While the architecture, engineering, and construction industry has evolved significantly in the last few decades, it has also recognized the power of remote working. Many small and medium AEC companies in the USA collaborate with remote architectural design services.
On the one hand, remote collaboration enhances productivity, as the remote service provider remains productive even during unproductive hours in the USA. On the other hand, companies can significantly reduce overhead costs by not needing to hire skilled employees individually.
Remote collaboration opens up new possibilities for AEC firms in the USA, allowing them to set up remote teams across geographical boundaries. However, companies must have access to the right tools to make the collaboration successful. The potential of remote AEC collaboration can be enhanced by designing and drafting tools to secure connections through VPN and practical communication tools.
Here are five essential tools companies must invest in to collaborate and thrive in a virtual workplace.
Visualization and Design Tools:
The visualization tools are pivotal in the AEC industry. These tools empower professionals to bring their designs to life, communicate ideas effectively, and collaborate seamlessly. Also, the AEC firms in the USA need to collaborate with Sec service partners who have licenses for these tools and trained professionals to use them. Here are some essential visualization tools:
- AutoCAD: A versatile drafting and design software that architects use to create 2D and 3D architectural renderings. It offers precise placement of lines, arcs, circles, and other geometric shapes. It also allows designers to organize elements into layers for better control and visibility. AutoCAD enables the creation of dynamic designs with parametric constraints with the help of custom commands and scripts. From streamlining design iterations to facilitating collaboration, AutoCAD offers top-notch accuracy.
- Revit: A Building Information Modeling (BIM) software engineers use to integrate architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design. Like AutoCAD, Revit also has parametric families that allow designers to create intelligent building elements. Architects create 3D walkthroughs and flythroughs using Revit, which stores information beyond geometry.
- SketchUp: A 3D modeling software, ideal for conceptual design and visualization, SketchUp comes with a vast library with extensions for specialized tasks. SketchUp also has pre-built models for quick prototyping. It enhances visual quality with rendering plugins like V-Ray or Enscape. Architects use SketchUp for rapid ideation, quick mockups, and client presentations.
- BIM: Building Information Modeling is one of the most complex AEC design tools that architectural design companies use. BIM is a collaborative process that integrates design, construction, and operation information into a single model. BIM models can store anything related to building modeling, from geometrical to materials, schedules, costs, and more data. Engineers and architects use BIM software to detect clashes in their designs. Since BIM shows the complete lifecycle of a structure, making changes in the building design becomes much easier.
- Lumion: A real-time rendering software that architects and designers use to create stunning visualizations, lifelike images, and videos. Lumion can work with other 3D modeling software and incorporate real-time updates into the output. Using Lumion, designers can set up a virtual scene, change camera angles, fix lighting, etc. Its vast library has different materials like plants, furniture, light fixtures, the texture of walls, floors, and much more. Lumion creates the most realistic design outputs for clients.
Choosing the right visualization tool depends on project requirements, team collaboration, and personal preferences. It depends on the remote service providers which tools they use based on their uniqueness.
Remote Communication Tools
Communication is the key to success when collaborating with a remote AEC service provider. The smoother the communication, the better the remote staff will understand the requirements. An architectural design company can take a multi-channel approach to communication.
- Video Conferencing Tools: Video calls are necessary for any fruitful collaboration. From virtual meetings to design reviews, video conference calls can accelerate project completion. Although there are different video conferencing platforms, it is ideal for companies to invest in the most reliable ones. For instance, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc., are some of businesses’ most reliable and popular video conferencing tools.
- Emails: No one can deny the importance of emails, even today. Companies should use emails for official announcements, project documentation, sharing updates, and other official stuff that need corroboration.
- Instant Messaging Tools: Instant messaging tools allow real-time conversation between teams and/or remote workers. Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Slack, etc., are some of the instant messaging tools that offer other benefits along with messaging. However, many AEC companies feel comfortable sharing updates over less conservative tools such as WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.
Apart from these tools, phone calls are always an option for instantly connecting with the concerned party. Depending on everybody’s availability, a quick phone call about an update or discussing a complex issue can be more effective than emailing or arranging a video conference.
Secure Remote Access to Core Business Systems:
An architectural design company works on large-scale projects that involve intricate designs, massive model files, and critical business data. Ensuring secure access to these resources is essential for productivity and project success.
Secure access to the core business system is crucial to safeguard sensitive data, storage, and accessibility. Traditional systems may limit remote access, hindering collaboration among geographically dispersed teams.
- Cloud-Based Systems: Cloud computing offers scalability, allowing teams to adapt to changing project demands. Cloud-based tools are ideal for remote AEC service providers as they allow sharing resources and business information. Architects, engineers, and contractors can collaborate on cloud-based BIM software, improving efficiency.
- Virtual Private Network: A VPN acts as an encrypted tunnel that allows AEC companies to share data while maintaining the utmost privacy and protection. Remote AEC firms can update their clients and share progress reports securely anywhere in the world through a VPN.
- Multifactor Authentication: MFA adds another layer of protection for 3D architectural rendering firms by including two or more authentication factors, such as code generation through an app or SMS, double password protection, etc.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Many companies implement RBAC to ensure that necessary data is available only to authorized personnel. RBAC also controls data loss as the AEC companies can monitor data access.
As AEC companies in the USA continue to embrace remote work, secure access to core business systems will remain crucial. It empowers professionals to work efficiently, innovate, and deliver high-quality projects.
The Final Words:
The architecture, engineering, and construction industries have undergone a significant shift. The AEC industry has realized that remote collaboration is a powerful tool. By utilizing the right technology, companies can tap into a wider talent pool, streamline workflows, and boost productivity.
A few essential tools for remote AEC collaboration include industry-standard design and visualization software, effective communication platforms, and secure remote access solutions. Investing in these technologies empowers geographically dispersed architectural design services to work seamlessly, fostering innovation and delivering exceptional architectural design projects. As the AEC industry evolves, adapting to the changing environment will become imperative for AEC companies in the USA to ace the race.
