How a remote architecture studio works
Recent technological advancements along with legislation changes have allowed boutique architecture studios to work remotely on projects that previously only larger firms with more resources could handle. Four key factors that have made remote projects possible are legal transparency, building information modeling, advanced project management tools, and more efficient communication options.
Remote architecture practice is not a new approach, but until recently it was only possible for large firms to work in this manner.
Advances in legal transparency, building information modeling, project management tools, and communication options have enabled remote work for boutique firms.
Four key factors have enabled remote architecture practices: legal transparency, building information modeling, advanced project management tools, and more efficient communication options.
While there are differences between the building code of various legislations, the same standard and approach apply to most places.
In order to manage all the complex aspects of construction, we create a ‘‘digital twin’’ of the building using building information modeling (BIM) software.
For project management, we have created an infrastructure in Notion to handle all the information and act as a project diary all through the process.
Asynchronous video communication and video calling bridge the gap between architecture, clients and specialists, ensuring an efficient communication channel that helps the project run smoothly.
The world of architecture has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. While well-known architecture firms such as BIG, Renzo Piano, and Norman Foster have been working on projects in remote locations for some time, it was not always feasible for boutique studios to do the same. The main barrier to entry was the vast amount of resources necessary to handle a remote project. However, recent advances in technology have made it as straightforward to run remote projects as it is to run local ones.
Large architecture firms could afford to work remotely because they had the resources and manpower to handle the complexity of the task. Legal experts would handle the legislation, students would work on the models and 3Ds, local points of contact would be consulted, and dedicated project managers would make sure everything stayed on track. Additionally, the firms had dedicated cohorts of employees to ensure the success of the project. As a result, boutique firms could not compete, making finding local clients the least of their problems.
European design and architecture have a long tradition and renown, dating back several centuries. In the 19th century, it was not uncommon for the upper classes outside of Europe to hire European architects or European-trained architects for their residential projects. What is new in all of this is that now, everyone, not just the wealthy, can enjoy the benefits of working with and as remote architecture practitioners.
This has been made possible by four key factors: legal transparency, building information modeling, advanced project management tools, and more efficient communication options.
Building code and local legislation
Building codes are essential to ensure that construction projects meet the necessary safety, health, and environmental standards. They are created based on the needs and requirements of each country, and the way they are implemented can vary significantly.
Centralized building codes, like those in the US and Canada, are easy to access and apply because all the codes are collected under a single or several pieces of legislation. This system allows for a standardized approach, with clear and straightforward requirements that make it easy to comply with the laws. On the other hand, decentralized systems are more complex, with specific laws spread between constitutional laws, legislative codes, and statutes at the national and local levels. This system requires more effort to navigate because of the need to hunt down each specific legislation. However, it allows for more localized control and adaptation to specific circumstances and needs.
Regardless of the system used, the specific contents of the laws are relatively similar in most EU or Northern American countries. This is why many construction companies use a certain code as a baseline to work with, as it can be applied in most jurisdictions, with only minor changes required to adhere to local practices.
However, it is not just the laws that affect construction projects. The way the project is communicated is equally important, and this is where the difference in systems comes into play. For example, while the US-based international building or residential code is used as a baseline by Animo Regis, an EU-based company, the structure used for the construction package is more inspired by EU practices. This approach is much more detailed and ensures a higher quality of communication between stakeholders, which is vital for successful construction projects.
This international approach, based on the best laws and practices from multiple jurisdictions, has become a key part of the construction industry. Being able to read and understand the laws and local requirements is an integral part of the practice. Construction companies must be familiar with the laws in every jurisdiction they work in to ensure they meet the necessary standards and comply with the regulations. Moreover, the increasing internationalization of the construction industry also means that there is a need for greater harmonization of building codes across countries. This would allow construction companies to work more efficiently across jurisdictions, reduce the need for costly adaptations to local practices, and create greater consistency in the industry.
In conclusion, understanding building codes and the differences between centralized and decentralized systems is crucial for successful construction projects. By using the best laws and practices from multiple jurisdictions, construction companies can ensure high-quality projects that meet the necessary standards and are adaptable to different local requirements. It’s very important to note that in certain segments, laws will vary quite a bit. For example, laws are requirements that apply to historic buildings, such as conversions or restorations, which can vary quite a lot.
Building information modelling
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become a popular tool in the construction industry. It offers an effective way to manage the complexity of building design, providing an easy-to-read 3D model with all the information and layers needed to construct a building.
The process of building design begins with a conceptual 3D model that is gradually filled with more information as the project progresses. This information includes architectural details, structural designs, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) components. The problem is that with so much information involved, it can be challenging to manage and coordinate everything from start to finish.
This is where BIM comes in. It creates a "digital twin" of the building project, a virtual 3D model that captures all the information, making it easier to manage from start to finish. BIM's digital twin provides a central location for all information, rather than a series of independent drawings that need to be coordinated individually. As the project progresses, the BIM model can be updated, allowing everyone involved to access the most current information in real time. BIM software can be used to add more layers of information, such as details on materials, cost estimates, and project timelines. This provides a comprehensive view of the project at any given time, enabling project teams to identify and address potential issues before they occur. By having access to all of the project data in one place, architects, engineers, and construction professionals can work together more effectively, reducing the chances of costly errors and delays.
One of the benefits of BIM is that it can help to eliminate conflicts and errors before construction begins. By identifying issues early in the process, it can help to reduce the amount of rework required during construction. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the environmental impact of construction activities. While BIM can be used to manage complex building projects, there are some limits to its capabilities. At some point, creating a highly complex BIM model may no longer be the best approach. However, for most building projects, BIM is the best solution for managing the substantial information involved.
Project management
Coordinating a project is a complex and multifaceted process that requires the input of multiple stakeholders, from clients to engineers and contractors. With so many people and moving parts involved, having a tool to keep track of everything is essential to smoothly running a project, both from the earliest phases and all through construction. Animo Regis has created a specific Notion framework exactly for this purpose. Notion is a highly flexible and scalable tool, and as a result, it can adapt to any project or requirement.
Notion is a simple yet powerful platform that enables users to record and structure large amounts of information in a flexible and customizable way. Whether we are tackling a small renovation project or a large-scale residential job, Notion helps with staying on top of every detail and change that takes place along the way. At the heart of any project managed with Notion is the board, which serves as a kind of diary for the project. Every change, every update, and every piece of feedback is documented on the board, providing a single source of truth for everyone involved. This makes it easy to track the development of the project over time and to refer back to earlier stages as needed.
The board is typically divided into four key phases: Pre-Design, Schematic, Development, and Construction. Each of these phases represents a distinct stage in the project lifecycle and has its own set of tasks, milestones, and deliverables. By separating the board in this way, project managers can focus on the tasks and goals specific to each phase, while also keeping an eye on the big picture.
At the core of the board is the activity tracker, which is used to record every input and output that takes place during the project. This might include things like client feedback, engineering calculations, and contractor submissions. By keeping track of all these inputs and outputs in one place, project managers can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that everyone is working from the same set of information.
Project communication
Effective communication is essential in any project, but even more so in remote architectural projects where the architect is communicating with third parties who are not physically present in the same location. While there are various tools and processes available, streamlined and effective communication is key.
In the initial phases of the project, it is crucial that the client understands the reasoning behind the architect's approach to the project. This helps to establish a good working relationship and leads to better communication between parties. However, email is limited in explaining complex construction issues, and it can be challenging to convey certain ideas or concepts through written words.
Likewise, third parties, such as engineers, contractors, and project managers, also need to be on the same page. Email is not always sufficient for this, as it may take too much time to explain complex issues in a text format. This is where asynchronous video communication comes in handy.
Asynchronous video communication is a tool that captures the computer screen along with the speaker's voice and video. It creates a video presentation that can be shared via a link. The architect can use this tool to explain complex issues in a more efficient and easy-to-understand manner. This way, instead of writing a long email with drawings and images to explain, the architect can send a video that has them explaining everything directly on the drawings. This makes communication of complex issues, very easy to understand. While this tool may not sound advanced, the benefits are immense.
There are many apps nowadays that offer asynchronous video communication, making it easy to set up and use. This tool is especially useful when working remotely, where communication takes place much more often than in traditional architectural projects. As a result, architects and third parties rely on video calling to discuss materials and handle complex situations.
Video calling enables architects and third parties to discuss materials and handle complex situations directly. It is fast and efficient, with a one-hour call often enough to tackle even the most challenging situations. Video calling makes it easy to handle and understand materials, especially when a face-to-face meeting is not possible.
