5D

We don’t just provide costs, we provide certainty in real time

5D  
 
5D Quantity Surveyors is who  we are. 5D Cost Planning is  what we do.

5D Quantity Surveyors is who we are. 5D Cost Planning is what we do.

Our 5D Cost Management Methodology follows the traditional QS pathway and uses 5D skills allowing for accurate and timely cost analysis at any point throughout the design process, during construction and post construction.

Revisioning & Living Cost Plan

Revisioning & Living Cost Plan

Using revisioning we can live link models allowing us to track changes and provide cost certainty on changes in design, scope or material.

This provides you with the right information, at the right time, to make informed decisions.

Model Validation

Model Validation

Currently, software limitations and disparate workflow processes across different project partners often form barriers to sharing common data. To overcome this we have developed model validation techniques within our 5D workflow that allows data to become an integrated part of the designer’s model and is round-tripped to the native files and added to the BIM.

  • Wisdom

    45+ years of providing Cost Planning advice and a two decade commitment to training and teaching CAD, modeling, database and knowledge sharing technology skills.

  • Intelligence

    Continual collection and analysis of construction demand research, labour and material price, as built elemental building and civil cost analysis and functional performance measurement.

  • Technology

    Commitment to 3D modeling technology to accurately calculate quantities and create dynamic links between Revit and IFC model information, rate libraries and estimate templates. Estimates can be calculated and recalculated easily and quickly after every model revision.

Our 5D Cost Planning Team

  • Matt Hemming  

    Matt Hemming

    Partner & 5D Quantity Surveyor
  • Caitlin Shields  

    Caitlin Shields

    Partner & 5D Quantity Surveyor
  • James Brandtman  

    James Brandtman

    Associate
  • Simon Brandtman  

    Simon Brandtman

    Partner & Quantity Surveyor
  • Alan Tan  

    Alan Tan

    Partner & 5D Quantity Surveyor

Our Technology Journey

1982  

Implemented Survey Software – Cost database, rate library, benchmarking tool

1995  

Implemented Buildsoft – BQ production tool

1997  

Implemented AutoCAD, CADlt and plotting

2000  

Delivered online cost databases and estimating tools

2004  

Implemented CostX 1.0 – 2D on screen measurement platform

2006  

Implemented cost certainty services – visual quantities, living cost plan and instant re-visioning, reverse tendering; utilised QSID key noting

2007  

Released “QS renaissance & BIM adoption” education series

2010  

Implemented BIM Link to push bulk parameters into models

2011  

Implemented CostX 3.30 to pull quantities from IFC 2x3 files and measure 12D and Google SketchUp files

2011  

Implemented Autodesk 360 to view models on mobile devices

2012  

Implemented MasterFormat, UniFormat, OmniClass, ASMM5, ACMM2, BCIS4 and COBie code parameters

2012  

Implemented Primavera P6 to push cost information to 4D schedule

2013  

Implemented Solibri

2014  

Released ‘5D Minimum Modeling Matrix’ & ‘5D BIM Execution Plan’ documents

2016  

Implemented 5D+4D Workflow to achieve virtual cashflows and scheduling

2016  

Launch of Forensic Model Validation as independent service offering

   
  • CONCEPT DESIGN
  • Detailed Design
  • PROCUREMENT
  • CONSTRUCTION
  • Concept Design

  • We deliver 5D concept design services and cost advice that creates certainty for your project quickly and achieves cost savings in the design.

    We do this by conducting Functional Efficiency Benchmarking and Alternatives Analysis to critique and compare your project with other similar projects, identifying inefficiencies and highlighting opportunities that will benefit your design, build and cost whilst considering the income producing elements of the project. This eliminates the uncertainties at procurement stage by allowing you to control the cost through a process of reverse tendering.

  • At Initial Concept - LOD 100

  • We work with:

    Overall building or civil massing model (AIA LOD 100) in Sketchup, Revit or IFC format


    We prepare:

    A concept estimate that is presented on an elemental basis and states each elemental unit rate and quantity


    Outcome:

    This concept estimate becomes the basis for re-compiling the estimate to consider alternative designs during the proving phase of the concept design.

  • Detailed Design

  • Our team provides estimates of the project’s forecasted costs that can be used for budget purposes, value management and finance or funding applications, in negotiations with a builder or for comparison of bids.


    We measure directly from the design team's 3D Models and create a dynamic link between the design consultants and ourselves to deliver a Living Cost Plan. We can update our estimate, automatically, every time the model information is changed or revised .

  • Schematic Design – LOD 200

  • We work with

    Schematic design model (AIA LOD 200) in Revit or IFC format


    We prepare

    A sketch design cost plan that is presented on an elemental basis and states the generic construction materials, finishes and services specifications. The final estimate states each elemental unit rate and quantity.


    Outcome

    A fully functioning and executable CostX reader version of the sketch design cost plan that becomes the basis for recompiling the sketch design cost plan to consider alternative designs, different construction methods, materials and generic engineering systems during development of the schematic design.

  • Developed Design – LOD 300

  • We work with

    Developed design model (AIA LOD 300) in Revit or IFC format


    We prepare

    Developed design cost plans that are presented on a sub-elemental and trade basis, stating the specific construction materials, finishes and services specifications. The final estimate states each sub-elemental unit rate and quantity.


    Outcome

    A fully functioning and executable CostX reader version of the developed design cost plan, a living cost plan, which is formally presented and explained and is easily interrogated because of the dynamic links between the model, elemental areas and rate library. Mitchell Brandtman adds an extra level of costing detail to the model information via instance parameters (MBRL) and then re-maps the model where necessary to create further dynamic links between the specific model assemblies (including architectural, structural, civil and MEP), our detailed rate library and building or civil type templates that are contained within our 5D estimating software.

  • Concept Design

  • Mitchell Brandtman understands that the main risk factors associated with building and civil procurement relate to timely delivery, containing budgets, quality and compliance, tender competitiveness and sustainability.


    We assist the project team in minimising risks by having a current knowledge of the industry, contracts and procurement strategies, supported by extensive in-house research and historical project data analysis.

    Special consideration is given to packaging of design and construction, commissioning and certification, titling and locking in escalation during pre-selling and pre-leasing risk mitigation or while making the final investment decision.

  • Virtual Bills of Quantities and Virtual Trade Quantities

  • Clients rely on Mitchell Brandtman’s quantities for a consistent comparison of tenders and bids. Our quantities are an invaluable reference throughout the life of the project because they assist in evaluating progress payments, variations, maintenance budgets and depreciation entitlements.

    The deliverable is a fully functioning and executable CostX reader version of the bill of quantities that is easily interrogated because the dynamic links allow each quantity to be viewed in the model.


    The dynamic links mean that our quantities can be calculated and recalculated easily and quickly using the CostX revisioning function every time the model is changed. Reports can also be produced that record the quantity variances for each change.

  • Tenders and Negotiations

  • Where the cost strategy dictates a competitive tender, our team has the expertise to assist in independent evaluation, review and recommendation of tenders. Evaluation includes careful consideration of exclusions, risk sensitivities and the contractor’s techniques or alternative offers.

    Innovative methods such as reverse tendering can also be adopted to obtain the best market price; Mitchell Brandtman sets the price for the contractor or sub-contractor supported by the model quantities and market rates for acceptance by the contractor. In non-competitive markets, reverse tendering reduces risk, expedites and simplifies the tender process by placing the focus on rates rather than the uncertainty that can manifest through tender or auction.


  • Reverse Tendering

  • Reverse tendering is an innovative procurement methodology which is a direct outcome of applying a Living Cost Plan and setting the cost strategy at the concept and design phases. It means that total control over the pricing of a project is within the hands of the owner rather than the contractor.

    Mitchell Brandtman sets the price for the contractor or sub-contractor supported by quantities and market rates off current projects. When adopted, reverse tendering obtains the best market price.

    In non-competitive markets, reverse tendering reduces risk, expedites and simplifies the tender process by placing the focus on rates rather than the uncertainty that can manifest through tender or auction.


  • Concept Design

  • During construction Mitchell Brandtman offers a Contract Administration service to assist your project team in the ongoing management of costs. Our comprehensive cost monitoring and administrative service addresses budget comparisons, progress payments, variations, delay claims and cash flow performance.


    Our team can also provide a dedicated QBSA Licensed Superintendent to administer the construction contract.

  • Contractors Priced Model (BQ) – LOD 300

  • Working with the construction model (AIA LOD 300) in Revit or IFC format, at the commencement of construction, Mitchell Brandtman prepares the contractors priced bill of quantities that is presented on a trade and zone basis, stating the specific construction materials, finishes and services specifications. The contractors priced bill of quantities states each item, unit rate and quantity.

    The deliverable is a fully functioning and executable CostX reader version of the contractors priced bill of quantities which is easily interrogated because of the dynamic links between the model, bill of quantities and the contractor’s rates.

  • Variations, Payments and Reports

  • The dynamic links mean that variations and change orders can be calculated reliably, easily and quickly every time a change occurs. Progress payments are also calculated from the executable file by isolating the completed zones by trade and recompiling the quantities to produce a progress payment calculation that is transparent and easily interrogated.

    During construction of the project the model will evolve from LOD 300 to LOD 400 as changes occur on site and shop drawings are developed. Mitchell Brandtman continually coordinates the construction model with the contractors priced bill of quantities and provides tailored reports that provide cost updates, budget performance and variances through each stage of construction.

  • Cost Integrated Construction Model – LOD 400

  • As construction progresses the model information is changed to produce the revised documents that are necessary for the construction process – this information is stored in the Model software. Mitchell Brandtman also changes the cost information to reflect the actual contract sum and any cost adjustments and payments that occur during construction – this information is stored in CostX.

    Once validation and synchronising is completed between the as-built (AIA LOD 400 or 500) Model and the FM system, Mitchell Brandtman will transfer the project as-built cost information into the Model cost field using Ideate BIM Link and Keynote Manager. This “as built” cost information is then ready to be integrated into the Facility Maintenance System and FM database for use throughout the life cycle of the project.

  • Variation Negotiation

  • Mitchell Brandtman maintains the strictest systems for managing variations to enable proper and timely resolution. Whilst the speed of reaching agreement for variations is controlled by the contractor to a large degree, we drive the process through regular and informed assessments under the terms of the contract and convening regularly with the contractor to negotiate and resolve variations quickly.

  • Construction Programming

  • Three critical issues in project feasibility and delivery are time, cost, and quality. These three are interrelated and the old adage of ‘time is money’ is never more apt than in a construction project. A properly constructed and managed programme can make a difference at both tender and project delivery stages and can be the critical difference in delivering a project on time and on budget.Through both in-house team members and guidance and support from some of the most respected experts in the industry, Mitchell Brandtman provides projectprogramming and scheduling services.

  • 5D + 4D

  • Time is critical in achieving a successful project and the construction programme should be considered as part of the initial concept design. We can provide both high level and detailed construction programmes to ensure that your project gets off to the best possible start. Using the latest technology our team builds on standard 3D models to add both the time, 4D and cost, 5D.

    A properly constructed and managed construction programme can make a difference at bothtender and project delivery stages and can be the critical difference in delivering a project on time and on budget.

 
Want to know more about how 5D fits into the bigger picture with BIM?