Becoming a Chapter
If you're interested in setting up a Chapter for buildingSMART, the process is straightforward but requires some key steps. This webpage offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you with the application process, outlining what the requirements are, and providing useful resources. It’s important to note that all prospective Chapters must adhere to buildingSMART’s principles by being open, neutral, and registered as not-for-profit organization. This is in keeping with buildingSMART’s core values and mission statement.
What is a Chapter?
A Chapter of buildingSMART International represents a specific geographic region. Chapters serve as a local advocate for the promotion and implementation of buildingSMART standards and services. Chapters work closely with stakeholders across the built environment industry to address regional needs while contributing to global initiatives.
Chapters progress through three status levels: 'Chapter In-formation', 'Developing Chapter', and 'Full Chapter', reflecting their growth and maturity. Full Chapters play an active role in governance and decision-making within buildingSMART International, as voting members, they help to shape and promote openBIM on a global scale.
Types of Chapters
buildingSMART International recognizes three types of Chapters: Chapter In-formation is initiated when they meet the minimum criteria and are given 12 months to develop to the following status. Developing Chapters demonstrate that they align with buildingSMART standards and services and can be financially autonomous. Full Chapters have met all requirements, fully complying with buildingSMART's guidelines and participating in governance with voting rights. This structured progression ensures that each Chapter can effectively promote and implement buildingSMART standards and services while catering to local needs and contributing to international initiatives.
Chapter In-formation is an initial group working to meet the criteria for becoming a Developing Chapter, and a period of 12 months is granted before moving to Developing Chapter status.
Minimum requirements:
- Not-for-profit: Demonstrate the entity for the Chapter is a not-for-profit.
- Technical: Understand the openBIM workflow and how it applies to a specific country.
- Education: Localize and translate PCert training material and implement Entry Level.
- National Policy and Regulation: Engage with government and regulators.
- Outreach and Awareness: Engage with industry, academia, and government.
- Membership and Funding: Demonstrate a business plan and establish a membership model.
- Attendance: Meet a bSI member of staff, attend a Summit, and Chapter Conference.
- bSI Alignment: Consistently use bSI logos and branding.
Membership fee: exempt from an annual membership fee for 12 months only.
Duration: a maximum of one year, after which the Chapter is expected to transition into Developing Chapter status.
Granted: by the Board or the Chief Executive
Become a Chapter
It is crucial for anyone wishing to submit for a Chapter that they adhere to the policies and requirements laid out by buildingSMART International. Chapters play a crucial role in the three programs at buildingSMART: 'User', 'Compliance' and 'Standards and Solutions'.
Stage 1: Contact Information
Required to enter your contact details and you’ll receive an email with guidance, examples, templates, and resources, along with a prompt to continue to the Declaration stage.
Stage 2: Application Declaration
Confirm that you’ve reviewed and understood our terms, then proceed to the Preliminary Information stage.
Stage 3: Preliminary Information
bSI will review your submission, and if approved, you’ll receive an email invitation to proceed to the Formal Application stage.
Stage 4: Formal Application
At this stage, you’ll submit file-sharing links to your Formal Application Letter and Business Plan.
Formal Application Process
Following the initial stages, the formal application involves these additional steps:
- Detailed Documentation Submission
Provide in-depth materials, including your Application Letter and Business Plan. - Assessment and Feedback
bSI will review your documents and provide feedback. We may request additional details or suggest adjustments to align with buildingSMART’s goals. - In-Person Meeting
Applicants will be invited to meet with bSI representatives to discuss their application. - Final Review and Approval
bSI will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough review of all materials and possible interviews. - Approval
You will be invited to a Board meeting to present your application.
Do you have any questions?