BIM Services provided plumbing modeling, shop drawings, and as-builts on behalf of UMC Health System within a hospital project of 221,480 square feet in size. This work scope was determined after the change to a design/build delivery method halfway through the project, which called for coordination efforts with the design and construction team and effective planning of equipment availability.
Project Summary
- Plumbing modeling, shop drawings, and as-built documentation for a 221,480 sq ft hospital facility
- Proactive coordination through a mid-project transition to design-build delivery
- Weekly coordination meetings with the GC, MEPF trades, and designers
- Maintenance clearances added to floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted equipment, valves, and dampers
- LOD 350 modeling delivered in Revit Fabrication 2021 for accurate, field-ready plumbing documentation
Project Snapshot
| Project Area | 221,480 sq ft |
| Architect | HDR Architecture Inc. |
| Engineer | Hugo Reed and Associates Inc. |
| Owner | UMC Health System |
| LOD | 350 |
| Trades Covered | Plumbing, Shop Drawing, As-Built |
| Software | Revit Fabrication 2021 |
| Verticals | Plumbing |
Navigating a Transition to Design-Build Delivery
Originally scoped for HVAC, mechanical piping, and plumbing modeling and coordination, the project encountered design issues and frequent updates as it shifted toward a design-build approach. Our BIM coordination team responded with:
- Proactive solutions developed after validating feasibility directly within the plumbing model
- Weekly meetings engaging the GC, MEPF trades, and designers to keep coordination aligned
- Detailed RFIs supported by before-and-after model snapshots to enhance communication and efficiency
- Design changes reflected in the model quickly enough to avoid slowing overall project progress
Planning for Long-Term Facility Maintenance
A hospital environment demands more than a clash-free installation — equipment has to stay serviceable for years after handover. This work included:
- Maintenance clearances added to floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted equipment, including valves and dampers
- Accessibility planned into the model for post-installation servicing of critical plumbing elements
- Coordination carried out with an eye toward the facility’s long-term operational needs
- Equipment placement planned to reduce disruption to clinical operations during future service work
Clash Testing and Facility Maintenance Team Reviews
Every maintenance clearance and equipment placement was verified through rigorous clash detection before installation began. Key outcomes included:
- Clash tests run against other trades and architectural elements to identify and resolve issues pre-installation
- Periodic BIM meetings scheduled with the Facility Maintenance team to review accessibility and compliance
- Quality checks completed to ensure compliance with city requirements before installation
Fabrication-Ready Shop Drawings and As-Built Accuracy
Each and every one of those coordinated decisions were translated into detailed shop drawings and as-built drawings of the finished product. Our team:
- Delivered LOD 350 plumbing modeling in Revit Fabrication 2021
- Produced shop drawings supporting accurate fabrication and installation across the facility
- Documented as-built conditions to reflect the final, coordinated plumbing layout
The UMC Health System project reflects how BIM Services applies proactive coordination, maintenance-focused clearances, and rigorous clash testing to deliver reliable plumbing infrastructure for active healthcare facilities. For more examples of our work in this sector, explore our healthcare portfolio.
