Bringing Your Design to Life: How We Use BIMx to Help You Visualise Your Project

---

When most people think about architectural drawings, they imagine flat floor plans and technical documents. While these are essential, they can sometimes make it difficult to fully understand how a space will look and feel once built.

That is why we use BIMx.

BIMx allows you to explore your project in three dimensions, helping you visualise your future home or building before construction begins. Whether you are planning a home extension, a self-build house, a barn conversion or a commercial project, BIMx provides a simple and interactive way to understand the design.

---

What is BIMx?

BIMx is an interactive viewing app that allows you to explore a digital model of your project on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Instead of looking at a collection of separate drawings, you can walk through your proposed building as if you were standing inside it.

You can:

• Walk through rooms and spaces

• View the building from any angle

• Understand ceiling heights and proportions

• See how spaces connect together

• Explore external areas and landscaping

• Access drawings directly from the model

Think of it as a virtual tour of your future project.

---

Why We Use BIMx

One of the biggest challenges in architecture is helping clients understand space before it exists.

A floor plan might show that a room is 4 metres by 5 metres, but it can be difficult to picture how that space will actually feel.

By exploring the design in BIMx, clients often gain a much better understanding of:

• Room sizes

• Layouts

• Views to the garden

• Relationships between spaces

• Roof forms and ceiling heights

• Natural light opportunities

This often leads to better design decisions and greater confidence before construction begins.

---

Better Feedback During Design

Design is a collaborative process.

BIMx allows you to review the project in your own time and make informed comments before planning applications or construction drawings are finalised.

Clients frequently identify opportunities they may not have noticed on traditional drawings, such as:

• Furniture layouts

• Storage requirements

• Window positions

• Internal circulation

• Connections between inside and outside spaces

This means we can refine the design together and ensure it works as well as possible for your lifestyle.

---

Useful for the Whole Project Team

BIMx is not just useful for clients.

Builders, structural engineers, interior designers and other consultants can also use the model to better understand the project.

Because everyone can see the same information, communication becomes clearer and misunderstandings are reduced.

This can help improve coordination and reduce costly changes during construction.

---

Access Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of BIMx is convenience.

The app is free to download and works on:

• iPhone

• iPad

• Android devices

• Windows computers

• Mac computers

We simply send you a link to your project model and you can begin exploring immediately.

Whether you are at home, at work or on site, your project is always available at your fingertips.

---

Helping You Make Better Decisions

Building projects involve many decisions.

The more clearly you can visualise your project, the easier those decisions become.

By using BIMx alongside traditional architectural drawings, we help our clients gain a deeper understanding of their project, reduce uncertainty and move forward with confidence.

At Ikonic Architecture, we believe good design should be easy to understand. BIMx is one of the tools we use to bring your ideas to life and help you see the potential of your project long before construction starts.

---

Interested in Seeing Your Project in 3D?

Whether you are considering an extension, renovation, self-build home or conversion project, we can help you explore your ideas through interactive 3D design.

Get in touch with Ikonic Architecture to discuss your project and discover how BIMx can help you visualise your future space.

---

How to Use BIMx

Getting started with BIMx is simple and requires no specialist software or technical knowledge.

Step 1 – Download the BIMx App

The BIMx app is available free of charge for:

• Apple iPhone and iPad

• Android phones and tablets

• Windows computers

• Mac computers

Once installed, simply open the project link provided by Ikonic Architecture.

Step 2 – Explore the Model

You can navigate through the building using simple touch controls or your mouse and keyboard.

The model allows you to:

• Walk through rooms and corridors

• Move between floors

• View the building from outside

• Zoom in on specific details

• Understand room proportions and ceiling heights

• Explore the relationship between internal and external spaces

Many clients find this far easier to understand than traditional plans and elevations.

Step 3 – Switch Between 3D and Drawings

One of BIMx's most useful features is the ability to move seamlessly between the 3D model and the architectural drawings.

By selecting an element within the model, you can quickly access:

• Floor plans

• Elevations

• Sections

• Detail drawings

• Site plans

This helps you understand how the technical drawings relate to the building you are viewing.

---

Key Features of BIMx

Interactive Building Walkthroughs

Move through the building at your own pace and experience the design from a human perspective.

Hyperlinked Drawings

Drawings and model elements are connected, making it easy to understand specific areas of the project.

Measurement Tools

Depending on the model permissions, BIMx can display dimensions and allow measurements to be checked directly within the model.

Project Information

Important project information can be embedded within the model, allowing quick access to key drawings and documentation.

Sun and Shadow Studies

Some models include realistic sun positioning, helping you understand how light will enter spaces throughout the day.

Construction Information

For builders and consultants, BIMx can provide access to coordinated construction drawings and details, reducing the need to search through multiple PDF files.

Cloud-Based Access

Models can be shared through a simple web link, allowing clients, contractors and consultants to access the latest information wherever they are.

---

Tips for Getting the Most Out of BIMx

• Explore the model on a tablet or larger screen where possible.

• Walk through the building room by room rather than jumping between spaces.

• Compare the 3D model with the floor plans to improve your understanding of the layout.

• Make notes of any questions or changes as you explore.

• Review the model with family members or other decision-makers before design meetings.

The more time you spend exploring the model, the better you will understand how the design works and how it will feel once built.

Interested in Seeing Your Project in 3D?

Whether you are considering an extension, renovation, self-build home or conversion project, we can help you explore your ideas through interactive 3D design.

Get in touch with Ikonic Architecture to discuss your project and discover how BIMx can help you visualise your future space.

Questions to Ask Yourself While Exploring the Model

One of the biggest advantages of BIMx is that it allows you to experience the design before any work begins on site. As you walk through the model, try to imagine yourself living, working or moving through the spaces on a daily basis.

The following questions can help you provide useful feedback and ensure the design works for your needs.

Living Spaces

• Does the layout suit how you and your family live?

• Is there enough space for everyday activities?

• Can furniture be arranged comfortably?

• Are there any areas that feel too large or too small?

• Does the space feel connected and sociable?

Kitchen and Dining

• Can you move easily between cooking, dining and entertaining areas?

• Is there enough worktop and storage space?

• Can you see the garden or key living spaces from the kitchen?

• Does the dining area feel comfortable for everyday use and special occasions?

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

• Are the bedrooms the right size for current and future needs?

• Is there enough storage for clothes and personal belongings?

• Are bathroom layouts practical and easy to use?

• Does the master bedroom feel like a private retreat?

Natural Light and Views

• Do the windows frame the views you want to enjoy?

• Are there any areas that feel dark or enclosed?

• Does the building make the most of morning, afternoon or evening sunlight?

• Are there opportunities to improve connections with the garden or surrounding landscape?

Storage and Practicality

• Is there enough storage throughout the home?

• Where will coats, shoes, cleaning equipment and household items be kept?

• Is there enough utility space for laundry and day-to-day tasks?

• Are circulation routes clear and uncluttered?

Future Living

• Will the design continue to work as your family grows or changes?

• Can the spaces adapt to changing needs over time?

• Is there flexibility for home working, hobbies or guests?

• Does the design support the lifestyle you want in five or ten years' time?

External Spaces

• Do the entrances feel welcoming and practical?

• Is there enough outdoor space for relaxation, entertaining or play?

• How well do the internal spaces connect to the garden?

• Does the building sit comfortably within its surroundings?

---

Make Notes as You Explore

As you move through the model, make a note of any questions, concerns or ideas. Even small observations can help refine the design.

Remember, it is far easier and more cost-effective to make changes during the design stage than once construction has started. BIMx gives you the opportunity to experience your project before it is built, helping us work together to create a design that truly meets your needs.