PLAN

VBL works with Owners and Developers to conceptualize projects towards a greater understanding of scope, concept and project financing. For Design Teams and Contractors, VBL provides visualization, conceptualization and project phasing for marketing purposes and a greater understanding of scope.

VBL has been a great partner and has been instrumental in the success of various endeavors. The professionalism and integrity of their team work is second to none. They work and integrate seamlessly with our teams and have greatly enhanced the services we provide as a construction manager.”

Kevin M. Bredeson, Director of Virtual Construction

Pepper Construction Company

The Process

Prior to the application of A/E/BIM VBL determines:

• Goals of the Owner and General Contractor

• Expectations of BIM

• The project’s spatial/scope/analysis requirements

VBL project managers then use this information to determine technologies (software, hardware, and processes) required to achieve these goals and how they will be implemented throughout the projects design/construction/fm phase.

VBL Project Managers then evaluate:

• Contractor and Subcontractor BIM acumen

• Current modeling software use/application

• BIM acceptance

This evaluation helps determine the level of support required to ensure an “All In” IPD collaborative project approach.

DESIGN

Our Design Teams work with Owners and Developers from project conception to hand over. As Architect of Record, VBL’s team of designers have an outstanding portfolio from Healthcare facilities (both private and military) to multimillion dollar mixed-use developments in the U.S. and abroad.  

“We have had the opportunity to work with VBL on a number of international projects. Most recently, we had a chance to engage with them on projects in Hong Kong and the Philippines. VBL took the BIM lead role in each of these engagements. Their BIM acumen is second to none across the globe.”

Phil Thoburn, President
Forsspac

THE PROCESS

Design Document Production Services include:

• Architect of Record

• Architectural Design

• MEP Design

• Schematic Design

• Design Development

• Construction Documents

By utilizing BIM tools early in project conception VBL’s design teams can assure greater project control, adherence to construction schedule and time/cost savings. All architectural, structural, site, MEP trade and construction documents are produced in 3D and fully coordinated allowing for a better understanding of project phasing and contractor role.

BUILD

VBL adapts their deployment and support plan to provide direct on-site support to all individuals on the project team from the Owner to the Subcontractors. VBL team members hold Coordination Meetings with all involved parties on a day-to-day / week-to-week basis to ensure project success and address any issues that may arise. Meetings solidify project expectations and goals, addressing the roles and responsibilities of all parties. This architecture allows a greater understanding of the customer’s requirements and seamless communication across the project team.

“VBL staff was professional, adaptable to a changing schedule and really made our BIM requirements easy to achieve on the project.”

John Hausback, Branch Manager
Foley Company 

Process

While on-site, VBL Project Managers will determine project needs and if there should be changes made in:

• Technologies applied

• Processes implemented

• Team size and resources

They also act as Contractor/Subcontractor support assuring all parties are up to speed with the BIM and provide the training and support necessary for project success.

During weekly or biweekly project meetings, VBL Project Managers are supported by VBL team BIM modelers, BIM integrators, BIM analysts, and principles through Webex (allowing real time virtual support). At these meetings VBL gives up to the minute TQ reports and reviews change orders which may have resulted from prior TQ reports.

Prior to the project completion and full BIM hand-off, VBL Senior Project Managers and Principals work with Owners, GCs, and Facilities Management firms to determine the specific CMMS, FM and CAFM software to be integrated.

“The VBL team has been very accommodating to meet our project schedule and ensure a successful project. VBL consistently exceeded our expectation in their contributions towards the completion of this project.”

Roger Less, P.E. Chief, Design Branch
USACE

Process

Determining which level of support expected from the BIM and technology acumen of the responsible FM team is paramount in the choices of technology and software at this stage to ensure the greatest ROI from the BIM throughout the project lifecycle.

Facilities Management through BIM allows you to have a one stop source of all project knowledge which greatly benefits the Facilities Management team and allows for a quicker ROI for the project Owner. The intelligent and information rich BIM allows access to:

• Architectural plans

• Mechanical components

• Electric, plumbing, and fire protection elements

It also has the ability to combine specific product information such as manufacturer, warranty, commissioning and maintenance specifics.