Orms demonstrated client-centric focus through BIM assessment from BRE

Orms, an award-winning architectural practice, sought to elevate the human experience through insight, collaboration and design integrity. The firm consists of passionate leaders, all of whom aspire to lead by example. At the same time, the company is keen to ensure a collaborative approach: listening to clients, each other and the individuals that live and work in its buildings.

Orms used 3D software and BIM workflows across projects for many years and had introduced a new information manager and clash detection services. Orms identified that achievement of ISO 19650-2:2018 certification was a way to reassure their clients about the quality of their work.

Orms made the decision to gain ISO 19650-2:2018 certification from BRE to confirm that its processes, documentation and quality assurance checks were to the highest standards. Key stakeholders within Orms dedicated time, resources and commitment in order to drive the certification process. This allowed Orms to transition from British Standards and PAS BIM standards to the recent international ISO 19650 series, aligning their processes and documentation with new nomenclature and revised workflows.

BRE worked closely with Orms throughout the certification process. An initial pre-assessment allowed BRE to undertake a detailed gap analysis of Orms’ BIM processes and identified areas for improvement. Once Orms had been able to address the findings, they submitted updated documentation for assessment.

The final stage of the certification process saw BRE’s auditors review Orms’ work with projects such as One Newman Street, a mixed-use development in central London. Orms used BIM models throughout the design stages of the development, and data gathered was used during the building phase. On this occasion, Orms’ client, Great Portland Estates, specifically requested for BIM usage on the project.

Orms’ successfully completed the assessment process and achieved ISO 19650-2:2018 certification from BRE in July 2021, one of the first architectural practices to do so. Orms were impressed by the knowledge of the BRE auditors and are satisfied that BRE’s thorough auditing capabilities and well-established expertise within information management has subjected their processes and documentation to the most detailed review possible.

Successful completion of the BRE certification process has allowed Orms to fulfil its aim of ensuring that the company offers the highest quality of work to their clients. Commenting on the outcome of the assessment, Anna Fiejtek, Architect/BIM Manager at Orms shared, “The certification provides our clients with the assurance that Orms BIM standards and procedures, reviewed BIM models and documentation on live projects are in accordance with international standards. This also incorporated checks on our IT systems and our general ISO 9001 approved quality and information management procedures.”

Orms is keen to demonstrate excellence and implementation of the latest standards, to provide the best possible offering to its clients. The firm see the adoption of ISO 19650-2:2018 certification from BRE as a step towards the provision of this offering. Moving forwards, Orms plan to build on the relationship with BRE and maintain certification on an ongoing basis.