In order to be cutting edge in the design and construction industry, Antinozzi Associates started in early 2008 taking steps to implement Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) into the office. The major step in this implementation includes the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), not just for 3D visualization, but to create more efficient collaboration between all stakeholders in the project design and construction process.
The focus now in the firm’s in-house Integrated Practice Committee is effectively using BIM to create design deliverables in a more efficient process not realized with CAD or previous methods. Using Revit Architecture, the firm now has multiple projects using this new process including the new Cooper Surgical Corporate Headquarters and an adaptive reuse condominium project in Cheshire, CT. The Committee’s goal is to “push the curve” to make better, more informed decisions – earlier in the process. Key staff is researching all of the possible benefits this new software technology has to offer.
Steps being taken currently (and in the near future) include research in project phasing, “kit of parts”, and team creation. Further review will look into the IPD process as outlined by the AIA to develop a plan incorporating additional staff training and brief information sessions at the firm’s monthly staff meetings. The I.P. Committee’s goal is to start an office-wide discussion on the topic of IPD and BIM so that when the topics come up, the entire staff can be well-versed in what it is all about. Issues will include looking into the new contracts and delivery methods for this type of project delivery.
Design team members are looking into intelligent visualization to give our clients more choices, with more information, right at the beginning of a project. LEED-AP team members are looking into using the BIM tool to make better choices when it comes to intelligent, energy-efficient, and sustainable buildings. Collaboration from “day one” is what will allow Antinozzi Associates to design projects more efficiently and with more choices than ever before.
Article content by Peter Sandor, Senior Project Architect