Technology is now a fundamental part of architecture, with PRNewswire reporting that the market for industry-specific software alone is worth $10.2 billion globally. With technology at the forefront of the industry, there is a wide range of options available to architects to help them grow their business. Those who aren’t keeping up with the latest trends could easily get left behind by their competitors. Here are the ways architects can utilize technology to maximize growth:
Digital rendering
As noted above, architecture software is growing at a rapid rate and architects needs to be up-to-date with the latest software. Digital rendering software applications like Civil 3D and ArchiCAD and Lumion are designed to speed up workflows while also allowing for a more customizable workstation.
Clients will also be able to see their vision early on and will be able to make alterations before deciding to move forward with the final design. It is important to note that rendering software can be demanding on many computers, which is why you need to invest in the latest equipment. Having a workstation equipped with an NVIDIA graphics card will aid in making rendering smoother and prevent lags and malfunctions from occurring. Not only will this improve your workflow and productivity, but it will also show your clients that you are a technically and technologically advanced company.
3D Printing
As Greg Geilman explained, 3D printing is “making buildings better” and is now used by the best architecture firms. One area that 3D printing is helping architecture firms grow is in sustainability, with Marco Vonk, Marketing Manager at Saint Gobain Weber Beamix explaining that “you can save about 60% of time in the job site and 80% in labor.” This cuts costs while also making the company much more environmentally friendly as less time is spent on site. By being able to promote sustainability as part of the design process, you will be able to appeal to more customers.
Networking
Finding clients is an important part of being able to grow as an architect, and architects can use different websites to find potential customers. However, in order to connect with new clientele, architecture firms need to be following their values. As demonstrated above more firms are putting an emphasis on sustainability to appeal to modern investors. While this mainly relates to the build process and the final product, one way that firms can promote sustainability is by going paperless. An article on LinkedIn explains how AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) companies spend on average $1600 per employee on printing annually. One reason for this is that the sector is known for being slow to make the transition from hardcopies.
In relation to networking firms can cut down on their paper usage by using digital business cards. The cards from Doorway show that architects no longer need to carry around physical copies with their contact details. Whenever they meet a possible customer or supplier, architects can share a QR code that stores their information in their client’s phone, making it easier to keep track of their details. It also makes it easier to update any information on the card instantly. This type of innovation shows perspective clients that you are a forward-thinking company both in terms of technological growth and understanding market priorities.
In order to remain competitive and to continue growing architecture firms need to be at the forefront of technology. The above areas are where the latest trends are being established. If you have found this article useful, please visit BOXX for more articles, tips, trends in architecture and technology, as well as workstation computers and servers purpose-built for architecture, engineering and construction.
Article written by Roanne Jane
Exclusively submitted to boxx.com