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The Client When a client commissions a building they are primarily concerned with how the building will serve their needs after the project's completion. They own and may well manage the built asset and, naturally, they will prioritize their business needs above all else. With this in mind, one might assume that BIM – and its potential to save money through reduced lifecycle costs – may be of considerable appeal to clients when commissioning projects. However, one of the most frequent objections to BIM adoption, raised by designers and engineers, is a lack of client demand. Although clients and their Facilities Management teams are likely to be the single biggest users of BIM models and the data they contain, they probably wouldn't regard themselves as BIM experts. In fact, survey results reveal that clients are often confused by BIM terminology and have a tendency to view it as overly 'techy.' Typically, clients view the construction process simply as a means to an end. Why would they understand BIM and why would they want to commission a process they might view as additionally complex or – on occasion – incurring additional expense. There are exceptions: In countries like the UK (where BIM Level 2 became a mandatory requirement on all publicly procured projects in April 2016) Central Government clients have been briefed for a number of years on BIM and its benefits. While there are private sector clients who are keen advocates of BIM, they are typically larger companies who fall under the umbrella of early adoption. For the most part, clients who are using BIM are doing so passively and with little or no awareness of the direct benefit to them. Undoubtedly, if the true value of BIM is to be fully harnessed, then this needs to change. Clients can save considerable expense on projects at every stage using BIM. From design to lifecycle management (and even renovation), time and up front expenditure can be minimized. However, until they are made aware of these savings and benefits in terms they understand, it's unlikely that client demand will skyrocket in the short term. Over a longer period, though, it's likely that the benefits of BIM for facilities management will become increasingly apparent. Coupled with clearer – client- focused – communication about the long term cost yield of reliable costing and lifecycle data, it's likely this will usher in a sea change. As client demand grows, it's more important than ever that everyone involved in the design process is already embracing BIM practices. BIM & Design: From Architects to Subcontractors – Who does what?

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