Of course, among designers and builders there always will be debates and different points of view. But with collaboration and clear understanding of what is going on these disputes occur in a context trending toward a successful project and positive business outcome, and not amidst the wreckage of a disaster.

Beyond the collaboration and innovation these models enable, the full power of VDC is revealed when the design models can continue to be used by fabricators and the construction team, rather than having to be re-created or enhanced, because the models have been designed from the outset with the detail and input needed to be useful. 

Technology alone can’t transform the industry. A fundamental shift is needed in how we work together, and architects can help lead the way by embracing the collaborative ecosystem of VDC. As architects, we need to start by showing we are truly ready to be on the team ourselves, and show we can focus less on design fees or shielding ourselves from risk, and more holistically on the success of the team delivering projects within budget, on schedule, and of ever higher quality.

John Gill, is director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management firm. John has over 20 years’ experience and is responsible for the implementation of SSOE’s VDC program. John can be reached in SSOE’s Birmingham, Alabama office at 205.397.2322 or by email at John.Gill@ssoe.com.