Digital design has historically catered more to the ‘A’ component of the architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry. But things are rapidly changing.

Now, digital design applications to sectors ‘E’ and ‘C’ are becoming not just a luxury — but a project necessity. Just as digital design is relatively new within the engineering and construction side of things, it is also unique to have dedicated digital designers on staff in those organizations.

What do digital design professionals do?

Digital design professionals wear a number of hats: early adopters, analysts, visionaries, educators, support staff. They bring leading-edge technologies and methodologies forward in order to elevate both work and workflow — for themselves, as well as for their colleagues. In an AEC firm, digital design staff communicate these tools to a variety of other employees: engineers, architects, surveyors, planners, GIS specialists and landscape architects already doing design-related work. Digital design professionals do the preparatory work of researching and mastering the software, then educate staff about how it can be used and adapted.

A digital design team’s goal is to analyze the project lifecycle and introduce the right technology at the right time to optimize the design process. They recognize that projects are living assets — assets that may serve communities for a useful amount of time but will eventually need re-concepting, expansion, updating — or even a new build altogether. And they have just the right tools to streamline and inspire that lifecycle every step of the way.

What’s in a digital designer’s toolbox?

A digital designer’s toolbox might include leveraging survey technology such as LiDAR, drones or GIS data for reality capture in order to produce high-quality digital “twins” with which to begin design. It might look closely at data analytics in order to select the best project alternative. It might input new data into 2D or 3D modeling software in order to communicate to clients and contractors where infrastructure should be located or what arrangement is best suited for the optimal maintenance and operations. A digital designer might also utilize augmented reality (AR) to bring models into simulated real life so that clients can view the functionality of new or existing utilities and building mechanics in action, before being placed underground and left to their own volition.

The result is landmark improvements to the way we design structures, modify project alternatives, produce plan sheets or construction documents, and ultimately build new or update existing community infrastructure.

Take a look:

Today’s projects require today’s technology. Stay on the leading edge of your architectural, engineering and construction projects with smart design solutions. Get the conversation started today!