BIM objects and 3D objects are digital tools for interior designers that allow flooring materials — such as textile carpets and carpet tiles — to be accurately modeled in design software before any purchasing decisions are made. They speed up the design process, reduce errors, and help communicate the final result to the client. In this article, we walk through the practical questions surrounding the use of BIM objects in flooring design.
What are the benefits of BIM and 3D objects in interior design?
BIM and 3D objects bring tangible benefits to interior design: they allow flooring materials, furniture, and surfaces to be visualized at true scale during the design phase. The designer can immediately see how a carpet tile or broadloom carpet fits the space in terms of color, pattern, and material — before a single product has been ordered.
The practical benefits in interior design are clear:
- Fewer errors: When materials are modeled with accurate dimensions and data, incorrect orders and compatibility issues are significantly reduced.
- Better communication: A 3D model is far easier to present to a client than a plain material list or floor plan.
- Time savings: Material choices can be tested digitally in seconds, without multiple rounds of physical samples.
- More accurate cost estimates: Product data embedded in the BIM model enables automatic quantity take-offs, making budget planning easier.
In commercial projects such as offices, restaurants, and hotels, BIM-based design is especially valuable because the requirements are more complex and there are more stakeholders involved.
What is the difference between a BIM object and a standard 3D model?
A BIM object is more than just a visual 3D model. In addition to geometry, it contains product data such as material properties, fire safety classification, emissions classification, and manufacturer information. A standard 3D model is a visual representation without this intelligent data content.
The difference becomes especially apparent in large-scale projects:
- A standard 3D model is suited to visualization and visual presentation. It shows what a space looks like.
- A BIM object also tells you what the material is: its technical specifications, maintenance instructions, environmental certifications, and pricing can all be attached directly to the model.
For flooring materials, this means that a BIM object can include, for example, a carpet tile’s M1 emissions classification, wear resistance rating, or installation method. This data flows directly into the project documentation without any separate manual entry. For architects and project developers, this is a significant advantage, as information management remains consistent throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Where can an interior designer find high-quality BIM objects for flooring?
High-quality BIM objects for flooring materials can be found from several sources: manufacturers’ own websites, open BIM libraries, and the built-in content libraries of design software. The best starting point is always the official object provided by the manufacturer or supplier, as it contains up-to-date product data.
Manufacturers’ own BIM libraries
Many European flooring manufacturers offer ready-made BIM objects available for direct download. The advantage of these objects is accuracy: the material dimensions, color options, and technical properties match the actual product. Always verify that the downloaded object corresponds to the correct collection and size.
Open BIM libraries
Open BIM libraries bring together objects from multiple manufacturers in one place, making comparisons easier. These libraries work well during the concept design phase when exploring different material options side by side. Keep in mind, however, that the data content of objects in open libraries can vary in quality.
At VMC Project, we can also support you with material data and product specifications. Get in touch and we’ll work together to make sure your project’s material data is in order.
How do BIM objects speed up flooring material selection in a project?
BIM objects speed up flooring material selection because they allow different options to be tested quickly directly within the design model. A designer can change the color, pattern, or material of a floor covering in a matter of seconds and immediately see the effect across the entire visual presentation of the space.
In practice, the process is accelerated at these stages:
- Comparing options: Different carpet tile options can be placed side by side in the same model and presented clearly to the client.
- Managing changes: When a client wants to change the color or style of a flooring material, the change is made once in the model and automatically updates across all documents.
- Quantity take-offs: The BIM model automatically calculates the required material quantity based on the floor area, reducing manual calculations.
- Approval process: A visual 3D presentation helps clients make decisions faster than a plain material list ever could.
In commercial projects with multiple decision-makers, this visual clarity is especially valuable. Browse our project references to see the kinds of flooring solutions we have delivered to a variety of commercial spaces.
Which file formats matter most in BIM design?
The most important file formats in BIM design are IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), RFA (Revit Family), DWG, and SKP (SketchUp). Of these, IFC is a platform-independent open standard used primarily for data exchange between different software applications. RFA is the native format of Autodesk’s Revit software and is extremely common in architectural design.
For flooring design, the most practical format choice depends on the software environment used in the project:
- IFC: The best choice when a project involves multiple parties using different software. Interoperability is strong and the format is an open standard.
- RFA (Revit): The most common format in architectural firms. Revit objects often contain rich data content.
- DWG: A traditional CAD format suited to working with 2D floor plans and sections.
- SKP (SketchUp): Popular in interior design and space visualization, particularly for rapid concept design.
When ordering BIM objects from a manufacturer or supplier, always check which formats are available and whether the data content meets the requirements of your project.
Can a printed or custom-designed rug be modeled in a BIM environment?
Yes, a printed or custom-designed rug can be modeled in a BIM environment. In practice, this is done by adding the designer’s own design as an image file used as a material texture within the BIM object. This way, the custom rug appears visually accurate in the model from the very start of the design phase.
The process typically works as follows:
- The designer creates the desired pattern or design using graphic design software.
- The pattern is added as a flooring material texture in the BIM software at the correct scale.
- The model updates and the custom rug appears realistically in the 3D presentation.
- The final approved design is sent to production for printing.
At VMC Project, we supply printed rugs featuring the designer’s own artwork for commercial spaces such as offices, restaurants, and hotels. We use the latest printing technology, and the result is a surface built to withstand heavy foot traffic. A custom rug is a powerful way to reinforce a space’s brand identity and create a truly unique environment.
That said, no digital model can replace a real material sample. You only see the true color and feel the material in your hands when you’re holding the sample itself. Order a material sample and judge for yourself how a printed or custom rug would work in your project.