Based in Seattle, Washington, a team of passionate architects at KOArchitecture is embracing the power of Autodesk's Revit software to improve their design process. Led by Italian architect Beatrice Ottria, the firm is streamlining their workflows, enhancing project quality, and positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive industry.
Ottria, who has been with KOArchitecture for a decade, recognized the need to evolve beyond their traditional CAD-based methods.
The initial steps were not without their challenges. " When we first started using Revit, we had to be very patient," Ottria said. "Coming from a different background and software, it felt unfamiliar and required a significant adjustment." However, the team was determined to unlock the full potential of Revit and integrate it seamlessly into their design process.
Topcon Solutions Store stepped in to provide comprehensive training and support. "After conducting online research and coordinating several meetings, we decided to move forward with them” Ottria said. The training curriculum covered a wide range of topics, from the basic Revit functionalities to more specialized strategies for complex project management.
One of the key priorities for KOArchitecture was to tackle larger, more intricate projects. "We work on various types of projects, and for that reason, Revit could be a good fit for us," Ottria said. The firm recognized the need to manage "larger projects, such as apartment buildings," which involve greater complexity and more stakeholders.
The Topcon training sessions proved invaluable in this regard. "They provided a template that we continue to refine," Ottria explained. "Initially, we underwent general training on processes and workflows, and later, in August and September, we received specialized training focused on creating a Revit site model for some of our projects."
This tailored approach allowed KOArchitecture to seamlessly integrate Revit into their existing workflows, leveraging the software's capabilities to address their unique challenges. "Initially, the training focused on a generic project, but in the second phase, we worked with our studio's own projects, receiving tailored training specific to our projects." Ottria noted.
As the team at KOArchitecture delved deeper into Revit, they began to see the impact on their day-to-day operations. Ottria understands the significance of quality control and standardization, stating, ""Among the benefits is certainly the ability to standardize and have greater control over the projects, the information we provide to contractors or clients, and, for our own benefit, to maintain a well-organized archive and a comprehensive library that helps us enhance design, quality, and efficiency."
The firm's adoption of Revit has not been without its learning curve, but the benefits are becoming increasingly evident. "So far, we haven’t completed a large number of projects, but each time we try a different approach to determine which one works best for our workflow and how we develop our projects." Ottria said.
One of the projects the team is currently working on using Revit is a residential development in Seattle, comprising three buildings with a total of 12 units. " It’s not a large project, but the owner is a great client who is committed to delivering quality architecture, so we are excited to see how Revit can enhance the project’s quality.
The firm's commitment to embracing Revit is not just about improving their internal processes; it's about positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive industry. Ottria envisions a future where KOArchitecture can tackle even more complex projects, leveraging the power of Revit to deliver higher-quality designs and seamless collaboration with clients and stakeholders.
"We hope to work on projects with 100 units or more in the future," Ottria said. The team's willingness to adapt and evolve, combined with the support of Topcon Solutions Store, has laid the groundwork for ambitious growth and innovation.
As KOArchitecture moves forward, the lessons learned and the successes achieved will undoubtedly serve as a blueprint for other architecture firms seeking to embrace the future of design.
