BIM has crossed the tipping point
Architecture, engineering and construction workflows have changed faster in the last five years than in the previous twenty. The headline numbers tell the story:
73 % of UK construction professionals now use BIM every day (NBS BIM Survey 2024).
Irish public projects valued above €100 million have required BIM since January 2024, and lower thresholds will apply by 2026.
17 of 27 EU countries have introduced BIM mandates or national strategies for public projects.
Sources: NBS National BIM Report 2023; Irish Government BIM Mandate 2024; EU Commission BUILD-UP Report 2025.
Bottom line: Revit is no longer “nice to have”; it is a hiring prerequisite for any serious studio.
What firms look for in 2025
| Traditional CV claim | 2025 expectation |
|---|---|
| “Proficient in AutoCAD” | Can issue ISO 19650 named Revit sheets |
| A portfolio of glossy renders | A coordinated BIM model with schedules |
| One term of Revit at university | Evidence of a complete project, from concept to documentation |
Recruiters increasingly open candidate Revit files during interviews. They look for an organised project browser, sensible families and data rich schedules, not just attractive elevations.
Why a single Revit module at university isn’t enough
Most architecture schools introduce Revit briefly. Students might model walls and roofs and place a few tags, yet they rarely:
- issue a sheet set that passes an ISO 19650 naming check;
- extract accurate door and window schedules;
- manage revision clouds or a PDF issue set.
Graduates soon discover the gap. They can click around the interface, but they struggle to produce professional documentation and hiring managers notice.
Three practical steps to future proof your CV
1. Install Revit (the student licence is free) and spend an evening exploring ribbons, properties, the project browser and the difference between project base point and survey point.
2. Rebuild one residential project from start to finish instead of grazing on random video clips. An end to end exercise shows how early massing choices connect to final sheets.
3. Document while you model. Add sheets, views and schedules as you work so your deliverables grow in parallel, exactly how professional offices operate.
Completing those three actions alone places you in the top quartile of entry level candidates.
Proof That Revit Skills Pay Off
AECOM, Arup, and Foster + Partners all list Revit competency as a requirement for 2025 junior architect roles.
According to the Hays UK Salary Guide 2024, graduates with Revit/ BIM skills often start £5,000–£8,000 higher than peers who only list CAD.
No BIM = no interview. It’s that simple.
Where to Focus Next
If you’re building Revit confidence or preparing for BIM based roles, focus your time on depth rather than breadth.
Prioritise three areas employers actually review:
- Model organisation – Maintain a clean project browser, correct view templates, and proper naming conventions. It’s the first thing interviewers notice.
- Data accuracy – Use schedules and parameters correctly. BIM is valuable because of its data, not just its visuals.
- Deliverables – Create a small but complete project that demonstrates design intent and some construction documentation.
A single, well structured model that tells a clear design to documentation story will always outperform a portfolio of disjointed screenshots.
Final thought
BIM isn’t an optional skill anymore; it’s the foundation of architectural practice.
Architects who understand coordination, standards, and data will define the next decade of design delivery.
Invest early, build a workflow mindset, and you’ll stand out as someone who speaks the language of modern architecture.
Arch-Aid helps architecture graduates and professionals build portfolio ready BIM projects aligned with UK and Irish standards.
Explore structured BIM training designed for real project delivery, not just software clicks.
One Response
Very insightful! If only I knew this sooner in college!