2026-04-13 - BIM Collaboration with Google and Revit
- utechcsa
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
Quick recap
This meeting was the final class session for a BIM (Building Information Modeling) course, where Professor Brian distributed group folders and explained the collaborative project process using Google Drive. The session covered the upcoming Festival of the Arts event on Thursday where CSA would have a booth, discussed the end-of-semester timeline with exams starting on the 23rd, and addressed student questions about project grades and technical issues. Professor Brian explained the grading structure for the individual and collaborative projects, emphasizing that students could still achieve passing grades even if they didn't complete all aspects of the individual project, particularly the sheeting portion. The class focused on demonstrating how to set up Google Drive folders for collaborative work, with each group receiving a shared folder containing family files, interior reference plans, and BIM coordinator files. Students were instructed to install the Google Drive desktop application and work together in the same folder to ensure file updates were synchronized across all group members.
Next steps
All group members: Install Google Drive desktop application
All group members: Form into groups of 3 or less and ensure one person submits group member information
All group members: Complete module feedback survey
All group members: Set up shared Google Drive folder for collaborative project following demonstrated process
All group members: Ensure all group members have access to shared Google Drive folder and can access project files
All group members: Complete collaborative project by next Monday
Brian: Address missing grades and ID numbers for presentation assignments
Nicole: Install Revit family content using provided installation link
Hailey: Complete collaborative project to make up for incomplete individual project work
All group members: Ensure title block is included in collaborative project submission
Brian: Review and update any missing grades before UTEC grades are uploaded
Summary
Festival of the Arts Planning
Brian announced that the Festival of the Arts event will take place on Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM in shared facilities, where CSA will have a booth, and encouraged students to visit and support the organization. The group discussed the end of classes and exams, with Abigail confirming that exams start on the 23rd. Jenalee proposed allowing students to submit a complete version of their project at the end of the semester, including sheeting and details, which Brian explained would not be necessary as the current system already accounts for incomplete work through a combination of individual and collaborative projects. Brian emphasized the importance of learning to work collaboratively in Revit, as this skill will be crucial for the upcoming major project in the next semester.
Collaborative Project Requirements Discussion
Brian led a discussion about the final module and collaborative project requirements. He instructed students to install the Google Drive application and work in groups to provide feedback on the module through a shared folder. Students shared their experiences with the individual project model, with Junecia finding perspective views challenging while Felix found it straightforward due to his prior experience with similar techniques. Brian clarified that the collaborative project deadline is next Monday, not the 14th as initially mentioned, and emphasized the importance of learning practical drawing skills in Revit for future industry work.
Student Group Formation Process
Brian explained to Junecia how to add money to a student group and submit group members through a form on the handout, emphasizing that groups must have 3 or fewer members for grading purposes. Brian gave students additional time to form groups and confirmed that all participants needed to be listed on the website to receive grades. The conversation ended with Brian identifying the first group as "Jadmar Group" and asking for the project coordinator, Luis.
BIM Survey Feedback Process
Brian instructed Elandra to ensure her group members complete the Module Feedback Form for Building Information Modelling Survey 2025-26, which is anonymous and takes about 5 minutes to fill out. He also explained the process for adding the shared Google Drive folder to individual drives once it is provided. Hailey asked about handling a missing group member, and Brian confirmed it was acceptable to note the absence and provide the ID number later. The session ended with Ansel asking about additional requirements for auditing, but the response was cut off.
BIM File Sharing Process Demo
Brian demonstrated the process for collaborative file sharing using Google Drive and Revit for a BIM project. He explained how group members should access and use a shared Google Drive folder containing specific files for family modeling, interior design, and BIM coordination. Brian emphasized the importance of using the Google Drive desktop app and creating shortcuts to ensure all team members can see updates in real-time. He also showed how to link and reload files across different roles (family modeler, interior designer, BIM coordinator) within the shared folder structure.
Group Collaboration Project Setup Review
Brian conducted a final class meeting to review setup requirements for group collaboration projects. He confirmed with each group leader their role as BIM coordinator and ensured they had access to necessary files and email addresses. Several students reported missing grades for presentation work, which Brian attributed to missing ID numbers that would be resolved soon. For students who couldn't complete their individual modeling projects due to technical issues, Brian advised them to focus on the collaborative project instead, explaining that the modeling component carries significant weight toward the final grade. The instructor emphasized the importance of producing detailed drawings in addition to building models and mentioned that next semester will build on this year's learning with a new instructor, Mr. Sean Jans.
