Creator of PlusSpec and BIMBits
There are very few architects and/or builders that can lay claim to understanding a combination of both the design and construction components of our industry. Why? The reasons are simple. To be a professional it takes experience & dedication in order to be considered good. Are there enough hours in a life time to learn both?
For example. When an architect or a builder completes their formal training and move into the workforce they are considered inexperienced – rich in theory but short in life experience. Until the natural progression of real world experience takes its place and the knowledge base grows in every individual, personal characteristics have not had the opportunity to grow. Often in time to come natural flair will play a role – inevitably effecting their future careers.
Experience from both sides of the fence is an asset yet the reality is it’s not common. So what do we do when we do not have this experience? Other than experience, how does an architect know what makes a builders job easier and how does a builder know what makes an architect’s job easier?
While I am not laying claim to being one of the greats, my personal experiences have led me down the path of both design and construction and often see firsthand this conundrum. It allowed my business to flourish as many I have met were too busy trying to sort out the architect versus builder issue, while I was working away on my own designs. My clients love the fact that they only have to deal with one party in the process and they see the benefits in many areas that include cost, time in construction and a quality finishes. I mentioned, I am not the best builder nor the best designer. I have many friends that I consider to be better in each individual fields but my personal experience and life lessons have made me good at what I do.
I sat back about 7 years ago and tried to figure out a way I could help architects understand the structural side of the building game. Just as importantly, I set out to try and get builders to understand the architectural skill set that it takes to design. My goal? free flow creativity from both sides of the fence and a broader understanding of the benefits of building information modelling (BIM)
It is unfortunate that creating an aesthetically pleasing, unique design often costs 40% to 300% times more money than a traditional design. In fact we all lose. The client ends up paying too much & the architect and builder could have all got more from less if we just new a better way to communicate
Integrated project delivery (IPD) goes a long way towards bridging the gap and in my opinion is a step forward for our industry. Collaboration between architect, engineer, builder, council and authorities, the client and the manufacturer at an early stage of construction is the industries equivalent to the holy grail in my view. So how do we go about achieving it?
Well I have a solution and this could only be achieved with technology. I am not a computer programmer yet I understand what can and cannot be done. I understand the fundamentals of the design industry, the construction industry, structure & engineering are a bi product of both. So to me it seemed logical that I employ a professional or 3 to start programming a software package that enabled all of the above to collaborate in a cost effective way.
The result was PlusSpec.
So what is it that PlusSpec specifically does to allow this?
PlusSpec allows architects to draw quickly, efficiently & accurately. the time saved can be used effectively in the collaboration process. There is no need to charge the client more for design as it has been done twice as fast. The builder and the engineer can comment on the drawing before the design has been finalised and make suggestions to how the design could be sculpted to get more for less.
PlusSpec populates the design with what is traditionally considered to be a “normal” method of construction for the design and PlusSpec will allow the architect to easily quantify the drawing at a preliminary stage to allow for a feasibility study to be performed instead of working on a square meter or square foot ratio which is a very unreliable method of calculation.
How many projects get designed and never built due to affordability? Is it an unrealistic client? The architects does not know the cost of the construction method specified? The builder is too expensive? Authorities place unforeseen consent conditions on the proposed development? or is it simply the lack of technology that helps all in the process define the construction cost and method? I suggest it is the latter. PlusSpec goes a long way to rectifying this issue. I would like to hear your thoughts.
[ssba]
Creator of PlusSpec and BIMBits
