Architects wear many hats, from resident visionary and designer to project manager, sustainability advocate, diplomat, communicator, and cheerleader.
That multiverse gets tricky when the role turns to technology. Just keeping up with updates to the existing digital stack is challenging enough. But what about other workflow innovations? Which technology investments best serve the interests of your business, clients, and current and future staff today and tomorrow?
It’s a lot to think about. And that’s an issue. As one client puts it: “I spend all day chasing what’s urgent and far too little on what’s important.”
It’s a practice dilemma C.P. and Langdon Drewett, father and son, know well.
Drewett Works—Scottsdale, Arizona
“Our main focus is delivering amazing design,” explains C.P. Drewett, AIA, principal and founder of Arizona-based Drewett Works, an award-winning boutique firm specializing in high-end residences and masterplan communities. “It’s difficult for a small A&D firm like ours to find a BIM manager with the skills necessary to tailor a strategy around our project needs and culture.”
Langdon Drewett, architect and chief technology officer, adds, “Revit is increasingly demanding. We work with a range of architectural styles and scales. No two are the same, so we need Revit families that are highly adaptable.”
Drewett Works has a surprisingly elegant solution to successfully navigating software complexity, making wise technology choices, training and supporting staff, and juggling multiple high-impact projects: Team up with the right outside partner.
Dialectic Engineering—Kansas City, Missouri
Dialectic Engineering, a full-service mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP) design and consulting firm, faced technology issues the Drewetts could easily empathize with.
Dennis Hyre, the organization’s IT director, needed a better, more structured approach to staff training and enablement in their Autodesk environment. Without improved support, the team faced a growing cascade of issues, including inconsistent workflows, manual troubleshooting, and limited scalability.
By teaming with a trusted technology partner, Hyre was able to tap into a wealth of Autodesk expertise and better align Dialectic’s technology investment with their business needs. That critical evaluation not only yields immediate dollar savings, but also provisions staff with the training and tools they need to deliver even more effective outcomes.
The common denominator for Drewett Works and Dialectic Engineering? Technology advisor ARKANCE.
Transformation Takes a Team
“No organization has the in-house expertise and time to do everything,” explains Nick Miller, director of BIM services for ARKANCE. “We serve as that trusted, on-demand business partner equipped to solve what’s most important to the practice. That ranges from a design-focused shop like Drewett Works to a national engineering firm like Dialectic Engineering.”
Langdon Drewett likes the peace of mind his technology partner represents. “ARKANCE delivers a bespoke solution for managing our software that is long-lasting and reliable. We’re able to push our workflow further and make it more efficient.” Perhaps best of all, the full-time BIM manager ARKANCE assigned to the Drewett project ultimately joined the Arizona architect with the advisor’s blessing.
For Dialectic, transformation is no less personal and profound. “They are my first call every single time,” explains Hyre, in describing his response to technology issues. “ARKANCE always provides the answers I need.” Today that trusted third-party voice helps the engineering firm operate with a more scalable, strategic approach to technology.
For architecture and MEP engineering, it’s all about results. Today those outcomes are transformed by technology and the team you choose to support it.
Learn more about how you can transform design capability with a global leader in digital transformation for the AEC industry.