DGA Turns Hours of Code Research and Documentation into 5 Minutes with Ichi
Case Study Description: This case study from Ichi shows how DGA improved its code compliance process by using technology that is powered by Artificial Intelligence. DGA is an architecture firm that handles projects. Before DGA had to do a lot of research to find out about building regulations and zoning requirements. This took a lot of time. They had to work closely with project teams and code consultants. This made the project take longer. There was a bigger chance of making mistakes or having to make expensive changes. When DGA started using Ichis code compliance platform they were able to make their workflow much simpler. The software helps architects find the building code sections quickly. It also analyzes project documents. Gives accurate compliance insights right away. This meant that DGA did not have to do much manual research. Project teams were able to make decisions and they were more informed during the design and permitting phases. The case study also talks about how the platform improved the way DGAs teams worked together. Junior architects were able to get code guidance quickly. They did not have to rely on staff as much and this made the projects more consistent. The partnership between DGA and Ichi shows how Artificial Intelligence can help architecture and construction firms work efficiently. It can also reduce the risk of projects. Speed up the time it takes to complete them. The success story of DGA shows how Artificial Intelligence is becoming more important, in planning and construction management. DGA and Ichi are an example of this. DGA is using Artificial Intelligence to make its architectural code compliance process better.
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Our biggest challenge was figuring out how to use Artificial Intelligence for the practice of architecture. Principal Mark Davis said this. Our projects have a lot of problems like materials and complicated fire safety measures. This means we have to look at a lot of rules and regulations. An experienced architect like me can spend four to six hours looking at one question. Junior architects take longer and they can make mistakes that cost a lot of money to fix. We tried using tools like ChatGPT. They did not work well. Principal Mark Davis said "I can use ChatGPT. I have no one to talk to about the answer or to help me understand it". Ichi was different. It gave us an answer with proof in just a few minutes. This answer showed that we did not need to use fire dampers. This saved a client two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. We did not have to delay the project. Principal Mark Davis also said "Working with Ichi is different. They work with our team and listen to our problems and then they make solutions for us". Ichi is like a partner to us. It is not a tool. It gives us documents that we can use to explain our designs. For the staff this is a big change. Ritter said " with Artificial Intelligence tools it is hard to get a good answer if you do not know a lot about architecture". Ichi shows us how to ask questions. This helps the younger staff learn faster. It also helps them turn research into good ideas. This gives us time to do what we love. Making new and exciting designs. Artificial Intelligence for the practice of architecture is very helpful. Ichi is a tool for Artificial Intelligence, for the practice of architecture.
Time-consuming code research: 4-6 hours per complex query. Cross-referencing dozens of code sections across jurisdictions. Handling hazardous materials, mixed-use occupancies, fire barriers. Error-prone process risking costly rework and delays. Documenting answers clearly and concisely for clients. Generic AI (e.g., ChatGPT) lacks reliability, citations, discussion. Juniors took even longer without senior domain knowledge. No dedicated AI resource tailored to architectural challenges.
Manual code research took 4-6 hours. Previously, DGA architects manually cross-referenced dozens of code sections across jurisdictions for complex queries involving hazardous materials, mixed-use occupancies, and fire barriers. Error-prone and time-intensive process. Seasoned staff spent 4–6 hours per question on research and documentation; less experienced team members took longer, heightening risks of mistakes and rework.
Adopting Ichi changed the way DGA works. It now takes 5 minutes to get answers to complex questions instead of 4-6 hours. This helps the company give clients summaries that're ready to use. Massive Time Savings This change saves a lot of time. Up to 96% faster. Architects now have time to focus on design and innovation in projects that involve hazardous materials, mixed-use buildings and fire barriers. For example one query showed that no fire dampers were needed, saving a client $250,000 in costs, rework and delays. Ichi helps architects focus on design and innovation. Direct Cost Reductions and ROI Using Ichi also helps reduce costs. It provides analysis that supports Target Value Design, which increases margins without adding more staff. When Ichi is used across the firm it helps junior staff learn from staff right away reducing errors and training time. This produces high-quality outputs for clients and authorities. Ichi helps DGA deliver results. Quantifiable Efficiencies Here are some benefits: * The return on investment for each task is significant with 4-6 hours saved translating to thousands of dollars in hours per year. * Project profitability increases with client savings of over $250,000 per instance which also improves client retention and referrals. * The impact of Ichi is scalable, with cited documents justifying decisions and cutting review cycles by hours.
"Looking into the future, many components of these reviews could be automated by AI saving large quantities of hours, I mean you could put hundreds of hours into QA for a project of this scale, and that's just the design phase. When you go into construction, there are RFIs, submittals and costs associated with reviewing those and that presents another massive opportunity for Ichi." Mark Davis, Principal, DGA
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