Chapter Resources
Welcome to the buildingSMART Chapter resource webpage. The buildingSMART community is a fast-growing and becoming a hugely relevant and significant industry standards body. This site is for Chapters or those interested in becoming a Chapter.
This site is your resource center for:
- Getting started as a Chapter at buildingSMART
- Materials that you might need or use as a full Chapter or developing Chapter
- Subscribe to receive information and tell us who the key people are in your chapter
- Support for any questions or queries you may have
There are three different levels of status for Chapters. The first step is to become a 'Chapter in Formation'. After a certain period, the Chapter can move to 'Developing' status. Finally, once all the materials and governance has been demonstrated, the Chapter will become 'Full'.
What is a Chapter?
Chapters in buildingSMART play a crucial role in the development, implementation of standards and solutions around the world. buildingSMART International (bSI) is the parent body for the Chapter network.
Chapters play a large role in their geographies in responding to and setting up programs relevant to their in-country needs. Chapters have or build significant user engagements from across the built environment industry value chain and provide services that are relevant to and respond to the current in-country needs of users. Chapters are chartered with identifying standards or compliance requirements and actively participate in buildingSMART’s International programs to address these issues.
Chapter members are represented in buildingSMART International programs collectively through the chapter voting rights. Full chapters are voting members of the BuildingSMART International Council which is the most senior governance body within buildingSMART. Full chapters are also entitled to two votes within the Standards Committee. One of these votes should be cast to represent the technical views within the chapter and the other to represent user views within the chapter. Developing chapters may send observers to the International Council Meeting and are allowed one vote on the standards committee.
Register your interest
Becoming 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'.
There are a few base-level requirements that need to be met before a Chapter can be approved. Any prospective Chapter must:
- Be open, neutral and not for profit
- Be national or regional
- Promote and lead buildingSMART activities
- Align with the vision and mission of bSI
- Promote the use of openBIM
- Not use this for self-interests
If all of these apply and you want to apply to become a Chapter, you need to complete the information in the section called Materials for Submitting to Become a Chapter. The minimum requirement is:
- Application Letter
- Chapter Agreement
- Business Plan
To register your interest, please fill out the form to the right in this section.
For Chapters
Important Materials
It is important for all Chapters to be kept up to date with the latest materials. Below you will find materials useful to existing Chapters.
Chapter Logos
Brand identity is very important to buildingSMART. We take great care and pride in our brand and require all Chapters to adhere to our logo policy. You can download the Chapter Logos here.
Top tip: if your logo is not here, please submit it.
Brand Style Guide
The buildingSMART International brand guidelines are designed to ensure consistency across all our Chapters. Please follow this carefully if you are a Chapter.
Logo Guidelines
As a Chapter, there is a Forum you can join. This forum is a place to exchange ideas or share activities in your region or hub.
Standard bSI Template
Chapters can use the buildingSMART International PowerPoint template for all presentations.
Introduction for Chapters
All Chapters get a briefing from the Management Office at buildingSMART International. You can download the first part here.
How to Create a Chapter
The second part of the Chapter briefing is the steps needed in setting up a Chapter. This document
How to Create a Chapter
Materials for Submitting to Become a Chapter
Below you will find materials and guidance for becoming a Chapter. Access to the documents is done via the form submissions found in this site and is permission-based.
Chapter Checklist
Follow the Chapter checklist that is required for all submissions. The guidance in this form is designed to help you structure and process your submission materials for buildingSMART International as part of te approval process.
Chapter Business Plan Template
The template application form is the most important form to fill out. This form needs to be completed and returned as part of the approval process.
Top tip: This is the main form to be submitted with the Chapter Agreement.
Chapter Agreement
The buildingSMART International Chapter agreement is an important document that is required for members.
Top tip: This is required along with the Chapter Application Form and Business Plan
Example Business Plan: Saudi Arabia
You can read the example submission from Saudi Arabia from 2024. This submission demonstrated their commitment to the values and mission and showed how the Chapter will align to activities and projects.
Introduction for Chapters
All Chapters get a briefing from the Management Office at buildingSMART International. You can download the first part here.
Understanding buildingSMART and the
Chapter Network
Hear from Richard Petrie, buildingSMART International Chief Executive on the role of a Chapter, the importance of the network, how governance is critical to longevity and the need to develop open and neutral ways of working. This presentation guides the viewer through the process of creating a Chapter and the role of the Chapter in the international community.
How to Create a Chapter
Hear from Richard Petrie, buildingSMART International Chief Executive on the role of a Chapter, how to create the importance of the network, how governance is critical to longevity and the need to develop open and neutral ways of working. This is the second part of the "How to Create a Chapter" video.