Synergizing BIM and RIBA in architectural practice–technology workflow efficiencies, challenges, and insights

Abstract

Productivity improvements are constrained by insufficient consideration of technology adoption within professions. This study clarifies the limited knowledge between BIM and RIBA architectural workflow synergies and proposes a framework to improve identified inefficiencies. Consequently, a qualitative approach consisting of 10 interviews with architects was conducted to understand their personal experiences and opportunities for improvement. The findings revealed that multidisciplinary design cooperation and risk reduction are major possibilities for workflow improvements in the design stage, while site communication and error detection increase the need for an architect’s presence onsite during the construction stage. Additionally, this study identifies interoperability, barriers to change, and design inflexibility as professional drawbacks of using BIM. These findings provide hierarchical data to form an architect’s BIM matrix, which aims to maximise opportunities and reduce challenges in BIM implementation. This study highlights the importance of considering both technical and human factors in BIM adoption and uses management theories to explain how architects can better utilise technology to enhance their practice.