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DMJM Moves to Building Information Modeling with Autodesk Building Design Solutions
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01/16/2005
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--Aug. 7, 2003-- One of the world's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms, DMJM, is implementing a comprehensive technology plan using building design solutions developed by Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK - News) to transition the company enterprise-wide from 2D production drafting to building information modeling. Part of an employee-owned consortium of companies known as AECOM, which has offices in 35 cities around the world, DMJM provides a broad range of services on corporate commercial, themed entertainment, leisure and hospitality, and government projects. Committed to a strategic alliance with Autodesk, DMJM has embraced building information modeling as a way to dramatically improve its business. First developed by Autodesk as a strategy for applying information technology to the building industry, building information modeling enables higher quality work, increased productivity, and reduced costs while preserving information for reuse throughout the building lifecycle.
"When we decided to move forward with building information modeling, we talked to Autodesk first, based on our long, positive relationship with the company," said Ray Landy, president of DMJM, which has three practices known as DMJM Design, DMJM Technology and DMJM Management.
"There have been a lot of attempts to push the industry into model-based design over the past couple of decades," said Mark W. Kiker, associate principal and director of core technology at the firm. "Autodesk's building design solutions are one of the first to deliver on the promise. They're enabling us to improve design through enhanced coordination, and help our clients to swiftly make better-informed decisions."
Moving into the Future
Building on a long legacy of AutoCAD? software use, DMJM Design's practice is staging its transition to the Autodesk? Revit? building information modeling platform. Currently, DMJM is implementing Autodesk? Architectural Desktop software firm-wide. Architectural Desktop is an AutoCAD-based building design and documentation software providing intelligent architectural objects for increased productivity and accuracy. DMJM plans to rely in this first phase on Architectural Desktop and its intelligent architectural objects as its primary model-based design application. Projects already under way using Architectural Desktop include a high-rise police facility and an industrial manufacturing facility. Complementing Architectural Desktop, DMJM is also implementing Autodesk? Building Systems software for improved coordination of architectural and engineering disciplines. Building Systems is the most complete application for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers using intelligent engineering objects built on the AutoCAD platform.
In addition to Architectural Desktop, DMJM Design is presently implementing Autodesk Revit, Autodesk's purpose-built building information modeling platform, for specific projects in selected offices. In the future, DMJM plans to shift a portion of its workload to the Autodesk Revit building information modeling platform. Revit is a powerful building design and documentation software that offers concurrent, real-time coordination of design documents through parametric change technology. Currently the firm is using Revit on a number of projects, including a student residence hall for Christopher Newport University in Virginia and the Baltimore County Detention Center. DMJM is also using the Revit application for marketing efforts, and has found that clients have been very impressed with by its coordination and presentation capabilities.
By participating in the Autodesk? Subscription Program, DMJM can reliably move forward with its staged implementation plan since designers know they will always have the latest versions of the applications.
Reasons for Choosing Autodesk Building Design Solutions
Since Autodesk's building design solutions automate low-value drafting chores, DMJM's designers can spend less time on documentation and coordination, and more on design. Because the firm works on a wide variety of projects, some involving unique, highly customized designs, DMJM appreciates the ease with which they can design directly in the workspace and make modifications, speeding complex work. "We see using Autodesk's building design solutions as an expansion of what we already do," said Kiker.
DMJM has also found a number of benefits from the applications' 3D capabilities. Not all clients are trained to visualize structures three-dimensionally by looking at two-dimensional plans and drawings. The three-dimensional presentation capabilities of the software allow clients to understand the designs, and as a result make faster, more strategic decisions.
DMJM Design also appreciates that Autodesk has clearly communicated its own building lifecycle solutions strategic plan, focused on building information modeling and collaboration services. This has helped DMJM develop its own technology implementation plan. Every six months, DMJM participates in an executive briefing session with Autodesk, sharing feedback. "These meetings are very productive," said Kiker, "and Autodesk is moving to increase our level of input in the future. We see ourselves as very tied into Autodesk. We are particularly impressed with how Autodesk understands our business first, followed by what technology can do to help our business. Not all technology firms can do that."
"Many leading design firms across the nation are adopting Autodesk's building information modeling platform," said Phil Bernstein, FAIA, vice president of Autodesk's Building Solutions Division. "DMJM is a perfect example of how a large organization with a global practice is effectively managing the implementation of a new technology paradigm. Through our work with this industry leader, we're learning a great deal about how to support the transition to building information modeling and lifecycle management."
About DMJM
For over 60 years, the professionals of DMJM have helped to shape our work environments, from high-rise buildings that identify the skylines of the world's most prominent cities, to high-tech science, education, and research facilities that help define our future way of life. With over 5,400 professionals in 20 cities around the globe, DMJM is poised to become the world's premier facilities practice -- offering a broad range of architecture, engineering, strategic real estate planning, program and construction management, IT, security and operations & maintenance services. Crossing all disciplines, geographies, and market sectors, DMJM provides the resources, expertise, and agility to respond to the emerging needs of our clients, whatever the requirements -- new construction, expansion, renovation, or modernization.
About Autodesk
Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com. For more information on building information modeling and Autodesk's building design solutions, see http://www.autodesk.com/buildinginformation.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
