Abstract: Inadequate integration and interoperability are still inflicting an economic burden with the increasing requirement of model conversion between architectural and structural models. This paper presents a novel approach which combines an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)-Application Program Interface (API) based conversion approach with our previous research on model conversion among different structural analysis models, providing a Building Information Model (BIM)-based model conversion framework towards structural finite element analysis to improve the efficiency within design industry. The approach was implemented in the self-developed BIM-based conversion platform based on the optimization algorithm of model display. The platform was tested in a teaching building to verify the conversion process. This research has made a breakthrough in the theory, technology, and application of model conversion towards structural finite element analysis and has established the foundation for the subsequent research of BIM-based simulation and analysis for time-varying structures.