Architectural Digital Tools in a Process Defined Management Workflow _
Process Controls Object

Value Add accrues to a firm by aligning BIM parametric, generative and dataset tools into smooth design, production and delivery workflows. Best practices command of workflow affords enhanced control of scope, budget, schedule and design. Workflow by extension requires defined SOPs (standard operating procedures) and is principally defined by BIM aka building information modeling.

Parametric BIM's strength resides is its capacity to document everything in detail. Its weakness resides in its inherent lack of immediate responsiveness, evidenced especially now where flexibility is required for optimal and effective design, documentation and construction.

There are new apps recently developed which can decode and record aspects of BIM parametric documents, this capacity affording management level insights into products of service at design, construction documents and shop drawing levels. Such is now used in larger AE offices. Generative digital tools are dedicated programs which offer proposed solutions for designs for limited palettes including FFE, space planning or engineering. Generative planning tools are available for hospitals and clinics. Properly integrated with BIM these programs can be used to detect clash, an enormous issue in complex building design. Many of these generative tools are performance based, which have direct relation to Code compliance and by direct extension cost.

Database tools are relevant to all profession service phases. Some vendors have integrated datebases (quantities) with BIM (shapes) such as Fusion with Autodesk or ProjectWise with MicroStation. There are also separate stand alone products such as Quickbase generally used for construction phase documentation. Database can offer version and date control, critical in delivering complex buildings.

Assuming a Senior Architect with sufficent knowledge and experience to load and run the digital models, adoption of digital as part of an SOP would start from the center in design developent and construction documenation process, then next proceed downstream into construction, eventually reverting back to initial design (as a check).

Construction docs have the keenest present need for clarification and management and the highest implied cost risk because this is the biggest fee source. Shop drawings and field docs follow. As scope, budget, schedule and and design are selectively optimized, portions of the overall digital suite migrate recursively back into the design phase at the front of the delivery flow. Oversight of all this, including snapshots and targets, could be modeled using BPMN business process modeling (LucidCharts et al eg).

This flow perspective of professsional services would record and render a top down level Best Practices strategic management view relevant to all professional services for an architectural office, where the sales focus is on design and delivery of building types having highly complex technical programs.