Graphisoft Supports New Business Strategy to Integrate Building Design with Capital Project Management

Graphisoft, makers of a leading CAD and Building Information Modeling software, announced this week that the firm OneSphere has implemented ArchiCAD to support the firm's new mission and increase the value of the services it provides. Previously focused on architectural design, the Ohio-based building design, construction and management firm has expanded its practice to provide seamless integration of capital projects.

ArchiCAD Opens Up New Business Strategy

ArchiCAD's Virtual Building modeling technology is part of OneSphere's new business strategy, which integrates design, construction and management services for capital projects. The 3D model-based design software helps architects and other users at OneSphere to create building data that provides value throughout the lifecycle of a building. Because it creates an intelligent Virtual Building model, ArchiCAD supports OneSphere professionals throughout the entire planning, design, construction and management process; from building design, to cost modeling, to construction, to facility management.

"As we are creating buildings within ArchiCAD, we can simultaneously estimate the cost of each aspect of the project and provide that information to our clients as well as our designers," said Kevin Carroll, principal at OneSphere. "A process of assembling building and related cost information that used to take us several weeks with other design software packages now happens as we design. Our staff truly benefit from having all necessary information early on in the building design process", Carroll said. "By providing a price for a project early in the process, we initiate a dialogue with our clients that continues throughout the project. ArchiCAD's Virtual Building model is key to OneSphere's Capital Project Management System and long-term relationship with our clients."

OneSphere leverages ArchiCAD's powerful capabilities to interface and exchange information easily with other software packages. During the design process for a perinatal maternity clinic outside of Moscow in Balashikha, Russia, OneSphere also used ArchiCAD's ease of interoperability to facilitate communications between team members in the U.S. and Russia. "With ArchiCAD, we can present 3D models of our building designs in a format that transfers easily to other users outside our offices," said Matt Pastula, designer and technologist at OneSphere. "This helps us to clearly communicate our design intent to our clients, regardless of their location."

The Central Database for Building Information

ArchiCAD enables architects to store all building details in a central database, so that when changes are made in one view, the plans, elevations and sections are updated automatically. "Using ArchiCAD, we are actually simulating the building," Pastula said. "We are creating a true, virtual model of the building that includes 3D views, site plans, schedules and construction documents simply by the act of designing. The software is very intuitive, and we have the ability to access and model building data rapidly."

OneSphere's staff found that, as simulation of buildings became more prevalent, other 3D modeling products operated at a slower rate. Based on parametric technology, ArchiCAD manages all building objects and components without the lethargic pace common with other building design packages. Furthermore, because the building elements within ArchiCAD are intelligent, they understand and react to the designer's changes. "ArchiCAD flows with how architects think, and allows us to manage a three-dimensional simulation of building information much more efficiently," Pastula said. The software's database of building information is based on GDL, a powerful language that enables ArchiCAD to track and coordinate all building components, whether represented in 2D drawings, schedules or 3D models, with ease. As a result, the software is not hindered or slowed down by the mass amounts of data managed within the Virtual Building model.

Ultimately, OneSphere is standardizing on ArchiCAD to increase the value it provides to its customers by integrating the software into its business model. "ArchiCAD is the one tool that enables us to move seamlessly from initial design, construction documents, cost estimating, construction and ultimately facilities management." Carroll said. "We have taken an innovative approach to our business, and ArchiCAD is a key part of this strategy."

About OneSphere

OneSphere architects, Ohio, USA, was established as West Carroll Bergmann Associates prior to changing their name and focus to more closely reflect their 360� approach to capital projects. Since 1992, they have achieved more than many traditional architectural or construction/design firms. The company's success is a result of its ability to go beyond bricks and mortar - to discover the values which best serve clients by exploring all the opportunities available, and achieving outstanding results. More information about OneSphere is available at www.one-sphere.com

For more information on ArchiCAD, please visit: www.graphisoft.com

Architosh Analysis: We enjoy learning about architects that expand their practices to nontraditional territories because of new information technology. What ArchiCAD is essentially doing for OneSphere is allowing them to capitalize on being the holder of all building information. That's a wonderful position for architects to be in since they orchestrate the entire building design process, in most situations. New forms of project delivery are threatening to take that control position away from architects -- and architects need to find ways of maintaining that position if they seek to maintain their value system in the architectural process. Model-based CAD systems are likely going to play an important role moving forward in reversing that trend.