This class is a high-level overview of what Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) are and how they work in the construction process. We will talk about BIM for estimating, BIM for coordination, BIM for marketing and logistics, and BIM and site work. We will also discuss laser scanning, 4D simulations, as-builts, and some future capabilities.

The construction industry is implementing virtual reality (VR) for planning, design, and construction of projects. This presentation will showcase how VR is helping owners, designers, and contractors better visualize and implement design. Examples that show how VR can make a difference in the industry include planning high-security buildings, jails, airports, and complex medical centers. End users can give feedback on the design and construction of their facilities, which is an important innovation. By using VR, clients get the ability to make changes virtually for free well before actual construction has begun. We'll show how the embrace of VR in construction planning is improving design-it leads to faster project approvals, decreases in the number of change orders, and better projects.

Using civil virtual design and construction technology is never an easy battle. There are numerous hard expenses upfront and soft expenses that follow. Often individuals have to create plans when they don't understand the full implications of using new technology and providing new services. This course explores how to successfully develop an implementation plan, how to quantify results, and how to see that returns are realized. We will provide examples from Sundt Construction Inc.'s own experience of implementing technology into the office and the field.

Autodesk’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection provides an extraordinary range of capabilities and tools that, when integrated, create incredible insights and make easy work of complex design and project problems. This class will explore the potential and power of digital construction and project management with the AEC Collection. In this class, we will dive into the complex installation of several large tanks in a highly confined facility, utilizing drone technology and reality capture with different software integrations. Some of the software this class will explore is AutoCAD Civil 3D software, Vehicle Tracking, ReCap software, ReCap Photo software, Navisworks software, InfraWorks software, and more. With the integration of all these programs, the project was able to succeed as planned, utilizing found vehicle and building clearances as well as logistical confirmation of the project's ability to succeed. This class will demonstrate the effectiveness of the AEC Collection as well as the virtual design and construction (VDC) methodology.

In today's fast-paced world it is becoming increasingly important to know how to utilize the design information received to create the most efficient and accurate plan for the construction of the designed systems. We'll talk about how we work with design models outside of Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination to get more accurate information to estimators, foremen, and electricians. There will also be a brief overview of how we approach the subject of prefabrication from an electrical view.

Brian Skripac, Director, Virtual Design & Construction at Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), joins Digital Builder Podcast to discuss how to successfully navigate contracts and delivery methods through the lens of technology.

The U.S. design and construction industry is shifting toward single-source delivery approaches such as design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD). A fundamental feature that these delivery systems share is the participation of subcontractors in the early stages of the project. DPR Construction has invested heavily in the use of new technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and in development of expertise in collaborative delivery methods. We find that including owner's Operations and Maintenance Teams in IPD leads to better total-cost-of-ownership outcomes, providing an opportunity to make asset data flow from the project into asset management systems. This information, along with building-automation-system trend data, makes possible a more accurate picture of building system performance, thereby improving decision-making about energy spend, system maintenance, and repair. We will share DPR's experience working with owners who understand the business value of IPD in order to achieve breakthrough outcomes in whole-life management of projects and buildings.

"If you want the same result, do the same thing. If you want something different, do something different." These words from the speaker’s leadership hit home when first heard as a young virtual design and construction (VDC) engineer after grinding through the first coordination project. After hitting road blocks with communicating issues in the coordination process, losing information in too many repositories, wasting time running back and forth to the trailer, and not having the data to learn what to do different, the speaker and team have created smarter workflows and processes to better plan, do, check, and perform their efforts.

We all have great Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards we've developed and nurtured for years, but we also realize that technology can only take us so far. Innovation in team and process are critical to making your firm's BIM + virtual design and construction (VDC) initiative successful. CannonDesign's VDC leaders, Brian Skripac and Liz Price, will share how rethinking the firm's BIM strategy and redefining its project deliverables to speak to a new VDC mindset will drive value and more deeply engage the firm's broader Practice Integration initiative.

Discover how VR and AR create a practical, end‑to‑end BIM workflow from design to construction. See how Autodesk Forma can be integrated with Autodesk Workshop XR to enable immersive design reviews and collaborative decision making in VR. Then discover real-life integration with GAMMA AR to validate installation, reduce errors, and connect design intent directly to construction for a seamless, circular, virtual design and construction (VDC) workflow.

Models should not live in silos. They should drive decisions. This session will explore how Autodesk connects BIM and virtual design and construction (VDC) workflows across design and construction, from early concept through handover and beyond. Learn how teams can better coordinate, collaborate, and use models across tools and roles. We'll share what's coming in Autodesk Forma to make models more usable, accessible, and valuable in both the field and the office. Explore the recent and future capabilities for Autodesk Forma Design Collaboration, Autodesk Forma for Model Management, and Navisworks Manage users to better coordinate models and collaborate across teams.

This session will explain how BIM-MEPAUS develops a best-practice, virtual-design-to-physical-construction BIM MEP methodology. This methodology promotes integrated project delivery within the Australian MEP industry through accurate design-to-commission as-built and design-to-fabrication workflows, structured and consistent modeling practices, plus industry standardization-delivering improved supply-chain efficiency and communication.

In the fast-evolving landscape of industrial construction, the early integration of virtual design and construction (VDC) and engineering disciplines is not just beneficial—it's essential. This session explores how using VDC from the beginning phases can significantly reduce rework and redesign, streamline processes, and ensure project accuracy. We will discuss how this integrated approach is particularly critical for modular construction projects, where precision and planning are paramount. Through case studies and practical insights, attendees will learn strategies to effectively synchronize VDC and engineering to enhance project outcomes.

The audience for this session will be polled beforehand on digital twin hot takes and cold truths. Based on the results, former virtual design and construction (VDC) professionals working in the digital twin technology space will share a hot take and cold truth from their experiences. For example, a hot take is: "You can build a digital twin with poor data quality, set goals with an emphasis on 3D visualization over operational outcomes, and do many pilot projects without scaling into broader operations." We'll identify opportunities and share anecdotes on empowering owners, operators, and their design and construction partners to connect capital delivery and facilities operations through digital twins.

There's no doubt that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has radically changed how today's construction management and field operations function at a root level. Understanding how to best use BIM in today's complex construction projects takes a lot of work. This class will focus on how to use today's architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) BIM software in your field operations with BIM coordination, virtual design and construction (VDC) processes, field layout, and creation of as-builts. We'll focus on some advanced techniques and best practices in Revit software in order to help facilitate an easier BIM coordination process using Navisworks Manage software. We also look into how Point Layout, Total Stations, and related tools have revolutionized how trade subcontractors optimize their processes and facilitate prefabrication and installation. We'll also cover the current developments in Revit software's latest fabrication capabilities and how it is supplanting the traditional AutoCAD market share.

The panel discussion will provide insights into transitioning from field roles to virtual design and construction (VDC) roles in construction. Attendees will gain practical insights, explore technological advancements, and discover professional development opportunities in this evolving construction career landscape. The discussion will cover how to attract field engineers to VDC, understand the changing role dynamics, integrate VDC practices, and utilize technology for improved project outcomes. Through real-world experiences and actionable steps, the panel will propose a roadmap for navigating this transition, developing training strategies, and leading teams to achieve construction excellence.

When looking at case studies and success stories that demonstrate how construction projects have implemented Building Information Modeling (BIM), the project values are at least $30 million, and they usually run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. This does not address the numerous projects that are much smaller and still require detailed coordination efforts. This class will look at using BIM and virtual design and construction (VDC) on smaller projects, as well as explore the tips and tricks that our firm has learned using BIM on smaller projects, including projects valued at less than $10 million.

One of the biggest challenges that the architecture, engineering, and construction industry faces is conveying the design intent in a manner that reduces constructability and rework complications at all handover stages of a project's lifecycle. This presentation will discuss how early contractor involvement and an integrated design and construction process can help to achieve design optimization through the use of virtual design and construction (VDC) tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM). On the Zoetis project the Construction Team was involved in the earliest stages of the project-performing task, including quantity analysis and cost trending, discipline constructability, and coordination review. Because the reviews happened by the time construction documentation was issued, the firm avoided the majority of the problems that normally occur during construction. Additionally, the Construction Team has seen a reduction of 50% of the normal schedule time for the coordination of the project. This has enabled the team to provide the client, Zoetis, with value for its budget.

Architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) firms want better automation, reporting, and AI outcomes. But inconsistent Revit parameters, unmanaged content, weak naming standards, and disconnected Autodesk Forma Data Management workflows often get in the way. This session will give BIM, virtual design and construction (VDC), and digital practice leaders a practical 90-day scorecard for identifying the data that matters most, scoring current-state readiness, and prioritizing what to fix first. You'll see how to evaluate model health, content governance, metadata, coordination workflows, and handoff structure so you can build a realistic road map for stronger delivery, better collaboration, and future AI readiness.