2024.04.28

About 'AA BIM'... A Story of Collaboration between Developers and Engineers

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In preparation for the government’s mandatory full-scale introduction of BIM by 2025, BIM design automation and process improvements are underway. RevitBOX-AA BIM, jointly developed by AA archigroup and Imagine Builder, has been released. It significantly enhances efficiency by reducing the time required to register a construction site by more than ten times. We interviewed Manager Lee Kwon-ho (AA archigroup) and Engineer Kyung Se-eun (Imagine Builder) to learn about the development process.

AA archigroup
AA archigroup Presents a New Paradigm in Architectural Design Through ‘AA BIM’ Permit Automation!

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How did the development of RevitBOX-AA BIM begin?


AA archigroup has been utilizing BIM (Building Information Modeling) for over 15 years, collaborating with advanced design firms in the U.S. and Europe. While working through the design phases, we consistently identified areas where BIM could be improved. SangSang Evolution, our Autodesk software provider, also offers BIM technical support, and by the end of 2023, both companies found common ground on the challenges of using BIM during the design stage.

In early 2024, we signed an MOU for BIM technology development and officially began developing AA BIM.


What aspect did you focus on most during development?


The first area of focus—agreed upon unanimously—was Seumter BIM, the platform for permit submissions in Korea. Since 2022, BIM-based permit submissions have been technically possible, but the process remained complex and difficult in practice. We identified these barriers and made it our core goal to streamline and automate the process through AA BIM.


What are the key responsibilities of the BIM Team at the R&D Center? Are there other BIM-based initiatives beyond AA BIM?


Our BIM team is responsible for establishing the framework and support necessary to drive BIM design projects company-wide. In January 2024, we acquired ISO 19650 certification, enabling us to develop internal BIM design standards that align with architectural workflows. Additionally, we earned an employer certification from Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor, allowing us to operate an in-house BIM certification system.

We currently offer BIM training programs through a partnership with Korea Polytechnic University (Jungnang Campus) as part of a customized industry training consortium under the National HR Development Service. Recently, we extended our BIM Grade B training to all employees and are actively developing workflow-based design automation using Dynamo scripts.

AA BIM represents the starting point of our journey toward automated BIM design—and we plan to continue evolving and expanding our capabilities in this field.

SANGSANG JINHWA
"Leads Innovation in the Age of Mandatory BIM Design"

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What role did SangSang Evolution play in the development of AA BIM?


As a key collaborator with AA archigroup, SangSang Evolution led the technical development of the RevitBOX–AA BIM software solution. By directly collecting feedback and user needs from the field, the team co-developed a solution that maximizes operational efficiency and streamlines the BIM design process.

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As we enter an era of mandatory BIM-based design, what drives a software company to invest in BIM solutions?


Our company is committed to growing alongside our clients. Just as we aim to enhance productivity through tools like AI and ChatGPT, we develop automation software like AA BIM to help clients improve workflow efficiency. These efforts go beyond simply selling software—they reflect our belief that when our clients grow, we grow as well. That’s why we continue to invest in ongoing development and long-term support.


What was the collaboration process like with AA archigroup?


As engineers, we often face challenges in fully understanding the nuanced demands of practical architectural workflows. However, through this collaboration, we were able to leverage AA archigroup’s extensive field experience and professional insight. Their input greatly enriched the project and allowed us to carry it forward more effectively—resulting in a highly satisfying outcome for both teams.

[AA BIM Makes Its Debut at Korea Build]

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[USER INTERVIEW]

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Through this interview introducing AA BIM, we were given a glimpse into a new paradigm of architectural design.


AA archigroup and SangSang Evolution worked closely together to enhance efficiency in BIM design and simplify the complex permitting process through automation. Both companies contributed their respective expertise—from technical development and implementation to shared visions of customer growth.


Thanks to this collaborative effort, AA BIM is poised to become a powerful tool in the future of architectural design and permit workflows.