AEODC Inc. is a leading BIM firm specializing in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the efficiency and precision of every phase of a project. Our expertise includes Revit Architecture Modeling, Revit Structure Modeling, and Revit MEP Modeling, which allow for seamless integration and coordination across all aspects of the building process.

Our services extend to Clash Coordination and Clash Detection, ensuring that all potential conflicts are identified and resolved early in the design phase, minimizing costly rework during construction. We also provide high-quality Construction Documentation, facilitating clear, accurate plans and specifications that streamline the construction process.

AEODC specializes in Point Cloud to BIM, transforming laser scan data into precise 3D models for accurate representation of existing conditions. Our MEP Shop and Spool Preparation services provide detailed models for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, improving fabrication and installation processes. Additionally, we offer Construction Simulation services, enabling clients to visualize and optimize the construction sequence, reduce risks, and improve scheduling.
AEODC Inc. also offers specialized Rebar Modeling services, which play a critical role in the accurate design and fabrication of reinforced concrete structures. Using advanced Revit tools, we provide highly detailed 3D models for rebar placement, ensuring precision and reducing errors during construction. Our Rebar Modeling services help optimize material usage, improve constructability, and facilitate the seamless integration of rebar into the overall structural design. By creating accurate rebar models, AEODC enhances project efficiency and supports a smooth workflow from design through to the construction phase.

Recognized as one of the fastest-growing BIM service providers in the USA, AEODC delivers innovative and high-quality solutions across various global regions, ensuring exceptional results for every client.


Our clients range from small to mid-sized companies to Fortune 500 enterprises. Regardless of the project size, we approach each opportunity with the goal of setting new benchmarks and advancing the industry. Whether it’s a simple renovation or a large-scale infrastructure project, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, precision and innovation in BIM and Design Services.

Our mission is to make BIM an integral part of every company operating within the AEC sector—no matter their size or scope—empowering them to design, build and operate more efficiently, sustainably and profitably.

Our vision is simple: to revolutionize the AEC industry by making digital design and construction a universal standard, transforming the way projects are delivered worldwide.
Our expansion into Europe is supported by our proven capabilities in services such as Revit Architecture, Structure, and MEP Modeling, Clash Coordination, Point Cloud to BIM, and Rebar Modeling. We are committed to providing European clients with cutting-edge BIM solutions that enhance project delivery, improve collaboration, and reduce costs. By offering tailored services for local needs and regulations, AEODC aims to become a trusted partner for construction firms and developers throughout the region.

Simultaneously, AEODC continues to strengthen its presence in Australia, leveraging its extensive experience in the AEC industry to serve local and international clients with innovative BIM solutions. Our established track record in Australia, coupled with our recent expansion into Europe, positions AEODC as a global leader in the BIM and VDC space, ready to support the construction industry worldwide with efficient, high-quality solutions.





AEODC Inc.

AEODC Inc. is a premier BIM firm specializing in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) for the AEC industry. Offering services such as Revit modeling, BIM coordination, and clash detection, we serve global clients. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing BIM providers in the USA, AEODC ensures innovative, high-quality solutions worldwide.

Located in Michigan, the Stone Soap project is a distinctive development categorized under the Mixed Use Building typology, comprising three levels above ground. The design integrates a branded recreation facility along with fashion and grocery outlets on the ground level, offering a blend of modern amenities and vibrant community spaces that enhance the overall lifestyle experience for occupants and visitors alike.

AEODC was entrusted with delivering critical BIM support on this project, owing to its proven expertise and track record in Revit modeling and architectural sheet preparation. Working in close coordination with the project Architect, AEODC undertook the responsibility of developing construction documentation at LOD 300 during the working design stage. The focus was on ensuring precision, consistency, and adherence to the project timeline, with a tight delivery window of just 3.0 to 4.0 weeks.

Scope of Work

Revit Modeling: Leveraging the capabilities of Revit, AEODC created a robust architectural model to facilitate accurate visualization, coordination, and documentation of the design.

Architectural Sheet Preparation: Comprehensive sets of drawings were generated, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed construction documents, ensuring all aspects of the project were clearly communicated for execution.

Through its systematic approach and technical proficiency, AEODC contributed significantly to the successful progression of the Stone Soap project, helping translate design intent into actionable, precise construction documents.

Stone Soap, Michigan

Import 3D for Autodesk Revit is a robust extension engineered to translate external 3D models into native Revit geometry and material definitions. It accelerates development of custom components and detailed entourage by reusing models produced in other 3D applications or sourced from online asset libraries. This approach streamlines family creation and project setup by eliminating redundant modeling tasks and maintaining design consistency across disciplines Autodesk App Store With a single-click operation users can import complete mesh models including embedded materials directly into project environments or family templates. Import 3D automatically detects and groups imported geometry into existing Revit materials based on color and transparency properties. Intelligent material sorting ensures that furniture entourage mechanical parts and site elements retain their intended appearance without additional manual mapping Performance and configurability are central to the Import 3D design philosophy. The plugin employs highly optimized code to process thousands of mesh faces in seconds making it practical to load complex assets into large building information models. Import parameters allow adjustment of units scale and insertion coordinates for each operation. Imported objects can be classified under the Revit category of choice to maintain project organization and support downstream scheduling workflows The extension supports all industry-standard exchange formats including glTF Wavefront OBJ and Collada DAE. This broad format compatibility lets teams leverage 3D assets created in SketchUp Blender Rhino and other modeling tools without file conversion overhead. Import 3D functions seamlessly in both project and family editing modes to accommodate architects mechanical engineers landscape designers and visualization specialists Licensing and deployment are tailored for both individual practitioners and enterprise teams. Import 3D is available as a desktop license or multi-user floating license through the archi web store with secure checkout provided by Stripe. Each license includes a fully functional seven-day trial and ships with a demonstration Wavefront file that can be loaded using the integrated Load Demo button to evaluate performance on custom workflows. The installer is digitally signed and uses a custom setup routine independent of the standard Autodesk installer to ensure full compatibility with virtual desktop environments. Version twenty-four point four adds robust vertex referencing support to handle a wider variety of OBJ file specifications and extends stability in large model scenarios. The plugin is compatible with Autodesk Revit versions two thousand twenty through two thousand twenty-five running on Windows x sixty-four with a download size of approximately two point eight megabytes. Comprehensive user documentation and a dedicated online forum are available for self-paced learning. Archi technical support can be reached via email and community channels to assist with deployment and customization within existing BIM standards

Import 3D

  Example of 3D model with materials, colour and transparency imported as a site.

Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk, widely used across architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines. It allows users to design, model, and document buildings and infrastructure in a single, coordinated environment. In Revit, every element in a project is part of an interconnected database. Changes made to one view&mdash;such as a plan, elevation, or section&mdash;are automatically reflected in all other views of the model. This parametric relationship ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors in documentation.
<h2 data-start="760" data-end="782">Core Capabilities</h2>
Revit supports both 2D drafting and 3D modeling, but its primary strength lies in its data-rich modeling environment. Each object in Revit is not just geometry; it carries information about its physical properties, materials, and relationships to other components. Revit includes tools for architectural design, structural engineering, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, enabling multiple disciplines to work within the same model.
The software also allows for the creation of schedules, material takeoffs, and detailed construction documentation directly from the model. Because Revit stores all information in one file, edits are reflected across all drawings, schedules, and sheets automatically. This feature is particularly valuable for coordinating complex projects where multiple people and teams are contributing to the design.
<h2 data-start="1643" data-end="1674">Collaboration and Workflow</h2>
Revit is designed to support collaboration in various forms. Worksharing enables multiple team members to work on a single project file simultaneously, with a central model managing updates. For distributed teams, Revit can integrate with cloud-based platforms like Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, allowing real-time collaboration across locations.
Revit also facilitates interoperability with other software used in the AEC industry. It supports import and export in multiple formats, including DWG, IFC, and DGN, and can connect with analysis tools for energy performance, structural analysis, and daylight simulations. Its API (Application Programming Interface) allows for customization and automation through tools like Dynamo, enabling advanced workflows and repetitive task automation.
<h2 data-start="2473" data-end="2500">Practical Applications</h2>
In architecture, Revit is used for conceptual design, detailed design development, and construction documentation. Engineers use Revit for structural analysis and to coordinate MEP systems with architectural and structural elements. Contractors and project managers use Revit models for quantity takeoffs, construction sequencing, and clash detection, ensuring fewer conflicts on site.
Revit is also applied in facility management, as the detailed model can serve as a digital twin of the completed building, providing valuable data for operations and maintenance.
<h2 data-start="3073" data-end="3085">Summary</h2>
Revit provides a unified environment where design, documentation, and analysis coexist in one coordinated model. Its parametric nature, data integration, and multi-disciplinary capabilities have made it a standard in the AEC industry. Whether used for designing a single-family home or a large-scale infrastructure project, Revit enables teams to work more precisely, maintain consistency across outputs, and manage complex building information in an organized way.

Revit

Autodesk Workshop XR revolutionizes the design review process for AEC teams by enabling collaborative virtual walkthroughs of projects at human scale before construction begins. This immersive experience helps teams gain a better spatial understanding of their designs, facilitating better decision-making. When teams are able to identify and mitigate potential issues early on, they can realize the benefits of reducing costly rework and disruptive delays. By integrating Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) data for VR reviews on-demand with real-time issue management, Workshop XR helps accelerate design reviews and project delivery with reduced waste. The VR environment allows teams to interact with BIM data, review the latest project models, align on different views and layers, and manage issues that sync in real-time across coordination and desktop workflows within the ACC ecosystem. Traditional design reviews often suffer from fragmented workflows, communication gaps, and delays. Autodesk Workshop XR addresses these challenges by providing a seamless integration of ACC models into a shared VR environment. This enables teams to spot issues early, streamline collaboration, and prevent expensive rework. The VR experience fosters a shared spatial understanding that is difficult to achieve on 2D screens. Teams can proactively identify design issues during early-stage immersion, leading to more efficient project delivery and reduced waste. By embedding VR into existing workflows, Workshop XR keeps teams aligned without disrupting their usual processes. Key benefits include: •	Seamless ACC Integration: Instantly access up-to-date project data from Autodesk Construction Cloud–no extra formatting or manual importing required •	VR Reviews On-Demand: Load and review models directly from ACC, with real-time updates synced for fast, efficient VR reviews •	Real-Time Issue Management: Identify, track, and resolve issues immersively– all within the same common data environment as your desktop coordination workflows Autodesk’s trusted ecosystem makes Workshop XR an efficient way to review and collaborate on ACC projects together in VR.

Comfortably walk through your model at human scale

Autodesk Workshop XR

What is Navisworks? Use Navisworks® review and coordination software to improve BIM (Building Information Modeling) project delivery. -- Visualize and unify design and construction data within a single federated model. -- Identify and resolve clash and interference problems before construction begins, saving time onsite and in rework. -- Keep project teams collaborating and connected with Navisworks issues integration in the Autodesk Construction Cloud.

NavisWorks

Legacie, one of the UK’s most dynamic developers, is proving that bold decisions and innovative thinking can redefine industry standards. Known for delivering ambitious residential and social housing projects, the business has always combined commercial growth with a strong commitment to community impact. But like many in construction, Legacie faced a common barrier: fragmented procurement. With processes scattered across Excel, Word, email, and even WhatsApp, efficiency suffered, tenders dragged out, and opportunities to transfer lessons between projects were lost.

Instead of settling for “business as usual,” Legacie acted decisively. By embracing ProcurePro, they consolidated procurement into one central digital platform. Suddenly, their teams had full visibility across 40–50 work packages per project. Schedules, scopes of work, tenders, approvals, and contracts were all managed in real time, unlocking clarity and collaboration. Templates and structured workflows not only cut delays but ensured consistency and quality across every development.

The transformation was rapid. Within months, over 10 projects were live, and what began with scepticism quickly turned into enthusiasm. Staff appreciated how ProcurePro mirrored the familiarity of Excel while removing the headaches. Today, Legacie is celebrated as a leader in digital procurement. With data-driven insights, vendor ratings, and supplier partnerships now on the horizon, they are shaping a smarter, stronger future—demonstrating that their success is not just about building homes, but building lasting industry leadership.

Legacie X ProcurePro

ProcurePro &ndash; Powerful End-to-End Construction Procurement Platform&nbsp;
ProcurePro is a cloud‑based, purpose‑built procurement solution tailored specifically for head contractors in the commercial construction industry. It replaces a highly manual, fragmented workflow, often sprawled across 20+ disconnected tools like Excel spreadsheets, Word docs, and lengthy email threads, with one centralized, digital end‑to‑end procurement platform&nbsp; .
At its core, ProcurePro offers a live Procurement Schedule, enabling project teams and senior management to stay organized with real‑time trade‑letting timelines, milestone tracking, and early risk detection. The Scope of Works Library consolidates scope documents into both corporate and project‑specific libraries, protecting against scope gaps, guiding consistent project delivery, and ensuring critical details are never missed&nbsp; .
For subcontractor engagement, the Tenders &amp; Price Breakdowns module simplifies tendering, send tenders and addendums via an online portal, receive quotes in a standardized format, and eliminate manual chasing, allowing teams to spend more time value‑engineering rather than handling admin.
This connects seamlessly into Compare &amp; Recommend, delivering side‑by‑side comparisons of subcontractor bids, streamlined approvals, and auditable decision trails&mdash;what ProcurePro calls &ldquo;apples‑for‑apples&rdquo; evaluations&nbsp; .
Once selections are made, the Contract Creation module auto‑populates contract particulars and annexures with a few clicks, and built‑in Electronic Signature functionality accelerates the contracting process, eliminating paperwork delays and enabling swift, binding agreements&nbsp; .
Beyond workflow efficiency, ProcurePro empowers continuous improvement through Vendor Management and Vendor Ratings, enabling teams to assess vendor performance and drive better commercial outcomes . The Lessons Learnt feature allows teams to capture and reuse project insights, preventing repeat mistakes and fostering consistent quality across projects&nbsp; .
ProcurePro is trusted by over hundres of head contractors and has processed procurement for multi‑billion‑dollar construction portfolios across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. By consolidating 15+ fragmented processes, it delivers over 50 % savings in procurement time, unmatched visibility, stronger governance, and increased profitability.
&nbsp;

ProcurePro

A single-storey KFC outlet, with an approximate area of 4,255 SF, was redesigned to align with modern design trends while preserving the brand’s architectural identity. The updated design is consistent with other KFC outlets, with the main highlight being the enhanced exterior façade. Key features include the prominently displayed KFC logo, decorative windows with integrated sunshades, and distinctive stack walls that enhance the outlet's visual appeal. The internal layout was provided by the client, followed by improvements to the external elevations to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.

AEODC, with a strong track record in delivering stand-alone hospitality BIM projects, was awarded the project to execute the defined scope at LOD 350 using BIM 360. The entire project was completed within a tight deadline of under three weeks. The scope of work included creating a 3D Revit model of the as-built structure, enhancing the model to incorporate the proposed design, and extracting a complete CD set including floor plans, elevations, sections, and architectural details.

The project presented multiple challenges, including a limited timeline and complex modeling requirements. AEODC had to create detailed parametric families for decorative windows, sunshades, louvers, and cornices. Moreover, the project had to be delivered in two phases—existing and new—which required precise modeling and coordination to avoid design conflicts.

To meet the deadline, AEODC implemented optimized workflows, reused parametric families from previous projects, and maintained strong collaboration with the site team. This ensured timely delivery, allowing efficient phased construction while minimizing delays and costly rework.

KFC, Kentucky

A custom Revit add-in to automate section views creation and reinforcement detailing, including annotation/tagging and dimensioning. This is a product created to address our client's specific needs. If you want to develop a tool for your company request a quote at: https://diroots.com/custom-software-development/

Revit Add-in by Diroots

pyRevit (with lowercase py) is a Rapid Application Prototyping (RAD) environment for Autodesk Revit®. It helps you quickly sketch out your automation and add-on ideas, in whichever language that you are most comfortable with, inside the Revit environment and using its APIs. It also ships with an extensive set of powerful tools that showcase its capabilities as a development environment. Download and install pyRevit, launch Revit, and note the new pyRevit tab that includes these tools. pyRevit also ships with a handy CLI utility for customized configuration and deployment of your tools, and a telemetry server to monitor pyRevit usage across your teams.

pyRevit

Revizto unifies BIM intelligence and makes it immediately accessible and actionable for the entire project team. With Revizto’s advanced Issue Tracker predefined workflows project team members can identify and manage model-based issues in the 3D space and 2D sheets, including addressing clash groups. Revizto provides unified access to a project’s data both for 2D and 3D workflows, so anyone can use it depending on project requirements.

Revizto Clash Automation - Step 1 - The Building Blocks of Clash Automation

Revizto

For modelers who are tired of manual work, Our ScantoBim solution offers a ML based system which automates traditional workflows like never before. Unlike other software tools, we also offer managed service and ensure accuracy in output BIM models. What Makes ScanToBIM.ai Unique? The Only ML Powered Conversion Service for Point Cloud Data to BIM Model. The Use of Machine Learning in Scan to BIM process saves up to 50% of time and enables faster BIM modelling. Now That We Have Your Attention With a Glimpse of Point Cloud Model To BIM Model in Revit, Why Wait Any Further To Implement It? Try it Now and Get: -Free ML output with classified point cloud data. -Free first BIM Model converted from a given point cloud. About Us: Transforming the AEC domain's technology landscape with our proven decade-long expertise. nCircle Tech (inc. 2012) empowers passionate innovators to create impactful ML-supported software for faster Scan-to-BIM model outputs on desktop, mobile, and cloud platforms.Our AEC domain expertise in CAD-BIM customization drives automation by integrating advanced technologies like AI/ML.Our team of dedicated engineers, partner ecosystem, and industry veterans are on a mission to redefine how you design and visualize.Our proven decade worth of domain expertise and track record empowers our esteemed list of clientele to reduce time-to-market, meeting business goals, and going beyond them.

ML powered BIM model converted from Point cloud data on Shizuoka prefecture, Japan

Automated ScantoBIM for Residential Remodeling

ScanToBIM

Revit architecture modeling in Florida is transforming the way AEC professionals design ,collaborate, and execute projects. From parametric components that allow flexible, complex geometries to real-time cloud collaboration, Revit delivers unmatched value across all project phases.

What stands out the most is how Revit seamlessly integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) into daily workflows. Professionals can now visualize in 3D, run structural and energy simulations, and manage costs with pinpoint accuracy—all from a single platform. In fast-paced and high-demand markets like Florida, this kind of efficiency is a game-changer.

Additionally, the interoperability of Revit with multiple file formats makes it easy to coordinate with engineers, contractors, and clients alike. Real-time updates, clash detection, and data-driven facility management ensure that everyone is on the same page from concept to completion.

One of the most compelling features is Revit’s focus on visualization. Whether it’s for residential or commercial projects, clients are increasingly relying on photorealistic renders to better understand project outcomes—and Revit delivers just that.

Revit architecture modeling isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic asset for construction firms looking to stay competitive, reduce errors, and maximize collaboration in Florida and beyond.

With Revit, the transition from design intent to construction reality becomes smoother and more reliable. It empowers Florida’s AEC professionals to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable projects.




Revit Architecture Modeling in Florida– 7 Reasons Why It’s Crucial

Kobi Toolkit for Revit is a powerful plugin that enhances BIM workflows and boosts your productivity. With nine sets of tools and over 40 individual tools, it streamlines complex design processes, automates tasks, and improves efficiency in areas like BIM management, QA & QC, annotation, scheduling, and more. Kobi Toolkit is designed to extend the capabilities of Revit in key areas, and providing more accurate and efficient modeling and analysis of your projects. Some of the most popular tools included in the Kobi Toolkit for Revit are: * BIM Query - BIM Query streamlines property management in your Revit model. It lets you edit Type and Instance properties of selected Categories using the built-in spreadsheet editor, with Excel functionalities like sorting, filtering, and copying parameters. * Filtering tool – It gives the user the control over the selection of specific elements project, grouped according to the users’ selection (e.g. by Category, by Level, by Workset). * Power BI Export - With Power BI Export you can use Revit data for creating tables, graphs and visual representations even faster. Power BI allows you to efficiently review and manipulate data without needing to open the Revit file. Perfect for meetings, creating reports or quick reviews. * Project Cleanup - This set of tools provides the ability to create a lightweight file. You can clean up a project, from removing unplaced rooms to purging unnecessary line types or materials, object styles, and views. * Material Legend and Legend by Category automate the time-consuming process of creating legends in Revit. With just a few clicks, you can create a legend for materials or for selected categories. This feature simplifies the workflow and saves you valuable time, allowing you to focus on more important tasks. * Content Admin Kit provides advanced parameter management tools. It simplifies managing shared parameters in tables, converting instance parameters to type and vice versa, and automatically creating and importing multiple parameters from one family to another. This feature streamlines content creation by allowing you to upgrade whole folders of families to the current version, manage calculated parameters, and perform many other tasks. With Content Admin Kit, you can efficiently manage your Revit content and enhance your workflow. ---------------------------------------------------- KobiLabs is the developer of Kobi Toolkits. They take a user-driven approach and build tools around what’s needed in the marketplace. Learn more about them and their tools at kobilabs.com.

Kobi Toolkit for Revit

Awarded from repeat client, AEODC was brought on board to deliver the defined scope. Having a proven track record of implementing BIM Technology of complex projects, AEODC worked closely with the Architecture and Structure Design team to understand their requirements for resolving complex clashes found among ASMEP Discipline.

The scope of work included in the project:

Revit Modeling:
Creating detailed 3D models of the architecture, structure and MEP systems using Autodesk Revit software.

Virtual Construction Study Report:
Preparing detailed clash report highlight clashes and suggesting ways to resolve clashes between various trades, ensuring smooth construction execution.

The strategies implemented for successfully delivering the project:

Optimized Workflows:
Releasing the clash report in two phases namely Phase 1 & Phase 2 led to quick issuing of clash reports on-site. Phase 1 – Parking levels of ASMEP clashes, followed by Phase 2 – Units ASMEP clashes

Collaborative Approach:
Fostering strong collaboration between the design team and the construction team to ensure timely issue resolution. Thereby giving the client & various stake holders ample time to update drawings & coordinate on their end.

Quality Assurance:
Implementing rigorous quality control measures to maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the project.

By successfully addressing these challenges, AEODC delivered a complex yet interesting BIM project that facilitated efficient construction and minimized costly errors and delays in record time at site.

Temple Apartments, California

Somerset Health Clinic | Somerton, Arizona – AEODC Project Spotlight

The Somerset Health Clinic is a state-of-the-art, single-story outpatient medical facility located at Lot 1 of Parkview Commerce Center in Somerton, Arizona. Spanning approximately 27,500 square feet, the clinic is designed to accommodate a diverse range of medical services, including adult medicine, pediatrics, and dentistry. With a focus on accessibility, functionality, and modern healthcare delivery, this clinic aims to serve the Somerton community with efficiency and care.

AEODC’s Role and BIM Services Provided

AEODC was brought on board to deliver precise and advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) support, ensuring coordination accuracy across disciplines at a high Level of Development (LOD 400). Our team played a vital role in enhancing Revit models across architecture, structure, and MEP systems, aligning with client specifications and equipment submittals.

Scope of Work Included:

Revit Architectural and Structural Enhancements (LOD 400): Elevating the existing LOD 300 models to LOD 400 using Autodesk Revit.

Revit MEP Enhancements (LOD 400): Incorporating detailed MEP elements with manufacturer submittals.

Navisworks Clash Coordination: Performing in-depth clash detection across ASMEP trades to support construction accuracy and reduce site conflicts.

Key Project Challenges

System-Specific Detailing: Specialized spaces like dental and pediatric units demanded tailored enhancements based on high-detail submittals.

Coordination Accuracy: Clash detection required extreme precision to ensure seamless integration between trades, minimizing costly construction-phase rework.

With a strong focus on coordination and model accuracy, AEODC’s contribution helped streamline design execution and enabled efficient preconstruction planning for the Somerset Health Clinic.

Somerset Health Clinic, Arizona

Autodesk Forma is a powerful cloud-based design platform developed to support architects, planners, and developers in the early stages of building design. As a successor to Spacemaker—an AI-driven tool that Autodesk acquired in 2020—Forma brings together data analysis, collaboration, and conceptual design tools to help professionals make better decisions right from the start of a project. At its core, Forma allows users to explore different building layouts and site configurations while instantly analyzing important factors such as daylight, wind, noise, and even carbon emissions. The goal is to give project teams a clearer understanding of how design decisions will impact a building’s performance, helping them optimize their projects before moving into more detailed design phases. What makes Forma stand out is its focus on real-time feedback. As users sketch out massing models or adjust site parameters, the platform evaluates each option against key performance metrics. This means teams can test multiple ideas quickly and identify the best-performing solutions based on actual data, not just assumptions. Forma also integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk products, especially Revit. This connection allows users to carry forward their early-stage design work into detailed models without needing to start over. It’s a smooth handoff that supports a more efficient and collaborative workflow across teams and disciplines. Another important aspect of Forma is its contribution to sustainability. The platform includes tools to assess operational energy use and, increasingly, embodied carbon—key areas for reducing a project’s environmental impact. These features align with the growing demand for climate-conscious design in the AEC industry. Since its release, Autodesk Forma has gained traction among firms that want to incorporate performance-based thinking into their design process. It’s especially useful in feasibility studies and client presentations, where visual clarity and data-driven insights can guide early decisions. As the industry continues to shift toward more connected and informed design practices, tools like Forma are helping lead the way.

Autodesk Forma

The Sawgrass to Seagrass Center, located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a significant new construction project aimed at enhancing community engagement and environmental education. The development involves the construction of a modern two-story facility with a total approximate area of 17,000 square feet. Designed to accommodate a variety of functional and community-oriented spaces, the building is thoughtfully divided into a Ground Floor, Upper Floor, and a Roof Level.

The Ground Floor includes essential infrastructure such as covered parking, mechanical and electrical rooms, restrooms, and support areas. A dedicated conference room and other utility spaces ensure operational efficiency and flexibility for events or administrative functions.

The Upper Floor is the heart of the project, envisioned as a vibrant exhibition space and community center. It also includes an open terrace designed to foster community interaction and connect visitors with the surrounding environment. The Upper Floor houses additional rooms intended for educational programs, events, or office use.

This facility is not only a center for community and cultural gatherings but also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about Florida’s natural ecosystems—from the inland sawgrass marshes to the coastal seagrass beds. The design and layout reflect a balance between utility, sustainability, and public engagement.

Seagrass Center, Florida

Think what's possible
The sky’s the limit with exceptional design and teams that outperform expectations.

Imagine:

Greater sustainability from the inside out.
Inspiring workplaces people want to return to.
Learning environments that attract world class students.
Health centers designed to make care and lives better.
Research centers that speed innovation from lab to life.
Now you’re thinking...Let’s get to work.

At Page, we’ve always believed that design has the power to transform the world around us. With more than 125 years of history, our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation is stronger than ever. From reducing carbon emissions to fostering inclusive communities, Page is committed to creating designs that are not only sustainable but transformational. We’re just getting started. Join us as we continue to Think What’s Possible—one project, one partnership, and one community at a time. 

Full-service design, architecture and engineering

We pair the art and science of possibility with how to make it happen. Expect powerfully imaginative and collaborative architecture, engineering and design that makes you ready for today and what comes next. From thought to finish, Page experts—of all disciplines—think outside the box, figure the best way forward, and deliver solutions to complex projects in new, inventive and amazing ways.

We’re a multidisciplinary design, architecture and engineering firm with 1,300+ talented staff and offices in the U.S. and abroad. Our work consists largely of complex projects that benefit from our integrated disciplines and that make a significant impact on the communities they serve.

Our people make the difference

We believe our people make Page different. We recruit and hire the best talent, and make space for our teams to celebrate their individuality, to bring bold, new ideas to our process, and create work that makes our lives better.

The Power of Design

We believe buildings are more important for what they do — for the positive impact they make on individual lives — than for what they are. In all that we design and do, we consider how to make people’s lives better.

History

In 1898, Charles Henry Page and his brother Louis Page formed Page Brother, Architects and focused on designing courthouses and public schools. Charles's son, Charles Henry Page Jr., joined the firm following Louis's death in 1934. A year later, Louis's son, Louis Charles Page Jr., partnered with his college roommate, Louis Southerland, to form the Austin-based firm Page and Southerland. Louis's brother, George Page, would join the firm in 1939 and the name changed to Page Southerland Page. The firm changed its name to just Page in 2013.

In 2022, Page bought the architectural and planning firm, EYP, merging the former Albany-based company's national offices and design portfolio. In 2023, Page acquired Davis Brody Bond, a former New York City-based architecture firm with notable projects including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the Portico Gallery at the Frick Collection, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

As of 2024, Page operated 21 offices in the US, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates.

Page

We’re a multidisciplinary design, architecture and engineering firm with 1,300+ talented staff and offices in the U.S. and abroad. Our work consists largely of complex projects that benefit from our integrated disciplines and that make a significant impact on the communities they serve.

Egnyte decreases the design schedule of a top design and engineering firm by six to seven months.

Challenges
Page needed to find a solution to work together more efficiently. With projects that can have an extensive employee team and up to a hundred external consultants located in multiple cities, Page had files spread across various systems and locations, making finding, sharing, and collaborating on files extremely challenging.

Solution
Now, Page’s plan is to take all the content (that is contractually permissible) off their file servers and move it to Egnyte. To date, they have entirely transitioned their Marketing content to the platform and are now focusing on Accounting, Human Resources, and IT. The goal is to get to the point when all new projects begin in Egnyte.

Results
Page was recently awarded a large healthcare project and their use of Egnyte resulted in significant improvements in file sharing, collaboration and data security.

Egnyte helped shorten the design schedule by 6-7 months, saving 3-4 hours per week through easier coordination.

Brian Walters, Project Manager at Page, stated, "If you had to add it up, Egnyte is one of the many factors that has saved us time on the project...how projects are set up in Egnyte is critical to that success."

Page Saves Time and Improves Security with Egnyte

EGNYTE CONTENT CLOUD Unlock the full potential of your mission-critical content by simplifying collaboration, improving productivity with AI, and addressing information governance. PLATFORM The Egnyte Platform provides robust, secure, and compliant infrastructure that can be customized and scaled to match your business needs. Faster Time to Value Egnyte delivers immediate value with little or no customization but can tailor its offering to meet your business needs and integrate with your environment. Trusted by IT Leaders Thousand of IT leaders appreciate Egnyte&rsquo;s ease of deployment combined with a secure and compliant architecture. Loved by End-users End-users love working with Egnyte because of its accessibility from wherever they work, without forcing them to alter established processes and behavior. COLLABORATION Collaborate on mission-critical content with distributed teams working from an office, from home, or on the go. Collaborate Efficiently Empower teams to work efficiently and confidently, accelerating project timelines while protecting valuable content. Manage Complex Files Efficiently collaborate on mission-critical content and empower teams that work with large, complex files (up to 250 GB) in the cloud. Streamline Workflows Enhance workflows, improve productivity, drive project momentum, and ensure secure interactions across teams and partners. INTELLIGENCE Drive productivity and innovation with private and secure AI grounded in your company's data. Get fast answers, surface insights, create summaries, and perform actions via a simple, intuitive interface built into users&rsquo; workflows. Private Egnyte&rsquo;s AI respects your governance model and adheres to user-specific permissions, protecting your data with stringent privacy, compliance, and security standards. Purposeful Get accurate, relevant, and traceable answers from your data, with complete control over data sources and AI prompts. Practical Integrate AI seamlessly into existing workflows without moving data out of Egnyte, eliminating the need for new tools or special skills. GOVERNANCE Proactively Address Rapidly Evolving Cyberthreats and Manage Compliance Requirements Defend Against Ransomware Proactively manage the threat of ransomware; detect known ransomware artifacts; keep pace with rapidly-evolving ransomware variants; take immediate action when users experience attacks; and recover quickly from successful attacks using Snapshot Recovery. Protect Sensitive Content Identify and review sensitive content including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) data, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI); take immediate corrective action to protect exposed data; strengthen your compliance with global data privacy regulations such as GDPR and CPRA; and continuously improve sensitive data protection. Manage Regulatory Compliance Comply with cybersecurity and data privacy standards, such as CMMC, ISO 27001, and the CPRA; detect data that&rsquo;s subject to compliance and data privacy standards; keep pace with rapidly-evolving international privacy and cybersecurity standards; and benefit from Egnyte&rsquo;s deep compliance experience. Remediate Security Issues Mitigate risk associated with common security vulnerabilities like publicly exposed document links and potential ransomware; automatically respond to suspicious Egnyte login attempts; and enable your team to focus on threats most likely to significantly impact your company. Keep Data Confidential Create virtual data rooms (VDRs) for secure collaboration with external entities; generate Document Rooms in support of M&amp;A, asset sales, and investment fundraising initiatives; watermark previewed files to limit the risk of data breaches; gain real-time insights into users&rsquo; document access activity; and terminate external entities&rsquo; access when projects are completed, for peace of mind.

Egnyte Architecture Engineering and Construction Video

GBBN makes end users happier and more productive with Egnyte rollout

Egnyte

3 Ways Egnyte Helps AEC Firms Tap Into the Public Cloud 

In 2025, Planète GreenLeaves collaborated with the ULI Boston Chapter to conduct a detailed microclimate and thermal comfort analysis of the Mystic River Industrial Area in Boston. The project aimed to assess current outdoor conditions and explore climate adaptation strategies for a future regenerative design initiative.

CityDigitalTwin was used to build a high-resolution digital twin of the site from OpenStreetMap data, capturing buildings, roads, vegetation, and water bodies. The model represented real-world conditions with layered detail, forming the basis for hourly simulations. The simulation focused on July 28, 2020 — the hottest summer day recorded between 2019 and 2023 — running from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM at hourly intervals to analyze outdoor thermal comfort using UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index).

Baseline results revealed widespread thermal discomfort across most pedestrian areas, with UTCI frequently exceeding 95°F and thermal comfort frequencies below 20% in key locations. This highlighted the vulnerability of the site to urban heat, particularly in paved, unshaded zones.

Scenario analysis tested reflective (cool) roofs and pavements as an intervention. Results showed a UTCI reduction of up to 6°F in affected areas, significantly improving pedestrian comfort. The analysis demonstrated how passive design strategies, like reflective surfaces, can help mitigate urban heat island effects and enhance outdoor usability.

CityDigitalTwin enabled stakeholders to visualize, quantify, and compare current and improved conditions quickly and effectively. This study not only informed immediate design priorities but also illustrated the value of data-driven, pre-design analysis in meeting broader sustainability goals. The Mystic River project exemplifies how urban planning can integrate climate resilience and human-centric design through advanced simulation technology.

Mystic River Industrial Area Thermal Comfort Study, Boston

CityDigitalTwin: A Web-Based Platform for Climate-Resilient Urban Design CityDigitalTwin is an innovative web-based platform that empowers architects, urban planners, municipalities, and sustainability professionals to design climate-resilient and energy-efficient urban spaces. Combining advanced simulation technology with an intuitive interface, CityDigitalTwin enables users to assess the environmental impact of their design choices and develop strategies for adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. At its core, CityDigitalTwin simulates microclimate conditions, outdoor wind and thermal comfort, and building energy performance at the neighborhood or city scale. Users can upload 3D models of urban areas — with inputs compatible from industry-standard design tools like Rhino, Revit, SketchUp, and others — define weather and surface conditions, and analyze the effects of design interventions such as green infrastructure, cool materials, building layout, shading, and renewable energy systems. By providing actionable insights on temperature, outdoor comfort metrics, and energy demand, the platform supports evidence-based decision-making at the pre-design stage of projects. CityDigitalTwin is ideal for scenario analysis. Users can create and compare multiple “what-if” scenarios — for example, increasing tree canopy, deploying reflective roofs, adding photovoltaic panels, or reconfiguring building placement — to evaluate their impact on urban heat, comfort, and energy use. This capability helps stakeholders make informed trade-offs, prioritize interventions, and meet regulatory or sustainability goals. The platform is entirely cloud-based, accessible from any browser, and designed to integrate seamlessly into existing urban planning workflows. It offers a fast, cost-effective alternative to traditional simulation tools, reducing both learning curve and turnaround time. CityDigitalTwin also supports collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, enabling shared access to project data and results. By aligning with emerging priorities such as climate adaptation, carbon reduction, net-zero emissions and human-centered design, CityDigitalTwin is a powerful tool for the next generation of sustainable urban development. Whether used by cities preparing for climate risks, architects and planners conducting pedestrian wind and thermal comfort studies, or engineers optimizing energy systems, it delivers interoperable, data-driven guidance to shape healthier, more resilient, and more efficient built environments.

CityDigitalTwin

Starter — Up to 16 km², 20 simulations/month

Professional — Up to 16 km², 40 simulations/month

Enterprise — Up to 100 km², 40 simulations/month

Customized Plan — Large or Complex Projects

1-Month Free Trial, Starter Plan Features

In brief, the project involves the construction of a new Porsche dealership in North Miami, FL. The facility includes a two-level showroom connected to a six-level garage building, with dedicated service drive regions. According to the project documentation, the approximate area of the Showroom Building is 38,612 SF, the 6-floor Garage Building is 281,093 SF, and the Service Drive is 79,130 SF.

Services Offered
AEODC was engaged to enhance the project’s Revit models and provide clash detection and coordination services to meet the specified scope and timeline.

The scope of work included in the project:

Revit Architecture and Structure Model Enhancement to LOD 400:
Enhanced Model received at LOD300 to LOD400 using Autodesk Revit, in alignment with project specifications.

Revit MEP Model Enhancement to LOD 400:
Enhanced MEP models to LOD 400, ensuring seamless integration with architectural and structural elements.

Navisworks Clash Detection & Coordination:
Utilizing Navisworks to identify and resolve clashes across disciplines. This included conducting coordination meetings to resolve potential issues before construction.

Project Challenges
The project presented several complex challenges, including:

Large Scale and Complex Design:
The integration of multiple building systems, such as the showroom, garage, and service drive, required precise modeling and coordination to ensure design accuracy.

Clash Detection and Coordination:
The need for detailed clash detection and effective coordination across multiple disciplines to prevent costly issues during construction.

Strategies Implemented
To address the project’s complexities, AEODC implemented the following strategies:

Model Enhancement:
Leveraged LOD 400 standards for architectural, structural, and MEP models to ensure high accuracy and efficient coordination.

Clash Detection & Resolution:
Ran thorough clash detection in Navisworks and held regular coordination meetings with stakeholders to address potential issues proactively.

Collaborative Coordination:
Ensured seamless communication between the design team and client, focusing on timely resolution of RFIs and coordination issues.

By enhancing the Revit models and implementing a comprehensive clash detection and coordination process, AEODC contributed to the efficient design and execution of the Porsche dealership project, ensuring smooth construction and minimal delays.

Porsche Dealership, Florida

Aviara East | Located at Pompano Beach, Florida
In brief, Aviara East comprises of 3 buildings – an eight story residential building (271,000 SF), six story mixed use building (80,000 SF), and a single-story recreation building (10,000 SF). Residential Building has parking slots at ground floor followed by residential units on floors above, mixed use building has commercial space on ground floor followed by residential units on floors above.

SERVICES OFFERED
Having a remarkable track record of successfully delivering Revit architecture and structure modeling including sheet preparation scope, AEODC was brought on board to deliver the defined scope with quick turnaround at LOD 350 within a tight time-frame of 6.5 to 7.5 weeks.

The scope of work included in the project:

Revit Modeling: Creating detailed 3D models of the architectural and structural services using Autodesk Revit software.
Architecture & Structure Sheet Preparation: Generating accurate and comprehensive construction documents, including plans, elevations, sections, and details.
 

PROJECT CHALLENGES
The project presented several complex challenges, including:

Tight Deadlines: The project construction timeline demanded efficient workflows and rigorous project management.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Coordinating among multiple disciplines such as civil, architecture and structure discipline required meticulous planning and communication.
Model Complexity: The large scale and intricate architecture design of the project necessitated robust BIM methodologies and advanced software tools.
 

STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED
The strategies implemented for successfully delivering the project:

Optimized Workflows: Leveraging advanced Revit plug-ins and streamlined workflows to maximize productivity.
Collaborative Approach: Fostering strong collaboration between the design and construction team to ensure timely issue resolution of critical RFI’s using project documentation software’s such as Procore.
Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous quality control measures to maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the project.
 

By successfully addressing these challenges, AEODC successfully delivered the defined scope within timeline that facilitated efficient construction by minimizing costly errors and delays in record time at site.

Aviara East, Florida

3D architecture solution that assists designing and architectural firms with data modeling, attribute management, graphics overriding & more.

ArchiCAD

About BLT SMRT – A Trusted Technology Partner for AEC Firms

BLT SMRT is a forward-thinking consulting and software development firm that specializes in optimizing workflows, enhancing design technology, and developing custom automation solutions for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals. Founded in 2018, our roots run much deeper. Our journey began nearly 20 years ago as CADD technicians in high school, driven by curiosity and a desire to make design work more efficient. Today, we operate at the intersection of design and technology, supporting AEC firms through every phase of the project lifecycle.

As a trusted AEC technology partner, we help our clients navigate the complexities of digital transformation by designing and implementing systems that improve accuracy, streamline workflows, and accelerate project delivery. Whether it’s a boutique architecture studio or a multinational engineering firm, our mission remains the same: enable teams to do their best work with tools that work better.
We are passionate about solving the most challenging problems in the AEC industry. From automating repetitive tasks to improving software interoperability, we empower design and construction professionals to focus on creative and strategic work by eliminating the friction in their daily processes.

AEC Consulting Services: Empowering Teams With Better Workflows

BLT SMRT provides a full suite of consulting services tailored to the unique demands of AEC firms. Our expertise spans workflow optimization, advanced BIM strategies, and digital automation solutions.

We work closely with your team to identify inefficiencies, uncover bottlenecks, and reimagine your workflows for maximum impact. Whether you’re starting a new BIM implementation or refining long-standing standards, we offer expert insights, on-demand guidance, and ongoing technical support. Our clients rely on us for everything from feasibility studies for automation ideas to high-level BIM project consultation.
If your team is already using tools like Python, Dynamo, or Grasshopper, we provide code reviews, optimization strategies, and help you build smarter scripts. We also support data extraction and dashboarding, allowing you to turn project data into actionable insights and better decision-making.

AEC Consulting Services Include:
•	Workflow analysis and creation
•	Automation ideation and feasibility studies
•	BIM execution plans and strategy development
•	BIM project support and technology integration
•	Data interoperability and dashboarding
•	Computational design optimization
•	Software selection and troubleshooting
•	Emerging technology research and evaluation

No matter your current tech stack or level of BIM maturity, BLT SMRT can help you elevate your capabilities and prepare for what’s next.

Custom AEC Software Solutions: Build Tools for the Way You Work

Sometimes, off-the-shelf software just doesn’t cut it. That’s where our custom solutions come in. We create tailored tools that align with your firm’s unique workflows and project requirements. Our team builds everything from standalone desktop software to intelligent Revit add-ins, Dynamo graphs, and Grasshopper scripts.

By automating manual tasks, integrating siloed systems, and developing new digital tools, we help your team move faster, work smarter, and reduce errors across the board. Whether you need a one-off tool or a platform-wide solution, our team will partner with you from ideation to implementation.

Custom AEC Solutions Include:
•	Custom desktop applications
•	Revit and Navisworks add-ins
•	No-code and low-code solutions (e.g., PowerAutomate, Zapier, Dynamo, Grasshopper)
•	Computational design workflows
•	Proof-of-concept scripts and tool prototypes
•	Custom Revit families and parametric content

If there's a task in your daily workflow that feels slow, repetitive, or frustrating—let’s invent a better way together. Your team will thank you, and your bottom line will too.

Let’s Work Together

With over two decades of experience immersed in AEC technology, BLT SMRT combines deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge development skills. We don't just understand your tools—we help you transform them. Whether you need help today or are planning for the future, we’re here to be your long-term technology partner.

BLT SMRT, LLC

Make your team more efficient by bending technology to your needs. We create pipelines, scripts, apps and content for faster and easier workflows.

Bergman, Walls & Associates (BWA), a prominent architecture firm based in Las Vegas, engaged BLT SMRT to modernize their approach to design technology through the implementation of Maestro. Although Revit was well-established within their workflow, BWA had no internal automations or scripting infrastructure. This lack of tools made it difficult to share standards, reduce repetitive tasks, or respond quickly to recurring coordination issues. The firm needed a solution that would allow them to build and scale their own tools without relying on full-time software developers.

Maestro offered an accessible path forward. With built-in AI-assisted code generation, BWA’s BIM Manager could quickly produce customized scripts to tackle internal challenges. These tools, once tested and refined, were deployed to the full team using Maestro’s deployment platform. To streamline access and adoption, the team also used Maestro’s Ribbon Manager to build a custom Revit ribbon, embedding tools, resources, and documentation into the daily workflow.

The result was a cultural and technical shift. BWA’s staff now view repetitive tasks as automation opportunities rather than unavoidable effort. Maestro has empowered BWA to evolve from a static software environment to one that is flexible, responsive, and increasingly self-sufficient across its design teams with minimal effort from the team.

Scaling Design Technology Through Accessible Automation

Maestro is an AI-powered automation platform designed to enhance efficiency and collaboration within Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms. By integrating seamlessly with Autodesk Revit, Maestro offers a suite of tools that streamline repetitive tasks, facilitate code deployment, and promote team-wide productivity. Key Features: • Revit Ribbon Manager: Maestro introduces a customizable ribbon interface within Revit, allowing users to tailor their workspace with frequently used tools and scripts. This personalization accelerates workflow and reduces time spent navigating through menus. • Integrated Python IDE: With its built-in Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Maestro empowers users to write, test, and deploy scripts directly within the platform. This feature simplifies the automation of complex tasks and enhances scripting capabilities without the need for external applications. • AI-Driven Automation: Leveraging artificial intelligence, Maestro automates routine processes, minimizing manual input and the potential for human error. This intelligent automation leads to more consistent outcomes and frees up time for creative and critical tasks. • Deployment Platform: Maestro facilitates the deployment of tools and scripts across teams, ensuring that all members have access to the latest resources. This centralized approach promotes consistency and simplifies the management of project assets. Benefits for AEC Professionals: • Enhanced Productivity: By automating repetitive tasks and providing quick access to essential tools, Maestro significantly reduces the time required for project completion. • Improved Collaboration: The platform's deployment capabilities ensure that teams work with uniform tools and scripts, fostering a cohesive working environment. • Scalability: Maestro's modular design allows it to adapt to firms of various sizes, making it a versatile solution for both small teams and large organizations. • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design of Maestro ensures that users can quickly become proficient, reducing the learning curve associated with new software adoption. Incorporating Maestro into your workflow can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, consistency, and overall project quality. Its integration with Revit and focus on automation make it a valuable asset for any AEC firm aiming to modernize its operations.

Maestro

Mastery of Digital® is an international initiative launched to empower engineers, architects, and construction professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and tools for navigating the rapidly evolving world of digital construction. In a sector often resistant to change, Mastery of Digital® serves as a platform for innovation, bridging the gap between traditional workflows and emerging technologies. By providing high-quality educational resources, expert insights, and practical tools, we aim to help professionals not only adapt to the demands of the modern AEC industry but also become leaders in shaping its future.

What sets Mastery of Digital® apart is our commitment to turning technological complexity into accessible and actionable solutions. We curate the most relevant innovations, from Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-powered tools to automation and digital twin technologies, and translate them into hands-on, real-world knowledge. Our platform is built for those who want to future-proof their careers, deliver better projects, and stay competitive in a data-driven economy.

We provide a growing library of case studies, training programs, reports, and AI resources tailored specifically for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community. Whether you're a contractor looking to streamline operations, a civil engineer exploring automation, or a university lecturer designing a new curriculum, Mastery of Digital® gives you a space to learn, contribute, and grow.

Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic global community focused on the discovery, application, and scaling of digital construction technologies. We aim to provide the resources, guidance, and support necessary for professionals to embrace digital transformation with confidence and to use it as a tool for innovation, sustainability, and competitive advantage.

Vision
To become the global reference point for digital construction where professionals from all corners of the industry can connect, collaborate, and advance their expertise. Our vision is to position Mastery of Digital® as the leading platform where thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners come together to define the future of the built environment.

Core Values
*Commitment to Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we produce. From training modules to technical white papers, we ensure our community always receives top-tier content grounded in practical application and academic rigor.

*Collaboration
We believe that progress in construction technology happens through shared knowledge and partnerships. We foster a culture of collaboration where professionals across disciplines and borders can co-create and innovate together.

*Empowerment
Our goal is to empower individuals and organizations with the tools, skills, and confidence to navigate digital change. Whether you're starting your digital journey or leading it, we’re here to support your next step.

*Integrity
Honesty, transparency, and consistency are central to our identity. We prioritize building trust with our community by delivering on our promises and maintaining an open, respectful environment.

*Continuous Learning
Digital construction is constantly evolving. That’s why we emphasize lifelong learning and staying ahead of industry trends. Our platform encourages ongoing exploration, experimentation, and education.

*Sustainability
We are committed to promoting sustainability in the built environment. Through our content and advocacy, we help professionals integrate greener and more efficient practices into construction processes.

Mastery of Digital® is more than a platform. It is a movement. A movement to upskill the global AEC workforce, reduce the knowledge gap in construction technology, and inspire professionals to lead with confidence in a digital-first future. With thousands of subscribers, partners, and growing global recognition, we are proud to be helping shape the next generation of construction leaders, equipped not just with tools but with purpose.

Mastery of Digital

Bringing you the latest tech advancements in the AEC industry.

The Špansko Pool Complex in Zagreb is a significant public infrastructure initiative designed to elevate the recreational and athletic amenities in the western part of the city. With an investment of €34 million, the facility includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wellness center, dedicated fitness areas, and seating capacity for 300 spectators. This modern complex is part of the city’s broader strategy to promote community well-being and provide high-quality sports infrastructure.

As part of a real-world evaluation, a field test of InspectMIND AI, an advanced site inspection and documentation tool, was conducted during an active construction phase. The Job Site Observation module was used to assess concrete works and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) compliance. The tool enabled real-time digital documentation of site activities, categorization of findings, and attachment of site photos—all through a streamlined and simple to use mobile interface.

Within less than an hour, a fully structured inspection report was generated, complete with AI-generated summaries for each observation area. The test demonstrated how InspectMIND AI reduces time spent on field reporting, increases clarity of safety documentation, and facilitates faster communication between stakeholders. The result was a detailed, data-backed report that highlights the value of digital workflows in the construction sector.

Špansko Swimming Pool Complex - AI Site Docs

InspectMind AI is a revolutionary tool for the AEC industry, designed to automate construction inspection reports using advanced AI technology. This app transforms voice and visual data from site visits into comprehensive, accurate, and easy-to-understand inspection reports, significantly reducing manual report-writing time. Ideal for engineers, architects, and contractors, InspectMind AI streamlines the inspection process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy, and is already transforming how inspections are documented in the construction sector. 1- Start recording Start the inspection at the job site as you normally would. Snap photos and record voice notes directly in our app. We automatically transcribe your notes, timestamped for your convenience. 2- AI-generated report As you finish the inspection, InspectMind's AI pinpoint crucial inspection data, crafting a report from the notes you've just created with a standard inspection report template. 3- Review report Review and fine-tune the auto-generated report within our app to your liking. Your notes and past reports are safely stored in the cloud, so you never have to worry about losing data. 4- Share report Simply share your report via a link, or download it as a Word or PDF document. Structural Engineers: Utilize for detailed structural evaluations, capturing complex data through voice and video for precise reports. Architects: Ideal for documenting site conditions and progress, integrating visual elements into comprehensive reports. Contractors: Use during daily site visits for progress tracking, safety inspections, and quality checks, converting observations into organized reports. City Inspectors: Streamline city code compliance and inspection processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Real Estate Professionals: Apply for property condition assessments and pre-purchase inspections. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- InspectMind is an innovative platform designed to streamline and enhance the process of building inspections, offering a suite of features tailored to meet the needs of professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. By leveraging advanced technologies, InspectMind aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration throughout the inspection process. Key Features: Comprehensive Inspection Management: InspectMind provides tools for scheduling, conducting, and managing inspections, ensuring that all aspects of the inspection process are organized and easily accessible. Real-Time Reporting: The platform enables inspectors to generate detailed reports in real-time, allowing for immediate sharing of findings with stakeholders and facilitating prompt decision-making. Photo and Video Documentation: InspectMind supports the integration of multimedia elements, such as photos and videos, into inspection reports, providing clear visual evidence of site conditions and issues. Collaborative Tools: The platform fosters collaboration among team members by allowing multiple users to access, review, and comment on inspection reports, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged. Customizable Templates: InspectMind offers customizable inspection templates, enabling users to tailor reports to specific project requirements and industry standards. Data Analytics and Insights: The platform provides analytical tools to track inspection trends, identify recurring issues, and generate insights that can inform future projects and improve overall quality control. Mobile Accessibility: With mobile compatibility, inspectors can conduct inspections and update reports directly from the field, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for redundant data entry. Integration Capabilities: InspectMind is designed to integrate seamlessly with other project management and documentation tools, ensuring a cohesive workflow and reducing the risk of data silos. Benefits: Enhanced Efficiency: By digitizing and automating various aspects of the inspection process, InspectMind reduces manual workloads and accelerates project timelines. Improved Accuracy: The platform's real-time data capture and reporting minimize errors and ensure that all information is up-to-date and reliable. Increased Transparency: Comprehensive documentation and collaborative features promote transparency among stakeholders, leading to better communication and trust. Cost Savings: By streamlining processes and reducing the likelihood of costly errors, InspectMind contributes to overall project cost savings. In summary, InspectMind offers a robust solution for professionals seeking to optimize their building inspection processes. Its comprehensive features and user-centric design make it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity, accuracy, and collaboration in the AEC industry.

InspectMind AI

Starter // Leverage all our pre-built engineering report templates

Pro // Step up your inspections with advanced features

ASHRAE are one of the foremost industry pioneers in the decarbonization of the built environment and their new global Headquarters building in Atlanta, renovated to operate as a net-zero-energy (NZE) building, is testament to this. The project design team, which includes IESVE users, Integral Group, employed a range of innovative design strategies to achieve this net-zero energy ready building.

Subsequent building performance analysis from a group of ASHRAE Technical Committee 4.1 Members, including IES’ Liam Buckley, highlighted some of the simulation-aided design analysis on this ASHRAE Headquarters building. The following overview summarizes the many innovative categories worth highlighting from the project, in which an IESVE building performance model was able to support.


(1)   Net-Zero Energy Building

ASHRAE’s new headquarters is designed to operate as an all-electric at Net-Zero Energy (NZE) building, thanks to the installation of a 332-kW photovoltaic (PV) system. The PV system is a combination of three sub-arrays, which are sub-metered in the Building Energy Model shown below:

187 kW ballasted rooftop array on east & west wings
65 kW ground mount on a south-facing hill adjacent to the building
81 kW ground mount situated in an unused section of a car parking area

(2)   Simulation throughout Design Phases

Thanks to the PV installation, a limiting Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 21 kBtu/ft2 was targeted for this existing building refurbishment.  Iterative design options throughout the design phases resulted in a range of low-energy solutions. These include:  

A reconfigured window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and 18 new skylights.
Common Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) for outdoor air ventilation, coupled with enthalpy heat recovery.
Radiant panels and Ceiling Fans.
Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) in high occupancy spaces and Displacement Ventilation (DV).
Six water source-heat pumps (WSHPs)

(3)   Optimized Load Calculations using the ASHRAE Heat Balance Method

For over 20 years, ASHRAE has recommended the Heat Balance (HB) Method as the preferred method for calculating heating & cooling loads. With such a low-energy target in mind, a considerate zoning strategy and accurate load calculations are very important.  Included in the load’s analysis:

Horizontal and vertical solar shading on most windows.
Sensible Loads analysis at the zone and Latent Loads Analysis at the AHU.
Heat gains from the reversible ceiling fans.
Analysis of Adaptive Thermal Comfort for Occupants and Operative Temperature.

(4)   Exceptional Daylight Performance (Spatial Daylight Autonomy, sDA)

Of the many daylighting metrics available, Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) likely best considers the annual sufficiency of indoor daylight levels. In the in regularly occupied spaces of the ASHRAE HQ, the working plane analysis areas are considered for sDA, for the percentage that meets a minimum illuminance level of 300 lux, for 50% of the operational hours per year. The 18 new skylights provide an exceptional daylight performance, which is especially impressive considering the simultaneous requirements from a thermal/energy perspective





ASHRAE Headquarters - Net-Zero Energy Building Design

Over the last 30+ years, IES has built a solid reputation as the leading global innovator in integrated performance-based analysis for the built environment. The IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) is a powerful, in-depth suite of building performance analysis tools. It enables the design and operation of low/zero carbon, healthy and comfortable buildings. Whether working on a new build or renovation project, IESVE allows designers to test different options, identify best passive solutions, compare low-carbon & renewable technologies, and draw conclusions on energy use, CO2 emissions, occupant comfort, and much more. There are various applications in the suite; each designed to provide sustainable analysis at levels suitable for different design team members and design stages. All utilize our Apache dynamic thermal simulation engine, and an integrated central data model. Building Energy Modeling (BEM) with the IES Virtual Environment software is the perfect industry design tool for electrification and decarbonization of the built environment. Various design strategies are available with decarbonization as an end goal, such as: passive design, energy conservation, energy efficiency, electrification, incorporating renewable energy technology, or energy storage. From optimizing room and zone loads to detailed HVAC system and equipment sizing, IESVE HVAC software offers the most practical, efficient, and accurate tools available. IESVE can quickly and easily undertake CIBSE & ASHRAE heating and cooling loads calculations, with efficient inputs for 3D geometry, envelope, internal gains, external design conditions and location. Minimum ventilation requirements can be included, or local code minimum ventilation can be utilized. Reports can be generated in either spreadsheet or PDF format, and can be shared to help gain insights from in-depth results analysis, or iterate on building design. These calculations transition seamlessly into detailed HVAC system sizing and optimization. IESVE can also be utilized for quick and easy CFD airflow simulation. An existing IESVE model can be used for early stage CFD simulations, without needing to import further data or export into other tools. MicroFlo-CFD performs ‘snapshot’ CFD simulation by importing boundary conditions from APACHE’s dynamic simulation, or allows manual boundary conditions to be added. Ventilation from passive sources (e.g. operable windows) or mechanical devices (e.g. diffusers) can be included in these simulations. MicroFlo-CFD can be utilized for a range of CFD use cases, such as: passive natural ventilation design, passive atrium design, data center design, hospital operating room design, HVAC design for occupant thermal comfort, external wind studies, or normal use ventilation of car parks. There is also the option within IESVE to utilize Parametric Simulation. This feature empowers users to compare a large range of design possibilities, be it for a single-variant design study or a multi-parameter whole-building design perspective. The Parametric Simulation feature has access to a large number of model variables and is integrated into the full range of APACHE’s links (Solar, Daylight, Airflow, Loads/Sizing and HVAC Systems). Over a thousand permutations are possible with one model. With the IESVE software, you can undertake daylighting for LEED and BREEAM, electric lighting design, glare prediction, daylight harvesting, daylight autonomy, user-specified visualizations. IESVE can ensure good natural daylight and visual comfort, reduce lighting gains, and test how your lighting designs will look and perform. Daylight, sunlight and overshadowing analysis can be carried out, with results generated for climate-based daylight modeling and daylight autonomy. For lighting design, daylight harvesting and dimming control assessments can also be undertaken. All of this combined can help you meet the requirements of local codes and best practice guides. Complex solar shading calculations can also be undertaken within IESVE, to determine how solar rays pass through both external and internal openings. The path of the sun is tracked across rooms and atriums into internal space allowing the exact location and impact of solar gain to be understood. Internal and external solar shading devices can be tested, along with assessing the shading or right to light impact of surrounding buildings and terrain. Any solar shading calculations can then inform Loads Calculations and Energy Simulations. IES also offers unrivalled interoperability with other CAD design and analysis tools. The smooth and robust two-way information exchange between IESVE and BIM platforms speeds up the design process and facilitates digital design.

Virtual Environment (IESVE)

Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) were contracted as the MEP Engineers for this 32,000sf mass timber architectural teaching facility with a metalwork, 3D printing and high bay workshop, auditorium, teaching studios and ancillary support spaces.

AEI used the IESVE to carry out detailed performance modelling of the building and its systems to ensure optimal energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and that it delivered against the University’s high aspirations for sustainable performance but remained within the project’s budget.

Central to the build design was the unique profiled roof and its ability to drive a stack natural ventilation of the high bay workshop to deliver passive cooling and ventilation requirements per ASHRAE 62.1-2019. In coordination with Grafton and Modus (project architects), the location and size of the apertures were integrated into the fenestration. IESVE Macroflo was used to test and optimize the natural ventilation system design, with IESVE Microflo supporting to validate the airflow patterns and distribution across the large volume. The CFD studies were used to identify thermal comfort concerns for upper level gallery space adjacent to the large atrium, with the thermal line of the building changed to mitigate potential issues.

“From the commencement of the project IESVE provided the ability to create complex geometry, allowed the team to quickly iterate building forms and shading solutions. As well as model a range of different HVAC strategies, including geothermal heating and cooling, VRF and the final selection of a dual wheel DOAS and air source heat pump with heat recovery. Throughout the project, IESVE was used to optimize the insulation and glazing performance and for load sizing of the HVAC equipment.”
Joss Hurford, Building Performance Engineer, Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
 

Affiliated Engineers Inc. - Detailed Energy Modelling

Since 2020, UMC’s Building Analysis & Modeling team has been expanding their use of IESVE to deliver the best in whole-building performance simulation for their clients across several impressive projects. 

In fact, IESVE has now become an essential tool for the UMC team across a whole spectrum of new construction and retrofit projects delivered across the UMC business. 

For the Engineering group, which deals largely with new construction, this can encompass a wide variety of building performance studies, but will most typically involve providing detailed loads calculations, natural ventilation, and shading studies, to help inform their design decisions. Using IESVE’s load analysis tools has proved particularly invaluable for the team, allowing them to perform everything from room and zone loads optimization studies, through to detailed HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system and equipment sizing. This enables their team to design more accurately and right-size their clients’ systems, to avoid unnecessarily high energy consumption and capital costs.

Within the scope of UMC’s Energy & Environment division, the modeling team is often required to support the testing of different energy efficiency measures for retrofit clients. Here, they will use IESVE to produce highly accurate models, calibrated with real data from the existing buildings, to provide a reliable baseline matching the real building's performance as closely as possible. These calibrated models can then be used to run simulations incorporating potentially dozens of different energy optimization measures, ultimately allowing UMC to deliver a report to the client that will help them compare all the different solutions available to them and formulate a detailed energy management and retrofit plan. Very often, this process will highlight simple adjustments that can be made to a building’s operation, allowing the client to achieve immediate savings which can free up funds for any deeper energy efficiency investments that may be required.

Some of UMC’s more recent projects have even expanded into looking at district energy systems and opportunities to recover waste heat, to help deliver energy savings at the community scale. With the mounting pressure of net-zero energy targets and a growing trend towards distributed energy systems, these services are proving increasingly valuable to UMC’s clients.

The following is one example of the innovative projects UMC has delivered recently, with the help of IESVE.

Calibrated Modeling of Overlake Medical Center

Overlake Medical Center brings best-in-class, modern healthcare to Seattle’s growing Eastside. For this project, UMC was able to apply IESVE and their expertise in Building Analysis and Modeling to help the medical center identify energy efficiency measures and paths to compliance with the Washington State Clean Buildings Standard (CBS).

The UMC team began by conducting a comprehensive energy audit of the entire facility, identifying trends across all of the medical center’s current systems, equipment and scheduling while taking account of other key factors, such as occupancy. During the audit, the team found that significant opportunities existed to improve Overlake’s current Energy Use Intensity (EUI).

Using the data gathered from the audit, UMC was able to produce a highly accurate model, calibrated within a 4% range of the facility’s recent utility data. This meant that UMC and their client could be confident in the accuracy of the results produced.

UMC then used the calibrated model to simulate and analyze a range of possible energy efficiency measures for Overlake, including scheduling improvements for equipment that was operating 24/7 and even waste heat recovery. They outlined over 40 interventions the medical center would need to prioritize to comply with the CBS, amounting to a potential 45% reduction in Overlake’s total energy consumption. 

“What I like about IESVE Software is that it is continuously improving its features so that recent technologies can be modeled. There are always new features we can utilize to make our models more accurate and useful in their real-life application. Our main reason for choosing IESVE was the detail of the analysis that can be achieved, from the geometry, through to loads, shading effects, and natural ventilation. We have also received a lot of great feedback on how detailed and visual the reports that we pull out of the software are, which makes it easy for our clients to understand the impact of the measures we are proposing.”

David Park, Building Analysis & Modeling Manager, UMC

UMC - Calibrated Energy Modeling & Analysis

The atrium of the Engineering II building represents a unique space, with students passing through 24 hours a day for their studies and research projects.

With the goal of creating a “home-away-from-home” environment, University officials sought to renovate the building to be a place where students and faculty could feel comfortable and experience natural daylight, views and ventilation. Officials also wanted the atrium to be highly efficient, keeping carbon emissions and energy costs to a minimum.

With students and faculty occupying the building at all times of the day, officials were faced with a particularly difficult challenge: ventilating the atrium while maximizing the use of daylight to naturally light the space. A stringent temperature comfort range meant both daylighting and ventilation had to integrate flawlessly, as the minimum temperature could not drop below 66 degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum could not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

University officials enlisted Ambient Energy, a consulting and engineering firm specializing in sustainable technologies and building, for the renovation. Using IESVE, Ambient Energy engineers were able to test and verify the architectural and passive strategy concepts for the atrium before implementing them. Initially, wind and climate analysis gave a better understanding of how natural factors would impact the building. Analyses showed that because of varied wind direction, natural ventilation would rely predominantly on buoyancy instead of wind driven data.

By providing tangible data early in the schematic redesign process, IESVE provided designers and their clients with a way to test and verify their building efficiency theories before putting them into practice. This led to the effective utilization of skylights and natural ventilation to improve daylighting, cooling and energy efficiency in the atrium. Ambient Energy has been using IES’ software for several years and utilized its capabilities on many projects to prove concepts and radically reduce building energy consumption.

“VE for Engineers is one of the only tools that can provide integrated daylight, thermal and mixed-mode ventilation analysis in great detail, which allowed us to test the integration of all components across the year.”

Linda Morrison, Building Performance Team Leader,  Ambient Energy

Colorado State University - Daylight, Thermal and Mixed-mode Ventilation Modelling

Since 2012, Chicago-based consulting firm, Cyclone Energy Group, have been providing analysis, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions for achieving energy efficiency at all stages of the commercial building life cycle. During this time, they have used IESVE software on between 400-500 models, to help deliver the best results for their clients.

As many of their projects involve extremely complex high-rise buildings, Cyclone Energy Group required a reliable software tool which could handle the complexity of such buildings and their unique systems. With a major focus of their services centring around code compliance, LEED and systems modelling, they found IESVE to be the most comprehensive suite of energy modelling software to provide the capabilities and level of technical detail which their projects require.

Most of Cyclone’s projects begin with geometry creation in IESVE’s ModelIT tool. This has been particularly useful for many of their large-scale high-rise projects, where they have found the capacity of other modelling software to be too limited. ModelIT has also become their go-to geometry tool for Californian Title24 compliance projects. The  detailed geometry option for Title24 can be especially challenging. While a common approach involves building the geometry in one tool, then translating in another before it can be read by the Californian government’s CBECC-Com platform, the Cyclone team have found this approach to be fairly time consuming, due to the amount of debugging required at each stage of the geometry transfer. Instead, they create all of their geometry in ModelIT and export the XML file directly to CBECC-Com, eliminating the level of debugging typically required. In fact, Cyclone estimate that this approach has helped them make time savings of approximately 50% on their Title24 projects.

The Navigators embedded within the software - in particular the ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED navigators – have also helped make life much easier for the Cyclone team when delivering LEED and code compliance projects. This has been especially true for their entry-level modellers, providing them with a step-by-step workflow to streamline their projects and take a lot of the pain out of what may otherwise be a fairly complex learning process.

However, the favourite application of Cyclone’s team is ApacheHVAC. Most other energy modelling software tools on the market do not offer logic level controls, meaning the user simply selects a generic system type, assigns the zone and then runs the simulation. However, this approach is not adequate for reliable modelling of complex HVAC systems and can often lead to inaccuracy in the end results. IES’ ApacheHVAC tool provides a much more detailed and customizable approach, allowing the user to model almost any type of HVAC design, using logic level controls to generate reliable results and simulate aspects such as plant level heat transfer and chiller plant. This capability is particularly important to Cyclone when dealing with detail-oriented clients and is a level of functionality which the team have found to be rare in the market.

The ability to perform a wide range of different analyses from a single platform is another added benefit to Cyclone. Recently, they have noticed a growing demand for daylight simulation studies which the RadianceIES tool has enabled them to provide. This has been particularly useful for LEED applications, including Spatial Daylight
Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) calculations, as well as glare possibility studies. Meanwhile, the VE’s airflow applications – MicroFlo and MacroFlo
– have enabled them to include building type CFD and other airflow analyses within their services, with recent project examples including a chiller plant temperature
distribution study and a wind analysis of an office building, looking at wind directed odors to outdoor air louvers.

Cyclone are clearly passionate about providing accurate results for their clients and the results analysis capabilities of VistaPro, they believe, help them achieve this - especially when it comes to debugging HVAC systems components within a model. Through a combination of high-quality visualisations and comparisons, and the ability to evaluate how the design operates on a step-by-step basis, the team can easily pick up errors and deliver reliable results to their clients with confidence.

“For us, reliability is key. We have explored other modelling tools in the past but have never felt like those are capable of doing what we as a business need. I’ve trained several modellers now and always tell them, to model in a detailed and technical way, go for IES.”

Allen Mei, Building Analyst, Cyclone Energy Group

Cyclone Energy Group - Energy Modelling for LEED, Code Compliance & Net-Zero

Higher education institution in Northern California

Zero Envy used IESVE to achieve 46% less Time Dependant Valuation (TDV) energy than Title 24, equating to $400,000 cost savings per year for this 95,000 sf new construction project. The project was also awarded $150,000 utility incentive which is the maximum available via the statewide incentive program for energy efficiency ‘Savings by Design’. This incentive helped to cover modeling and other design costs.

Using IESVE, the Zero Envy team modeled and advised on the implementation of the following energy efficiency measures:

Unique 4-pipe VAV terminal units: Adds a chilled water coil to terminal unit with a changeover valve & piping arrangement. This allows the AHU supply air temperature (SAT) to “float” in a wider range without jeopardizing zonal temperature and significantly reducing wasteful sub-cooling and reheat energy.
 
VAV lab exhaust was applied to all laboratory zones, regardless of minimum air change requirements. This allows zones to use reduced minimum airflow rates during the majority of hours as it can increase as needed based on increased ventilation demand (e.g. fume hood sashes being raised) or heating/ cooling demand.
This project is also pursuing LEED certification, and is on track to achieve a Gold rating.

Medical Research Facility in Southern California:

Using IESVE, the Zero Envy team were able to achieve 38% less Time Dependant Valuation (TDV) energy than Title 24, equating to $170,000 cost savings per year for this 60,000 sf existing building. The project was also awarded $500,000 utility incentive which is the maximum available for exceptional projects via the statewide incentive program for energy efficiency ‘Savings by Design’. This incentive helped to cover modeling and other design costs.

Using IESVE, the Zero Envy team modeled and advised on the implementation of the following energy efficiency measures:

VAV lab exhaust (very similar to higher education institution project, except that it utilized the centralized DCV system as described below)
 
Centralized DCV system - This system provides a centralized air quality monitoring station and pneumatic tubing that extracts air from each individual room, tests it for various contaminants, and can raise alarms and controls the building automation system (BAS). The BAS uses concentrations to increase airflow rates to zones that need it - either from CO2 rise from occupants or more harmful contaminants.

“California’s prescribed software and simulation engine does not accommodate the modeling of many features used in advanced building designs, including the major efficiency measures used in both of these case study projects. For this reason, our team chose to use the VE for its ability to handle custom systems and detailed tuning of HVAC sequences. In general, the VE allows us to model and inform most buildings and systems without constraint.”
Greg Collins Principal Engineer, Zero Envy

“Design innovations are becoming increasingly more challenging to model and quantify benefits for our clients. Utilizing VE helped quantify the performance benefits that our clients received from these novel designs.”
Nathan Ho Associate Principal, P2S Engineering*

* Zero Envy worked in partnership with P2S Engineering, the design engineer for both projects



Zero Envy - Title 24 Energy Code Compliance

The McDonalds’s restaurant in Orlando, Florida combines modern architecture with technology to create enough renewable energy on-site to cover its energy needs on a net annual basis. Its aim is ultimate efficiency in energy usage and performance.

To help the popular restaurant group achieve this, WSP used IESVE to conduct detailed and extensive energy analysis to help inform the design and ensure it was on track for net-zero targets. This was particularly challenging due to the high Energy Use Intensity (EUI) level that you would expect from this building type. Most projects pursuing net-zero have lower EUI and for the most part improving the efficiency of the building envelope is enough to reach net-zero. However, for this project the team had to think outside the box and go above and beyond usual strategies.

IESVE was instrumental to this as it allowed WSP to model complicated scenarios and carry out really extensive analysis, including natural ventilation, detailed modelling of the kitchen equipment, including the different controls, and setting up the advanced VRF system that serves the space. 

The IESVE facilitated an integrative design process where the WSP team worked closely with the Architect and were able to quickly edit the model geometry in line with changes to the design and get results to make informed decisions throughout. Getting accurate results was particularly important to this project as they had to size the PV panels based on the results from the energy analysis, and they found IESVE very reliable for this. 

Another challenge for the team, was investigating Passive strategies. Orlando has a very hot climate, so the team had to explore possibilities to reduce solar gains in the project. IESVE was used to analyse shading strategies, different geometries and different facades to measure and control solar gains. 

Other passive strategies such as natural ventilation was tested in MacroFlo. The WSP team found it useful to have a simple version of CFD to measure how natural ventilation and different openings were helping and how to reduce cooling consumption in the building. The hot climate meant that cooling was definitely one of the big end uses for the project. From the beginning the Architect wanted to use natural ventilation where possible, so WSP ran analysis to see how many openings were needed and where, which was all made possible using MacroFlo.

It was decided to use a Hybrid HVAC system which is a combination of VRF and natural ventilation. The team were impressed with the ability to model this complex system in IESVE, noting that no other tool could detail a system like this and switch between natural ventilation and mechanical air conditioning.

Modeling the kitchen equipment loads was challenging for the team. As previously mentioned, the energy-use for the project is very high, with the kitchen equipment accounting for almost half of the total energy. Another goal of the project was electrification, so all the kitchen equipment is electric including the grills and fryers which use a lot of energy. The building will serve thousands of meals a day and Disney World is a crowded place all year.

For calculating the kitchen equipment, WSP sub-metered another McDonald’s restaurant project to figure out the schedule of each piece of equipment and they then created a schedule for them in the IESVE. This was useful as they discovered that grills and fryers were not running all day even though it is a 24/7 restaurant. Using actual real-time data and translating it to include better scheduling in IESVE for each piece of equipment enabled the team to lower the energy result at the end of the project and also understand better which equipment is using the most energy. 

With the high volume of meals being served, even the heat gain from the food has an impact on the space. WSP included the food as a load in the VE so they were capturing that for the cooling consumption in addition to the usual occupancy and other sensible latent loads for the space. Fans were also incorporated to accelerate natural ventilation.

The final result was one of the first net-zero projects that has had this level of energy intensity. The 8,024 square-foot restaurant features an expansive, v-shaped solar-paneled roof and photovoltaic glass panels integrated throughout the building. Green, plant-covered walls absorb CO2, promoting biodiversity and retaining water. Louvers open and close automatically ‘inhaling” cool air in and “exhaling” warm air out. Solar parking lot lights help offset more than 9,000 kWh per year.

To solidify the restaurant’s Net Zero Energy status, the project is pursuing the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Certification. Data and learnings from the restaurant will also inform McDonald’s global sustainability efforts, including progressing toward the company’s science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% in restaurants and offices by 2030 compared to a 2015 base year.

This global flagship restaurant will now serve as a learning hub for McDonald’s to test solutions for reducing energy and water use, a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation.

“This was a very exciting project with aggressive net-zero targets and a real passion to meet these goals. The design process was truly integrative and holistic and required a software that enabled this. We believe IESVE is the only software available to truly enable this. For this project, the analysis was so in-depth and extensive that we used all the energy applications – ApacheSim, ApacheHVAC, MacroFlo, and Suncast. A great benefit was the ability to model the openings and how they open up in great detail in IESVE. Being able to set up the actual control profiles and tie that to the actual sequence of operation for the project is crucial when it comes to natural ventilation, as most of the time software will use default controls that wouldn’t be used in reality. In IES we were able to match that precisely to the sequence of operation in reality or an accurate measurement.”

Mohammad H. Abbasi  
WELL Faculty & AP, CPHC, RESET, LEED AP, Assoc.AIA
Building Performance Consultant 

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