Technology

Powers Brown Architecture utilizes Autodesk products as its main project design and documentation software, including AutoCAD, VIZ, and Revit Architecture as its Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.

Additionally, Sketch Up and The Adobe Creative Suite are used to support these processes. Powers Brown Architecture works with 3D visualization on all projects. Renderings and fly through videos can be produced in house as an additional service. We also utilize 3D work in our construction drawing sets. Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is really just one component of the “Integrated Practice” model outlined by the national components of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and The Associated General Contractors (AGC). Integrated Practice falls under a bigger umbrella of “interoperability” and our firm is an early adopter of both this philosophy and the technology driving it. For this reason, all projects documented by Powers Brown will use Revit Architecture. This program allows us to build the project virtually in a parametric digital model. It is possible to have the subconsultants do the same. We then merge the models and check for conflicts between structure, systems and architectural heights, etc. This data can be integrated with a contractor utilizing the same database and programs to index cost in real time - so as we value engineer the project, material calculations and areas can change while immediately updating the cost model, on the fly as it were. At project completion, the owner is provided with a fully integrated digital model of the building. This model is easily converted into AutoCAD files if preferred. This is the future of A/E practice and we are proud to be leaders in making it happen.