at the bottom of the totem pole in almost any situation.  Additionally, it does not give credit to the amount of work an intern completes or the value the intern adds to the project.  This got me thinking about what BIM (in my case, Revit) has done to the role of the intern.

I began my "intern career" using AutoCAD and ended it using Revit.  In most cases the responsibilities of 2D documentation have not changed from the AutoCAD Intern to the BIM Intern..."BIMtern"??...  So what has BIM done for the intern?  


The CAD intern was typically focusing on the creation of single drawings using their knowledge or "red-lines".  The CAD intern maye be tasked with a single toilet room detail plan, elevations, reflected ceiling plan, etc...  The BIMtern may be tasked with the same toilet room plans, elevations, and RCP's but the process of completing that task requires an understanding of how the task will effect other colleagues working on the project (both in 2-D and in 3-D) mainly because of the existence of worksharing and use of a single file (as opposed to a completely separate 2D drawing file).   The BIMterm will also have to communicate and coordinate with the MEP engineers if toilets have to be shifted, sinks have to be relocated, or lights have to move.  

You may be thinking, "technically, that has to be done with an AutoCAD process too".  This is true.  But does it? With a 2D workflow, unless you are x-referencing plumbing plans, the project can move on without a word being said between that intern and the MEP engineers.  With a true BIM workflow the architectural plans and elevations will show piping and lights in the wrong location until that coordination can happen.  Conversely, the MEP model will have some "open systems"... or detached pipes in this case.

Ultimately, the BIMtern will carry a more intimate role with the entire building during the design process, have an enhanced involvement in coordination, and play a major role in the success of the contract documents....  So he/she deserves a more fitting title.... 

What do you think??


Comments (4)

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Mark E. Woodward's avatar

Mark E. Woodward · 612 weeks ago

First, get your license, then you get the "title", which means initially little more than you were a good test taker, put in your time and " paid your dues".

It is one of the better "titles" to throw around at cocktail parties though, most chicks dig it...
Take a quick look at an older post of mine on AUGI related to my interns and the BIM process.
http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?95341-My-th...
Richard Everett's avatar

Richard Everett · 612 weeks ago

Same old same old intern debate, they know the software a bit more, so suddenly think they're a better architect than those of us who have spent 45 years learning our craft.
Eldon Borkwood's avatar

Eldon Borkwood · 612 weeks ago

Whilst it is an old argument, I think a little more respect for these 'young people' is deserved. I have worked with a number of interns and graduates who have brought a great deal to projects. Enthusiasm and hard work aside, their understanding of Revit and BIM processes has been quickly developed, surpassing many with their 'years of experience'. Old habits die hard I guess, probably why the industry struggles with change. I encourage all interns and graduates to raise the BIM flag, it's time for change and the future is in your hands.

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