BIM Workflow Improvements for Small Enterprises Participating in Large-Scale Projects

Project Overview

Project Description

SGAI supports refugee-owned and managed small enterprises engaged in reconstruction-related work for Ukraine. Many of these SMEs – now operating partly from Poland – struggle to exchange BIM (Building Information Modeling) project data with large EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies due to incompatible software ecosystems, unclear information requirements, and weak digital workflows. This limits their ability to participate in reconstruction supply chains.

Working with the fellow to define the scope, the project may involve the following elements:

BIM Interoperability Diagnostics

• • Assessing a sample of Ukrainian SMEs to map their BIM software environments, workflow maturity, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) capabilities, and collaboration barriers.
  • Developing a concise interoperability gap report identifying the highest-impact workflow improvements needed for EPC collaboration.

BIM Data Exchange Guidebooks

• • Developing step-by-step documentation enabling SMEs to deliver consistent, EPC-ready BIM datasets. This includes:
    • • • IFC export standards and model validation rules
        • Cross-platform (Revit/Archicad/etc.) workflow guides
        • Digital submission templates (naming, metadata, QA/QC)
        • Lightweight information-security and CDE-sharing protocols

These outputs provide SMEs with a clear, repeatable pathway for participating in large-scale reconstruction projects.

Impact

This project strengthens the capacity of refugee-owned and managed SMEs to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction by enabling them to meet digital coordination expectations set by large EPC companies. Improved BIM data exchange capacity leads to increased contract eligibility, reduced errors, and higher productivity. As SMEs gain access to larger, better-paying projects, cash flow remains within the local workforce rather than being transferred abroad – contributing to poverty reduction and economic resilience.

Eligibility Criteria

Skills / Experience:

• Required:
  • Ability to assess digital workflows, identify interoperability gaps, and document clear process improvements.
  • Knowledge of modern construction techniques and basic familiarity with regional construction regulations.
  • Proficiency in IT tools for design.
  • Communication – multidisciplinary and multicultural.
  • Motivation to work with SME companies.
• Desired:
  • Communication skills in Polish; knowledge of Ukrainian is a plus.
  • Experience working in multicultural or post-conflict environments.

Software Proficiency:

• Required: BIM tools (e.g. Revit/Archicad) and understanding of IFC-based open BIM workflows.

Discipline:

• Civil engineering or architecture.

Preferred Timezone (when the Fellow should be available for meetings):

• Compatibility with Central European Time (UTC+1)