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When I started with Amoroso in 2007, we did not use BIM (Building Information Modeling) extensively as a construction tool, although it had been around the industry for nearly a decade. More and more, BIM applications are currently utilized and required on construction projects. Public agencies are incorporating BIM into their specifications as part of the construction requirements. This means Amoroso employees should be open and willing to learn the technology to become BIM proficient in order to achieve continued success in the future.

Contrary to popular belief, BIM is not a software program and it is not three-dimensional computer aided design. BIM is a database of building lifecycle information that can be visually represented as a three-dimensional virtual object. The power of BIM lies in the connectedness between the data and the virtual object – if you change the data, the object changes accordingly, and if you change the object, the data changes accordingly. This "visual data" is revolutionizing the construction industry.

For general contractors, the cost of creating BIM and becoming BIM proficient is the single most prominent barrier to implementing this technology on current projects. We have seen much success on all projects in Southern California which are coordinated using BIM, but have to continue to become more proficient as a company. Amoroso will continue to be rewarded with increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability by utilizing this valuable resource.

Of the three levels of BIM (Information-focused, Application-focused, and Integration-focused) Amoroso is best served by Application-focused BIM as follows

• 3-D visualization,
• 3-D design review and clash detection / coordination,
• 4-D scheduling: Allows the scheduling and sequencing to be incorporated into the model, and
• 5-D estimating: A project can be estimated using BIM which will lead to more accurate and complete estimation

Amoroso is currently utilizing BIM for 3-D visualization, review, and clash detection. 4-D and 5-D use of BIM will definitely become tools that we utilize moving forward.

BIM adoption by contractors reached a tipping point in 2009. We embraced this new technology and began implementing its use on projects whether it was an Owner requirement or not. Now, it is time for us to step forward again by keeping current with the technology and continuing to learn and utilize BIM.