OpenBuildings Designer supports the creation of federated Building Information Models (BIMs), which facilitates the separation of responsibilities by discipline and enable accurate cross-discipline coordination. In addition, the FM Handover/COBie Model View Definition requires separation by building storeys. So, it is highly recommended that separate sub-BIMs for each discipline and floor be created. The sub-BIMs are then assembled by attaching references to the complete BIM. This then facilitates the generation of required documentation (such as plans, sections, elevations, and details), design visualization, schedules, clash detection, analyses (such as structural, thermal, and lighting), and IFC export.

While there are many different ways to assemble federated BIMs, a typical strategy is to create an empty master model and then reference the sub-BIMs using a flat, by discipline, or by floor organization.