Business is finally starting to see the benefits of 3D models in architecture projects. The technology has been incorporated in the most seamless way possible and shows major improvements across the board to time and project cost. For more information about the benefits, you can find services at cochraneng.com. In the meantime, look at the five tips below to see if it is right for your business.

5. A Platform Built for Sharing Work

During the beginning phase, multiple designs ideas are produced. During this stage, passing around all of the new information can be problematic. This is where misinformation can fester and become a long-term detriment to the project. Issues with a design can always be traced back to the beginning stages of construction. With 3D models, you get an easy way to keep track of multiple changes to a design, old or new. Any subtle changes that are made can instantly be shared without missing a beat. Keep in mind that in order for this to be a progressive feature, 3D modeling has to be embedded into the core of your project.

Once everyone on the team buys into the platform, getting feedback is instant. Designs can be shared locally and remotely without delay. You can even set up syncing on a delay so that project changes can be reviewed before the next workday. There is a ton of configuration that can be done for sharing, so use whatever extra features you’re comfortable with. 

4. See The Whole Picture Before It Is Framed

When you’re having doubts about the fluidity of a project, 3D modeling can give you a glimpse in full detail. When 3D modeling is at its best, you get the full animated experience of a project. A good sample will even let you explore the building in real time, with 360-degree camera control. Clients that want to see the design before committing will find this feature reassuring.

This is a lot different than looking at a blueprint laid across a table. At some point, a project will reach the point of no return. For many clients, this is a frustrating point if the design isn’t up to their standards. By using 3D models, you can eliminate a lot of buyers regret before it even happens.

3. Boost Your Creativity

Creativity in large projects becomes an issue when there are a lot of moving parts. Sometimes elaborate plans need to be shelved due to time restrictions, budgetary concerns or teamwork issues. None of this matters if your creativity is stopped before you can show off your vision. One of the best parts of 3D models is the ability to show off concept work. Think of it as doing a dry run for multiple projects at once without expending resources. The technological advancement of 3D modeling makes that possible to focus on the more creative aspects of design. Instead of getting bogged down in smaller tasks, you can explore multiple project scenarios without touching the budget.

Blueprints are pretty, but a lot of the language and finesse is lost when speaking to a non-professional. Having a visual representation of an idea is much more powerful than showing off the technical aspects. With the time saved using 3D models, you can experiment on a lot of designs that would otherwise be off-limits. A proof of concept has a much better chance of passing the smell test when the 3D model is involved.

2. Use Team Collaboration To Your Advantage

Multiple teams collaborate on a project to make it a reality. Communication is important and can decide the success of a project. Use all of the tools provided by 3D modeling software to share, sync and edit work in real-time. Whatever changes are made should be shared with all team members – that means roles need to be followed, and tasks list needs constant updating. A lot of this is automated through software with only a one-time setup. The expectation is that modern teams will do a lot of remote work, so communication options need to reflect that.

Plenty of information gets lost when passing paper notes from one person to the next. Emails never get opened, and text messages go unread. None of these is a consistent or reliable way to manage workflow on a team project. With the use of 3D modeling programs, collaboration is a vital feature. By ignoring it, you are using the software at half of its true potential.

1. Identify Problem Areas Before They Materialize

Tip #5 touched on this issue and how it can linger through the entirety of a project. A single problem won’t doom a project from being complete. There are very few projects that get finished without some sort of abnormality in the design or the workflow. Problems are expected but can be overcome with hard work and diligence. Multiple problems are in a different category and can cause an entire project to be scrapped before completion.

Use 3D models to filter out these problem areas when building. When you’re experimenting with a design, there are bound to be issues that require patching. Ignoring these for too long (or missing them completely) will cost the company money. When money has to be added to a project’s budget for problems that could have been avoided, it hurts the bottom line. Pay close attention to the 3D models in your software. It’s easy to miss small things, and you never want that to add up to something big. Work on training a team to also identify these issues, regardless of their professional background. You don’t need a top tier engineering background to spot problem areas in a design. Keep the sharing options open so that all team members can add their necessary input.

Wrap Up

Many industries see the untapped potential of 3D models. There is a lot of room to grow the technology and expand construction preferences. Efficiency is key, so choose the right outlet to grow your business.