This curricula describes the coursework, discussions and support for information-centric design, project delivery and management processes. Our goal is to focus on currently available and proven technologies and procedures that are moving the design, construction and asset management processes into an integrated and fact-based world. The built environment is changing. The changes are happening because building owners have realized that the traditional approach to planning, design and construction results in too many errors, too much uncertainty and is unsustainable. Owners are demanding earlier and better decision making information. They are demanding better design and construction.
They are demanding improved outcomes. As an industry; architects, engineers and contractors are starting to listen and to change how they do business. Owners embracing the change are now experiencing projects that have near zero defects, cost savings approaching 25% and schedule reductions near 20%. At the same time, they know more about how much energy they will use, the sustainable (green) potential and security from the very beginning. The changes give you the ability to make decisions with more and better information, earlier in the process. There are a number of like-minded individuals and firms involved in the processes that are now overtaking the facilities industry. In many cases, they aren’t architects. Our goal is to identify these firms and to establish alliances to successfully produce more and better projects. In nearly every project, we find that, in addition to the traditional players, economists, security specialists, accountants, etc. are required to produce what our clients need. The approach must be streamlined to make best use of non-traditional team members and the Building Information Modeling advantages, through a process that defines needs first, identifies costs and success strategies very early, documents decisions and the design at the outset and then works closely with constructors to get the project built on-schedule and under-budget. We then add 3D web centered Facilities Management and long-term management of information to this mix to support owners though the entire facility lifecycle. This change is good architecture.
Regardless of what others may say, it does not cost more. It levels the ‘playing field’ so that communities of all sizes can produce international quality projects that meet local goals. Demand these changes so that you too can experience the benefits. Resources are available to help you to make the change. The book BIG BIM little bim was the result of research and development that began almost twenty years ago to find how to best help owners get the maximum benefit from their resources. Along the way federal agencies have mandated the change and the American Institute of Architects has focused its members on becoming integrated practices.
