Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you work with?

We mainly work with three groups.

Building owners and operators who want better information to run their estates
NHS Trusts and healthcare providers who need support with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and information management
Architects and design teams who have to respond to client BIM requirements and keep projects coordinated

We are very used to sitting on the client side of the table and helping you get what you actually need from your supply chain, not what suits them.

What services do you offer?

Our work falls into a few core areas.

Information management strategy and standards for owners, NHS Trusts and design teams
Support with BIM on live projects, including information manager roles
Creation and review of key client BIM documents, including Organisational Information Requirements, Exchange Information Requirements, Project Information Requirements and Asset Information Requirements
Helping you shape those requirements to suit a specific framework, funding route or the way your own estate operates, rather than a one size fits all template
Setting up and improving common data environments (CDEs) and document workflows
Making sure models, schedules and data will actually work with your asset registers and Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems

In simple terms, we help you move from messy, inconsistent information to something you can trust and use.

Do you work to any standards?

Yes. Our work is aligned to the main UK and international standards for information management and BIM, including:

BS EN ISO 19650 Parts 1 to 6
BS 1192 4 (often referred to as BS 1192 Part 4)
Relevant NHS technical guidance, including Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs) and Health Building Notes (HBNs), where projects require it

We do not quote standards for the sake of it, but we do make sure your processes, documents and project requirements can stand up to audit and client review.

Can you help us to create our own client BIM and information requirements?

Yes. This is a core part of what we do for asset owners, NHS Trusts and other commissioning clients.

We work with you to develop clear, realistic Organisational, Exchange, Project and Asset Information Requirements that reflect how your estate is actually run. That includes aligning with your frameworks, funding routes, existing systems and ways of working, rather than lifting a generic template. The result is a set of requirements that suppliers can understand and deliver against and that give you information you can use.

Can you help us respond to client BIM and information requirements?

Yes. This is a big part of what we do for architects, designers and other delivery teams.

We help you unpack employer standards and client information requirements so you understand what is really being asked for and what it means for your scope, programme and fees. We then support you in developing a clear BIM Execution Plan, responsibility matrices, task and master information delivery plans and any supporting procedures you need, so your response is structured, realistic and aligned to BS EN ISO 19650.

Can you work with our existing systems?

In most cases, yes. We prefer to work with what you already have rather than trying to sell you new tools.

We are used to working with a range of common data environments and CAFM or asset systems. Our focus is on structuring models, documents and data so they can drop into those systems cleanly and support your current ways of working, rather than creating a separate “BIM world” that nobody uses.

Do you only work with healthcare clients?

No. We have a strong track record with NHS Trusts and healthcare providers, but we also support universities, local authorities, private owners, contractors and architects.

Healthcare is a key focus because of the New Hospitals Programme, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) remediation and the NHS information management mandate, but the same principles apply across other estates.

What size of projects do you support?

We work on a wide range of project sizes. That might be:

A small targeted review of an existing asset register or model
Support on a single capital project
A portfolio wide information management strategy for an estate with many sites

The key question is not the construction value, it is whether information is important to the decisions you need to make. If it is, we can usually help.

Do you offer one off reviews or only long term support?

Both. Some clients want a short, focused piece of work such as:

An audit of their BIM processes
A review of a single project before handover
A check of their information requirements before they issue them

Others prefer ongoing support, for example a set number of days each month acting as an external information manager. We can agree whatever mix makes sense for your budget and workload.

How do you usually start working with a new client?

We normally start with a short discovery phase. That might include:

A call or meeting to understand your aims, constraints and risks
A quick review of your existing documents, models and systems
A simple written note that sets out what we think you need and a sensible first step

From there we agree a piece of work that is small enough to be low risk but big enough to be useful.

Can you help us make sense of existing BIM models and data?

Yes. Many clients inherit models and data that do not match their standards or systems. We can:

Review what you have and explain, in plain language, what is usable and what is not
Map model and asset data to your own structures and codes
Identify gaps that need to be filled on future projects

The aim is always the same: less “BIM for show”, more information you can actually rely on.

How do you charge for your services?

We normally work on a fixed fee for a defined piece of work, or a day rate for more flexible support. For longer term arrangements, we can agree a monthly allocation of time so you know what you are paying and what you will get.

We will always be clear about costs up front and we will not try to sell you services you do not need.

If you need support with a digital construction or information management service that is not listed here, please get in touch. We work across all stages of the digital construction process and can usually find a practical way to help.