How BIM is changing the way architects design

In today’s competitive construction and design environment, Building Information Modelling is rapidly becoming the industry standard for professionals seeking greater accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration.

At Lecico South Africa, we recognise how transformative BIM will be for local architects, developers, and quantity surveyors. As we prepare to launch our own BIM file resources, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this shift matters.

 

Why BIM is more than just a tool

BIM for architecture projects enables you to go beyond traditional design methods by integrating real-world data into digital building models. It connects your specifications with construction processes, budget planning, and long-term facilities management – linking every stage of the project within one unified platform.

What that means for your practice:

• More accurate designs

• Better stakeholder coordination

• Faster approvals and fewer site changes

• Stronger client confidence from the outset

If you’re new to the concept, we recommend reading our introductory article: What is BIM?

 

From drawing board to site

Let’s imagine you’re working on a mixed-use development with tight timeframes and budget restrictions. Traditionally, you’d juggle product brochures, manual dimensions, last-minute spec changes, and availability concerns from your suppliers.

Now picture this in play:

• You drop fully modelled, spec-rich elements into your design software

• The quantity surveyor extracts accurate BoQs directly from your plan

• The developer visualises the completed space in 3D during the pitch

• Your plumber receives the exact fixing details ahead of installation

Everything flows more smoothly – from design to delivery. No second-guessing. No unexpected substitutions. Just one connected, collaborative process.

 

 

Why this matters for South African projects

BIM is gaining traction across residential, commercial, and public sector developments in South Africa. And it’s not just for mega-projects – smaller teams are using it to reduce errors, control costs, and ensure compliance from day one.

For architects:

• Less time spent sourcing specs

• Cleaner, more reliable documentation

• Design clarity that wins trust with clients

For developers:

• Smarter procurement

• Greater cost and timeline certainty

• Stronger project planning and investor confidence
  

 

For QSs and contractors:

• Automatic take-offs

• Improved collaboration

• Fewer costly site reworks

If you’re looking to understand the broader advantages of Building Information Modelling, read this ArchDaily article that unpacks the benefits in depth.

Our commitment to supporting the shift to BIM

At Lecico, we understand that the role of sanitaryware in a building project goes far beyond aesthetics – it must work, fit, comply, and last. That’s why we’re investing in the tools our professional community needs to specify products accurately and efficiently in the digital design space.

We are committed to:

• Preparing a growing number of our bathroomware ranges for BIM integration

• Ensuring the product data embedded in our BIM files is reliable, up-to-date, and easy to use

• Making it easier for architects, developers, and specifiers to plan with confidence

This is just one more way we aim to support South Africa’s architecture and construction professionals with the right tools – and the trusted service we are known for.

Our BIM file library is here soon

It’s not long before we’ll be officially unveiling our range of BIM-ready products. These files will be available in Revit format and include all the key data needed to integrate them into your models with confidence.

You’ll also still be able to download:

• Product specification sheets
• CAD drawings 
• Installation guides and warranty details
  

For professionals specifying bathroom products in South Africa, these combined resources will make it easier to move from concept to completion with accuracy.

Planning a new build or renovation?

We’re your go-to partner for reliable specification support.

We offer:

• High-quality sanitaryware backed by long-term warranties

• Product spec sheets, CAD drawings, and installation guides available now

• Expert advice from design to delivery

 

 

Get the bathroom solutions your project needs with expert support from start to finish. Speak to the Lecico team today and let’s bring your next design to life.