XS CAD's Original Articles on Industry Topics

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28 September 2023

Apurva Jain

Innovative Approaches to MEP System Integration in Large-scale Commercial Developments

English economist, physician and philosopher, William Petty, once said, ‘Money is the best rule of commerce . . .

21 September 2023

Shalini John

How Does COBie Support BIM Technology?

‘Cobie’ Smulders regularly lit up the small screen as an integral part of ‘How I Met . . .

18 August 2023

Shalini John

How Critical Is Facade Engineering Design Accuracy?

Façades sometimes have a negative connotation, but everything about a beautiful . . .

What-Building-Engineering-Design-Trends-Can-We-Expect-in-the-Near-Future

8 August 2023

Hitesh Panchal

What Building Engineering Design Trends Can We Expect in the Near Future?

Dynamic shifts in technologies are driving building engineering trends from today’s construction . . .

25 July 2023

Kuldeep Bwail

Sustainable MEP Design Strategies for Green Hospital Buildings

Design is inherent in all that is created, but then, it’s much more. It is an amalgamation of functionality . . .

14 July 2023

Apurva Jain

The Role of MEP Systems in Infection Control in Hospital Buildings

Did you know that MEP design can account for 30% to 40% of the total construction . . .

3 July 2023

Apurva Jain

Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into MEP Systems for Commercial Buildings

Accounting for approximately 39 percent of global carbon dioxide emission . . .

27 June 2023

Hitesh Panchal

Exploring LOD in Architecture & Engineering

Terminology in any industry is a sign of growth. In the construction industry, new terms crop up with regularity . . .

Retail building design must focus on every aspect of the shopping experience through efficient retail space planning, using retail 3D modelling, retail 3D rendering and retail store 3D walk-throughs.

21 June 2023

Manoj Singh

When Will Retail Design Move Fully into 3D?

Shoppers are influenced by so much more than the merchandise. They want to be engaged . . .

26 May 2023

Shalini John

Are Digitised Homebuilding Design Services Here to Stay?

To sustain longevity, one needs to evolve. Homebuilding design services, such as residential architectural . . .

19 May 2023

Shalini John

Can Offshore Resources Make the Move from CAD to Revit-based Designing Easier in the US?

According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects, all large architectural firms and more than . . .

12 May 2023

Manoj Singh

How Can US Housing Improve the Speed & Quality of Plan Updates?

A man is king of his castle, and right now, castles are scarce to come by in the US . . .

5 May 2023

Shalini John

Is DfMA Helping Progress the Construction of Educational Institutes?

It’s time design went back to school and maybe even colleges or other educational institutes . . .

28 April 2023

Manoj Singh

Interactive Floor Planner – Another Digital Twin Tool for Homebuilders?

Alike in every way that counts, twins typically reflect a series of physical traits in each other . . .

21 April 2023

Hitesh Panchal

How Revizto Goes Beyond Communication

In a world of constant change, technological advancements occur with almost exponential frenzy . . .

14 April 2023

Shalini John

Why 3D MEP Design Is Important for Housing

Consistent action leads to consistent results, and it is only consistent design that guides . . .

Shoppers now are seeking an engaging and immersive experience from the moment they step into a retail space to when they bid their farewells. Thoughtfully planned retail drawings and innovative retail space design are critical to shaping what initially captivates customers, what prolongs their stay, and what ultimately entices them to return.

7 April 2023

Manoj Singh

Can Store Design Enhance Customer Experience?

In the ever-challenging retail industry, competition is fierce. Facets in addition

30 March 2023

Shalini John

Embedding Floor Planners in Websites Generates New Leads for Homebuilders

On a high for quite some time following the pandemic, the US homebuilding industry . . .

20 March 2023

Manoj Singh

Can Homebuilders Save Expenses by Using Floor Planners?

Overspending is more often the case than not during a complex homebuilding project . . .

The dynamic and evolving needs of a hypermarket necessitate a harmonious blend of adaptable retail store building design and well-organized retail space design. The intricate interplay between versatile retail building design and strategic retail space planning is essential to meet the multifaceted and varying demands of a modern hypermarket.

13 March 2023

Shalini John

Retail Store Building Design for Hypermarkets

Vast, exhibiting an almost inexhaustible array of choices and potentially overwhelming . . .

3 March 2023

Manoj Singh

Why Do Interactive Floor Planners Signal Progress for Homebuilders?

Progress means different things for different people and at different times. Today, progress involves . . .

24 February 2023

Nitesh Panchal

Can Dynamo Scripts Change the Construction Design Narrative?

Dynamo, a visual programming tool in Revit, can make building design and engineering and architectural . . .

17 February 2023

Manoj Singh

How Can Offshore Design Partners Fit into Current BIM Workflows?

Achieving greatness only needs the right partner. Design partners can offer invaluable benefits . . .

10 February 2023

Shalini John

Do Digital Twins Contribute to Greater Efficiency in Facilities Management?

Complete efficiency in any sphere, much like the pursuit of happiness, is a mirage that conscientious . . .

3 February 2023

Shalini John

How Can Point Cloud Models Help Existing Structures Transform into Residences?

American writer and publisher John Bartlett once wrote, ‘An antique is anything old with class . . .

27 January 2023

Manoj Singh

Can Homebuilders Boost Sales Using Dynamic Floor Plan Tools?

It’s been a tough year for many sectors, and homebuilding has been somewhat affected as well . . .

20 January 2023

Apurva Jain

How Important Is Energy Modelling for Performance Estimates?

Let’s go green, not with envy but with energy efficiency, an important measurable factor of sustainability . . .

6 January 2023

Shalini John

Can BTR Home Design Benefit from 3D Modelling?

A distinct asset class, build to rent houses aims to make housing affordable for everyone . . .

27 December 2022

Shalini John

Are As-fitted Models from Point Cloud Surveys Useful for Facilities Management?

Longevity requires adaptation skills. The longevity of a building depends on adapting to new circumstances . . .

Effective retail design layouts, including well-thought-out retail space planning and a meticulously crafted retail block plan, can empower retailers to strategically steer shoppers towards premium products and high-priority merchandise, while also encouraging impulse purchases, optimizing customer flow, and curating an experience that resonates, encouraging customers to return.

21 December 2022

Kuldeep Bwail

Unblocking Retail Block Plan Challenges

Understanding the effect of retail design layouts and retail space planning can result in maximising revenue. An effective block plan, or layout plan . . .

14 December 2022

Manoj Singh

Design Drawing Considerations for Smart Homes

It used to be in the realm of science fiction, but no more. Smart living in smart homes is fast becoming . . .

7 December 2022

Apurva Jain

Are Both Domain & Software Knowledge Necessary for MEP Scan to BIM Modelling?

Well, the brief and succinct answer is a resounding ‘yes’! It is indeed necessary for MEP modellers and scan to BIM services for MEP to be . . .

21 November 2022

Manoj Singh

Considerations for Designing Net Zero Houses

Climate change stories are incomplete without the big, bad villains – homo sapiens. Of all the nasty things . . .

It all starts with a notion, an idea, a seed. Retail building design, much like any other type of design, commences with a concept of a retail space and then progresses through a series of stages, incorporating detailed retail drawings, intricate retail 3D modelling, and captivating retail rendering, producing a range of outputs at each step of the process.

17 November 2022

Rony Fernandes

Understanding Stages & Outputs of Retail Design

It all starts with a notion, an idea, a seed. Retail building design, much like any other type of design, begins with a concept of a retail . . .

9 November 2022

Apurva Jain

Can Effective Building Engineering Design Support Sustainability?

Everyone in the construction industry is thinking about it, if not talking about it – sustainability, the not-so-new buzzword with a new urgency . . .

4 November 2022

Shalini John

How Hi-tech Surveys Help Renovation & Facilities Management

Out with the old and in with the new! Both renovation techniques and technology seem to be advancing . . .

31 October 2022

Hitesh Panchal

Can Consultants Use Scan to BIM Technology as Effectively as Contractors?

‘The past is never where you think you left it,’ writer and activist Katherine Porter once said. Sometimes this is true of MEP design drawings . . .

27 October 2022

Kuldeep Bwail

Why Design Support Can Make Remodelling Easy in Housing Projects

It can be daunting. Just the thought of remodelling a group of older residential buildings or large housing projects can induce a minor . . .

In fast-paced retail, safety is paramount. Swift design and construction require precise MEP 3D models, heat load calculations, and fire detection/alarm systems. Innovative fire suppression shields kitchens, while sensors, alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers boost safety. Experienced MEP consultants create accurate 3D models to safeguard retail food chains.

12 October 2022

Apurva Jain

Can MEP Consultants Help Protect Retail Food Chains from Fire Risks?

Safety always comes first. In the fast-paced retail sector, design and construction is implemented at high speed. Solutions to MEPF design challenges, such as high-quality HVAC . . .

4 October 2022

Nitesh Panchal

Can Robotics Help Fast Track As-built Drawings?

Right from the time of R2-D2 and C-3PO in the original ‘Star Wars’, humans have been awed and inspired by what droids or robots can do . . .

30 September 2022

Shalini John

How Digital Twins in Construction Focus on the Human Aspect

You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream . . .

20 September 2022

Shalini John

Why Homebuilders Find Digital Tools Attractive

In the business of making dreams come true by building dream homes, it is essential for large homebuilders to communicate design intent clearly . . .

12 September 2022

Apurva Jain

What Do Experienced Offshore Partners Offer Australian Building Engineering Firms?

It’s no secret. Australian construction firms sourcing building engineering design solutions offshore have had to deal with their share of snafus . . .

6 September 2022

Wayne Kite

Are Store Design Drawings Important for Brand Roll-outs?

A bit similar to a major-stakes chess game (Remember ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’?), brand roll-outs feature several pieces and potentially risky moves . . .

29 August 2022

Manoj Singh

How Point Cloud Data Helps Create Accurate 3D Models for Commercial Buildings

If a picture paints a thousand words, accurate 3D models offer a vast range of information and design details. When point cloud data is used . . .

16 August 2022

Shalini John

Digital Twin – An Unavoidable Relation in Construction?

Some relatives make themselves tenaciously familiar. They may not always be valued and may be pushy at times, but they usually have your best interests at heart . . .

8 August 2022

Ganesh Naikar

How Efficient Are MEP Drafting Services from India?

Efficiency is doing things the best possible way from every aspect. During construction, the design, planning, installation and performance of building services . . .

3 August 2022

Wayne Kite

How Popular Are Housing Associations in the UK?

Six million people across England receive shelter and support from housing associations, clearly making them popular. Housing associations work together . . .

28 July 2022

Nitesh Panchal

How Can Using Dynamo for AEC Projects Usher in Greater Productivity?

Faster, better, stronger - paraphrasing the Olympic motto, every construction firm can identify with increasing productivity in a highly competitive arena - completing projects faster . . .

19 July 2022

Shalini John

Value Engineering for US Mechanical & Utility Contractors

Remember when strangers used to be nice for no reason? The grocery guy threw in an extra apple for free and with a smile or the baker handed you a sweet bun as he wrapped . . .

12 July 2022

Manoj Singh

How REIT Can It Be?

More and more people are doing it. Real estate investment trust (REIT) housing in the US market is seeing a boost in popularity. This will inevitably mean that they will need the experience and expertise . . .

Retail 3D modeling of store furniture and merchandise, complemented by immersive retail 3D rendering and dynamic Retail Store 3D Walkthroughs, offers a lifelike experience of the retail store environment. This combination seamlessly captures the essence of the retail space, enabling customers to virtually engage with the layout and products.

6 July 2022

Shalini John

How 3D Walk-throughs Best Represent Retail Concepts

Retail vision drives retail concepts, retail design and ultimately retail sales. A rendered 3D walk-through can showcase retail concepts . . .

24 June 2022

Manoj Singh

How Detailed Should Retail Construction Drawings Be?

Competing in an environment where everything needs to be perfect is nothing new for retailers. That includes adhering to the rules and regulations of building authorities . . .

21 June 2022

Rony Fernandes

Does External 3D Rendering Improve Branding in Store Planning?

Individual identity has always been important, but the identity of a retail brand is crucial to its very survival. Branding defines what makes a retail outlet unique . . .

15 June 2022

Shalini John

How Can Retail Drawings & CGIs Contribute to Brand Roll-outs?

Change is good, they say, but not always easy. Changing or updating a retail brand image across multiple locations can be challenging, and it needs attention to detail, accuracy and experience . . .

10 June 2022

Kuldeep Bwail

Should Large Homebuilders Seek CAD Drafting Support?

Everybody needs a little help sometimes, they say. That’s been true for large homebuilders with a significantly heavy load of drafting requirements . . .

8 June 2022

Manoj Singh

‘Greening’ an Existing Building

It may be a new buzzword now and it may be worthwhile to incorporate sustainability into building design for new buildings, but what about existing buildings? How do we ‘green’ an existing structure . . .

1 June 2022

Kuldeep Bwail

Do Homebuilders Prefer a One-stop Shop for Interior Rendering?

Granted that customisation in homebuilding is increasingly the norm, enabling customisation involves a gamut of drawings, modifications and rendered images to see the effect . . .

31 May 2022

David Garner

How Advanced Is Hydraulic Design in Australia?

Learning about water, sewerage and hydraulic system design may not be every child’s dream and ideal in Australia, but in the past few decades, hydraulic engineering in buildings and hydraulic design . . .

27 May 2022

Apurva Jain

Can CFD Help Solve Building Engineering Design Challenges?

Though building engineering design may necessarily navigate through a multitude of challenges, one of the prime aspects . . .

24 May 2022

Nitesh Panchal

Can Dynamo Improve the Efficiency of AEC Project Deliveries?

Steady progress is constant in the design workflows and construction planning of AEC projects globally. However, it is still possible to spend precious man-hours on repetitive design and documentation . . .

16 May 2022

Rony Fernandes

Challenges & Solutions for Homebuilding Today

It’s a world of many challenges, but homebuilders face a number of specific challenges today. They include a shortage of experienced Revit designers, a scarcity of skilled labour . . .

20 April 2022

Shalini John

Find the Right Design Support for Home Renovation

‘Good help is hard to find,’ they say. Not always. As families grow or there is an increasing need for home office space or people just get bored, the prospect of home renovation . . .

13 April 2022

Shalini John

Managing Construction Documentation for the Australian Housing Sector

The housing sector in Australia has witnessed the effects of strong population growth and steadily increasing immigrant numbers, resulting in more . . .

5 April 2022

Manoj Singh

Optimising Brand Consistency with Retail Construction Drawings

One of several ways to optimise brand consistency in each retail outlet of a brand is to work with accurate and detailed retail design drawings and retail construction drawings . . .

4 April 2022

Ganesh Naikar

MEP Drafting Considerations for Hospitals

Hospitals have so much going on - consultation, treatment, operations, physiotherapy, catering, biological waste and healing environments. There’s so much to manage, so much to do and so much . . .

1 April 2022

Rony Fernandes

How Design Development Fills the Gap in Construction Design

If residential construction design could be likened to a full course meal, the design development stage would be the entrée or the first part of the main course . . .

21 March 2022

Shalini John

Will Internal 3D Rendering Help Space Planning in Retail Stores?

High stakes and fierce competition in the retail industry make it the proverbial ‘dog eat Pedigreed dog’ world. Retail stores and the spaces they showcase have long been uential in . . .

18 March 2022

Shalini John

How Smart Buildings Will Affect Architectural Design

A truly ‘smart’ building looks ‘smart’ and acts ‘smart’ too. Smart buildings feature a slew of impressive characteristics and are constantly . . .

14 March 2022

Nitesh Panchal

Modern Architectural Design for Mixed-use Buildings

Architecture is so much more than just a good-looking building. Like a person, it has layers. It is an art requiring adaptation, mathematical precision and functionality. As the needs of society . . .

10 March 2022

Shalini John

How BIM Addresses Design Challenges for Architects

Architects bring visions to life, and a significant portion of that process is the architectural design itself. Over the years, the architectural design process has transformed. What seems to have become an inevitable . . .

7 March 2022

Manoj Singh

Top 3 Advantages of Walk-throughs for Homebuilders

A permanent open house is how some refer to virtual house tours or 3D walk-throughs of a home. What’s not to like about accessing the interiors and exteriors of a house for potential . . .

3 March 2022

Manoj Singh

Can Walk-throughs Influence/Direct Retail Store Design Modifications?

Yes. Changing times require that everything and everyone must change accordingly. In today’s retail environment, changes are even more fast-paced than before . . .

21 February 2022

Shalini John

Residential Architectural Renderings: How They Benefit Distinct Stakeholders

They are called dream homes for a reason. Whether they are cosy suburban homes with the perfect lawn and spotless white picket fences, featuring a happy family . . .

18 February 2022

Shalini John

Fly Ash – Another Brick in the Wall for Greener Buildings

It’s a win-win equation for the construction industry and the environment, a distinct rarity. The construction industry has come under repeated fire for environmental damage in countless ways – construction waste, air, water . . .

14 February 2022

Hitesh Panchal

Are Fire Design Guidelines Similar in Australia & the UK?

Both part of the British Commonwealth and also the spirited Ashes cricket series, does the commonality between Australia and the UK extend to fire design guidelines for buildings as well? Both countries have had their share of building . . .

11 February 2022

Shalini John

Why Residential Architectural Rendering is Paramount for Homebuilders

Homebuilders can offer people the world, especially in an environment where the chances of people working from home are increasing exponentially. New residential design will have to consider that the home will . . .

7 February 2022

Shalini John

Lighting Considerations for Optimum Productivity in Commercial Buildings

What makes commercial buildings productive? Well, in essence, they should have an environment, system or workflow that encourages inhabitants to perform their tasks to the best of their ability. Commercial buildings may consist of office . . .

1 February 2022

Shalini John

Benefits of Revit Families for Residential Construction Drawings

Family benefits come in many forms, but Revit families provide particular benefits for the development of residential construction drawings. Most construction . . .

31 January 2022

Shalini John

Can Homebuilders Rely on 3D Walk-throughs to Increase Sales?

Competition is fierce in the homebuilding industry. Standing out in the throng can come down to clever marketing. For a dynamic homebuilding industry, 3D house walk-throughs and animations developed from these walk-throughs . . .

27 January 2022

Rony Fernandes

Benefits of 3D Modelling in Retail Space Design

Store designers make it look simple and easy, but there have always been challenges in incorporating retail marketing needs into retail design drawings . . .

20 January 2022

Kuldeep Bwail

The Difference Between Building Engineering Consultants & Contractors

As author and psychiatrist Scott Peck once said, ‘Share our similiarities, celebrate our differences.’ Building engineering consultants and contractors share certain similarities, but the differences offer an almost holistic resolution . . .

14 January 2022

Shalini John

Exploring ‘Macro’, ‘Median’ & ‘Micro’ Prefabrication

Modern concepts breed modern lingo. Hence, the growing phenomenon of prefabrication, or DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly), in the construction industry is gradually leading to the introduction of new terms . . .

7 January 2022

Shalini John

Why Is Power Factor Correction So Important for Green Buildings

Going ‘green’ is an ideal concept that is fast becoming a necessity, rather than a preferred option. In the global construction industry, there is an increasing drive . . .

4 January 2022

Shalini John

The Relevance of CFD for Shopping Mall Design

Shopping malls alternate between being mundane, functional or a venue for amusement, based on customer needs. Since many customers visit shopping malls at any given time for any given reason . . .

29 December 2021

Manoj Singh

How Can Commercial Buildings Move Towards Net Zero Goals?

It’s inevitable. Amid the chaos of rising energy prices, climate change and depleting energy resources, solutions must be explored. In a world where building construction consumes the lion’s share of energy, the use of building energy...

28 December 2021

Shalini John

Why Re-design Retail Spaces?

Pandemic-induced norms may have driven online sales to dizzying heights, but brick-and-mortar stores will always retain a certain appeal. They may have to be refurbished - out with the old and in with the new. They may have to...

24 December 2021

Manoj Singh

How Important Is CDP in Building Construction?

Just a little bit like good parenting, CDP, or the contractor’s design portion, is all about taking responsibility. Contractual obligations define the specific project parts that the contractor agrees to design...

18 December 2021

Shalini John

The Importance of Retail 3D Rendering

Retail stores do more than just display products. They provide lifestyle experiences for consumers, persuading them to linger in the store and influencing their mood. An engaging retail store design in sync with its brand . . .

25 November 2021

Rony Fernandes

The Increasing Popularity of 3D modelling in Homebuilding

‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ is as important for homebuilders as it is for home buyers. Increasingly, homebuilders are using technology to work faster, more efficiently and not just keep up with homebuilding advances but make themselves...

22 November 2021

Shalini John

Why Homebuilders Prefer 3D Modelling

Nothing beats getting things right early on in an expansive project. In the world of large homebuilding projects, a minor miscalculation can lead to disastrous effects, which makes it essential to plan and design as accurately as possible. As the dependency solely on 2D drawings for...

15 November 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Perfecting Interior Design & Visualisation for Fashion Stores

Fashion and being fashionable can accomplish a variety of things – satisfaction, self-confidence, mood enhancement and that certain . . .

29 October 2021

Manoj Singh

How Can Point-cloud Technology Help Hotels with Constant Renovation Challenges

Although antique, colonial-style hotels may have a certain charm, many today prefer the comforts and conveniences of a modern hotel, one that is sufficiently and constantly upgraded. Hotel renovations must occur regularly...

22 October 2021

Shalini John

Does Architectural 3D Rendering Help Sales in the Homebuilding Sector?

Selling a home in the homebuilding industry involves creating a narrative where potential inhabitants are promised a new and attractive lifestyle. Residential rendering services can help create this narrative to . .

14 October 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

What Happens in Housing with Inferior Quality MEP Design?

We, as building occupants no longer accustomed to living in the wild, take for granted the level of comfort we enjoy indoors. Well ventilated rooms that are temperature controlled, running water and lights and gadgets that make...

29 September 2021

Shalini John

Large-scale High-rise Projects Need Large BIM-experienced Teams

High-rise construction began in the late 1800s in the United States, and it scaled great heights on its journey into the 2000s. The scale of high-rise construction expanded horizontally as well...

14 September 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - What Makes Buildings More Energy-efficient?

As building construction accounts for over one-third of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions . . .

31 August 2021

Shalini John

Retail Store Branding Made Easy with Internal 3D Rendering

Identifying and promoting what makes a brand unique has a considerable effect on how the brand is perceived by others. This concept of branding helps retail store . . .

26 August 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - How BIM Fits into Different Sectors of Building Design

Building Information Modelling (BIM), a 3D model-based process to efficiently design, construct and manage buildings, fits into different sectors of building design . . .

16 August 2021

Rony Fernandes

The Difference between Drafting & Design Development

Interlinked, interconnected and interesting, the line between drafting and design development can be fuzzy at times. Drafting, or draughting, in building design is the process of graphically representing a building and its...

3 August 2021

Manoj Singh

Why Create 3D Walk-throughs for Retail Spaces

Among the many places evolving at pace with pandemic-induced lockdowns, retail spaces are adapting in style and with a dash of innovation to boot . . .

27 July 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

What Are the Advantages of MMC in the UK?

Changes galore – that’s what the UK construction and housing market has seen in the past critical few years. The effects of Brexit, the pandemic and economic policies have resulted in increased demands on the UK housing...

12 July 2021

Shalini John

How CAD Goes Beyond Drafting

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past few decades, most design professionals are familiar with CAD, or computer-aided design. For years, CAD has been used to create 2D and 3D designs, such as layout...

30 June 2021

Apurva Jain

New Ways to Incorporate Sustainability in MEP Design

Doing the right thing is becoming increasingly popular in construction. Thus, sustainability is not just a hot topic or concept, it is now a concept that can be and must be implemented as much as possible...

28 June 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – BIM – It’s a Win – Win for Homebuilders & Home Buyers!

Building Information Modelling (BIM), a 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals data and tools to efficiently design . . .

20 June 2021

Manoj Singh

The Evolution of Residential Architectural Rendering

Homes, like many dreams, leave a visual impression in the minds of a home buyer, and as such, designers need to accurately represent that visualisation. In the current scenario, this need has given rise to the creation...

12 June 2021

Shalini John

Infographic - What Does XS CAD Provide for Retailers?

XS CAD, a UK-based global design, BIM and CAD services provider, assists in the design and development of global retail projects according to local codes and standards . . .

20 May 2021

Shalini John

Managing Workflow for High-rise BIM Projects

It can be chaotic. Scores of people on site, endless meetings, a steady stream of RFIs and submittals being created, materials being loaded and unloaded – managing a building construction project . . .

27 April 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Manual As-fitted vs Laser-scanned As-fitted Drawings

Star Wars fans will always remember the thrill of their first introduction to light sabres, the oh-so-cool laser swords. Though maybe not as exciting, laser scanning procedures in construction have a certain

21 April 2021

Rony Fernandes

Approaching Concept Design/Working Drawings

Why are we here? What is our purpose? Esoteric questions such as these are likely to be understood only by an elite group of philosophers with specialised knowledge or interest in certain concepts...

15 April 2021

Shalini John

How Layout Design Differs for Different Retail Sectors

Yes, we are manipulated by the retail industry – and we like it. Retailers think very seriously about how we think, what we like, who we are and who we want to be. Since we typically meet retail products for the first time in retail spaces . . .

4 April 2021

Apurva Jain

Infographic – Benefits of Using CFD for Fire Protection Design

Fires are unpredictable. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an analytical tool that predicts or calculates fluid flows and can be used by fire design service providers to help design an effective fire protection . . .

26 February 2021

Shalini John

CAD to Revit BIM Conversion Makes Large-scale/High-rise Building Workflows Easier

It may not exactly be dog eat dog, but competition is fierce in the construction industry, especially for large-scale or high-rise building projects. Efficient construction design has proven to be the very foundation . . .

22 February 2021

Manoj Singh

How Can Wall Graphics Enhance Residential Architectural Rendering?

Residential architectural rendering of attractive 3D interiors has the power to influence decisions, and one of the key features of interior scenes is the wall – its colour, its texture . . .

22 February 2021

Shalini John

What’s in a Homebuilding CD Set?

One of the key pre-construction design deliverables powering the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry, construction documentation sets, or CD sets, are kaleidoscopes of design . . .

22 February 2021

Shalini John

Why Users Prefer AutoCAD for Roof Design Drafting

When large homebuilders use local architects for their projects, they are having the cake and eating it too, with cherries on top. Architects from or near the project site provide several perks . . .

19 February 2021

Shalini John

MEP Design for Office Spaces

Parameters for office design include advanced technology, safety, comfort and security, all while being environmentally friendly. Flawless mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems design is crucial . . .

15 February 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

What Do As-fitted Models Include?

‘The best laid plans of mice and men’ is a famous line from a poem about a mouse whose nest was destroyed by the poet Robert Burns. Men also create designs for their own nests that somehow don’t always work out...

22 January 2021

Hitesh Panchal

Considering External Services for Building Design

A long time ago, somewhere in the Third World, a large, luxury-fitted, modern apartment complex was built in record time and apartment units were sold, only for residents to discover that their beautiful chrome-plated bathroom fixtures...

21 January 2021

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - Hierarchy of Revit Family Creation

Just as every great building begins with a single brick or plank, designing with Revit begins with a Revit family. Revit family creation is a specialised multi-layered field of expertise in design modelling . . .

31 December 2020

Shalini John

What Is Modular Construction for Bathrooms?

Function and aesthetics must merge flawlessly in bathrooms. To enable this, bathroom design needs thought, expertise and seamless execution. Prefabricated bathroom modules or bathroom pods are a convenient . . .

24 December 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

3D Building Information Modeling Facilitates Accurate Cost Estimation to Avoid Budget Overruns

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has transformed the process of construction, bringing with it a wave of benefits. The use of BIM technology and BIM services in the segment of quantification . . .

24 December 2020

Apurva Jain

Key Considerations for Engineering Design in US Hospitals

Hospital patients are one of society’s most vulnerable groups, which makes it imperative that healthcare facilities make them comfortable and safe for the duration of their stay. As the cost of healthcare and hospital stay in the . . .

18 December 2020

Shalini John

Outsourcing Retail 3D Rendering – Common Mistakes

A picture paints a thousand words, and a 3D rendered image represents a multitude of visual elements - interior details, exterior details, moods, lighting, fixtures, furniture, textures, etc. For retailers, seeing a view of . . .

16 December 2020

Nitesh Panchal

Why Is It Becoming Imperative for HVAC Component Manufacturers to Create Revit Families?

Manufacturers in the AEC industry deal with special requirements, special equipment and special clients. There is an equally special process – the BIM (Building Information Modelling) process – which manufacturers, specifically . . .

8 December 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – MEP Design for Modern Educational Institutes

Most modern schools and universities offer Internet and free Wi-Fi facilities to their students and accept class work sourced from the Internet. Today’s educational institutes have integrated the use of computers, tablets . . .

30 November 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Archicad Modelling vs Archicad Drafting

It’s kind of a Tom-and-Jerry predicament. For the cartoon to be funny, you need both Tom and Jerry, both participants. Similarly, for architectural design services to be truly effective, there is a need for both 3D modelling . . .

30 November 2020

Shalini John

Understanding the Challenges of MEP (M&E) Prefabrication Drawings

Current hero in the construction industry, prefabrication is something everyone wants a piece of – literally. As prefabrication extends to modular construction services, the creation of different types of MEP . . .

27 November 2020

Apurva Jain

Designing Effective Plant Rooms

Plant rooms may call to mind the concept of greenhouses, but they are far less pretty in the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) landscape. Dedicated to housing mechanical equipment and related electrical . . .

23 November 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Why Models from Point Cloud Data are Useful for Architectural and MEP Design

Construction, much like other industries across the globe, must face a new world order – one that takes climate change, green building and the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle into consideration . . .

23 November 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Photorealistic 3D Rendering: A Perfect Fit for Homebuilders’ Marketing Mix

Since homebuilding is essentially a service provided to potential owners, homebuilders are expected to get the seven ‘P’s of service marketing right. These include product, price, place, promotion, physical environment, . . .

21 November 2020

Apurva Jain

How Hevacomp Improves Building Design

Anything and everything can be improved, and when it comes to improving building design, software tools that offer accuracy, versatility, ease and speed are sure to find popularity. Hevacomp is one such entity that has . . .

17 November 2020

Apurva Jain

MEP Design for Modern Schools and Universities Compared to 25 Years Ago

Right up until the mid-1990s, most schools and universities did not offer Internet and free Wi-Fi facilities to its students or accept class work sourced from the Internet. In fact, it was around . . .

6 November 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – How BIM Content Helps Manufacturers

Today’s MEP engineer or architect wants to choose the most appropriate components or fixture from many different brands in the shortest possible time. Clear and detailed communication of product information . . .

5 November 2020

Rony Fernandes

Using BIM Models and Drawings for Homebuilding Design

Get it done on time and within budget!’ seems to be the mantra for general contractors in the AEC industry. Also known as main contractors in the UK, general contractors make it their number one priority to complete projects . . .

5 November 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Key Traits of an Effective Architectural BIM Support Partnership

The movement has begun, and it looks unstoppable. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is here to stay, and there is a growing need for reliable residential BIM services as well as other BIM deliverables globally. . . .

12 October 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - Why Choose MEP Design Partners from India

The main advantage of MEP designers in India for Western construction? A single source for MEP design services being effectively delivered in the shortest time, at a cost-effective rate. There are MEP consultants in India . . .

7 October 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - Re-defining Home Office Space

Working from home is fast becoming a global trend that is no longer a choice or a luxury. It has already become a necessity for many the world . . .

30 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic - 5 Great Reasons to Use Revit for Homebuilding

Home designers and clients are finding it easy to use Revit Architecture services for their home design requirements. As Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming a major innovation for homebuilding drafting . . .

30 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Advantages of CAD Drafting over Manual Drafting

Change is not easy. Sometimes, though, change can result in making life easier. In construction, drawings are still paramount. They are critical for sound planning, smooth workflows and material and cost estimates. There used . . .

29 September 2020

Manoj Singh

Infographic – Using Outsourcing Firms for Homebuilding Design

Outsourcing is no longer a bad word. Scorn and distrust previously associated with outsourcing has given way to appreciation for technical accuracy, professionalism and overall cost benefits. Increased levels of trust have . . .

29 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

How Residential BIM Modelling Supports Informed Decision-making

Making a dream concept of a home into a real, actual building requires key players in the construction process making a series of right decisions. Effective decision-making has always needed a cool head borne from . . .

28 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

The Importance of Automated Lighting Control Systems in Retail

Dynamic retail lighting is an important factor in successful retail sales. Creating a relaxing atmosphere for customers encourages them to stay in the store longer and examine the merchandise. The longer people stay, the greater...

22 September 2020

Shalini John

How Can Detailed 3D Walk-throughs Benefit Homebuilders?

Wysiwyg! ‘What you see is what you get’ has been a catchphrase for decades, and initially, it used to refer to a computer screen display which appears on screen the way it will be seen when printed . . .

21 September 2020

Ganesh Naikar

What Kind of Workflow Results When MEP BIM Services Are Outsourced?

It’s almost like diving into the unknown – except, it doesn’t have to be. When a Building Information Modelling (BIM) manager has to make the decision to outsource the BIM MEP services of his/her project . . .

17 September 2020

Shalini John

Retail Design Challenges for Architects

It can be a tricky business. Balancing the needs and constraints of retailers with the science of architecture involves building trust based on communication, creativity and a clear understanding of brand identities. Typically, brand...

10 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

BIM Drives Cost Efficiencies for Plumbing Design

Nobody wants to think about plumbing until it stops working or becomes faulty, but plumbing design services are of paramount importance for both the comfort of building inhabitants and the health and life of the building. Part of the wider ambit of MEP . . .

7 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

MEP Design & MEP Installation Challenges

Ideal and effective MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design at its early stages can quickly and devastatingly spiral into a nightmare for installation purposes without the right mechanical design . . .

2 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

How Open BIM Facilitates Collaborative Design

Due to its multifaceted benefits, building information modelling (BIM) is rapidly gaining traction in the AEC industry as the key pre-construction planning, construction management and post-construction . . .

2 September 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Why Is Lighting Customised for Retail Outlets?

Increase sales! More than anything, retail outlets want to increase revenue in as many ways as possible. One of those ways is by customising retail lighting to provide more than just the right ambience...

25 August 2020

Manoj Singh

5 Compelling Reasons to Use Revit for Homebuilding

Intelligent design transforms a house into a desirable home, and designers need high-quality tools to help visually represent their design. Home designers, until recently, were of almost unanimously convinced that Revit . . .

19 August 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Approaching MEP BIM Projects Using Coordination Specialists

Changing winds bring changing times, and for the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry, one of the most sweeping changes that blew in was the arrival of Building Information . . .

17 August 2020

Manoj Singh

Business Continuity for CAD/BIM Companies during the Time of Covid- 19

Whatever happens, the show must go on. And some businesses around the world are putting on quite the show. Determined to ensure business continuity during the time of Covid-19 . . .

12 August 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

3D MEP Coordination: An Effective Way to Reduce Rework and Increase Efficiency

Maintaining deadlines in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry will be of paramount importance as global firms adjust to changing environments. Reducing rework and increasing process . . .

10 August 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

How Architects Fit into the Retail Design Process

Walking into a famous burger retail chain outlet or a well-known tech giant’s retail space anywhere in the world, there are always going to be familiar features and a few not-so-familiar attributes. Balancing brand characteristics...

5 August 2020

Manoj Singh

How Can Wall Decor Enhance Residential Architectural Rendering

Residential architectural rendering of attractive 3D interiors has the power to influence decisions, and one of the key features of interior scenes is the wall – its colour, its texture, its effect . . .

28 July 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

How Will Covid-19 Impact Prefabrication?

In so many ways, 2020 is poised to become a watershed year for global change. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected and will affect a range of industries, generations of people and the environment, but not always negatively...

21 July 2020

Manoj Singh

Why Large Homebuilders Prefer Using Local Architects

When large homebuilders use local architects for their projects, they are having the cake and eating it too, with cherries on top. Architects from or near the project site provide several perks. They can access the site easily and may be able to...

13 July 2020

Shalini John

Adapting Architectural Design for Retail Chains with Multiple Concepts

Keeping pace with technological advancements, the retail industry has decided not to be left behind on the constantly evolving juggernaut of change. Retail chains with a global presence have had to adapt . . .

6 July 2020

Shalini John

Infographic – Re-defining Home Office Spaces for Old & New Residences

Working from home is fast becoming a global trend that is no longer a choice or a luxury. It has already become a necessity for many the world over and may likely remain so indefinitely. The new normal will see homebuilders...

3 July 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Key Drivers Leading the Movement to BIM for the MEP Industry

Developments in the building services, or MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), industry have created milestones. Most of these developments have found contribution from within the industry . . .

29 June 2020

Shalini John

Sustainable Homebuilding Materials & Residential BIM Modelling-Perfect Partners

When the global spotlight in construction is highlighting sustainability, can BIM (Building Information Modelling) be far behind? Using the functionality of Revit families, residential BIM modelling and other BIM modelling services...

25 June 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Onus on Users, but Component Manufacturers Can Help Update BIM Libraries

Libraries have transformed from a quiet haven filled with seemingly endless shelves of books to a virtual environment necessary for modern construction . . .

22 June 2020

Shalini John

Residential Architectural Rendering Made Easy

Architectural 3D rendering can help identify potential challenges early in the design process and showcase design ideas effectively with both partners and clients. A rendered image can provide . . .

9 June 2020

Nitesh Panchal

Infographic – MEP Coordination – An Introduction

3D MEP coordination, also known as 3D M&E coordination, is a key element of MEP design concerned with spatial configuration and the layout of building services trades (HVAC, pipe work, public health . . .

4 June 2020

Ganesh Naikar

How Is 3D Building Services Design Helping Coordination?

Progress has made a steady march in the building services design industry recently. The majority of developments can be attributed to have come from within the industry. A few have come from other . . .

3 June 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

3 Ways to Avoid MEP BIM Design & Coordination Scope Overlaps

Construction and the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) industry, also known as the M&E industry, owes a debt to the technological advance we know as Building Information Modelling (BIM) . . .

29 May 2020

Shalini John

Why Offshore Resources Are Ideal for High-rise Architectural & Interior Design

Towers have fascinated man since buildings were first created. They symbolised status, wealth and power. Today’s high-rise structures are more functional. Sometimes combining residential, hospitality...

29 May 2020

Shalini John

Plumbing Design Challenges in the UK

In the United Kingdom, as in many parts of the world, plumbing or public health design has seen changes, advances and new requirements. Creating plumbing and piping plans can be difficult, as a building’s plumbing system typically consists . . .

28 May 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Supporting Retail Concept Design with Drafting, Modelling & Rendering

Ideas, or concepts, rule the roost in retail design. In a design industry that can heavily influence sales, it is crucial to communicate concepts accurately and efficiently. High-quality 3D architectural visualisation services and retail...

14 May 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

The 2 Methods of MEP Coordination

With the increasing complexity and functionality of each system, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) activities are not confined to the traditional mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, but also include fire . . .

14 May 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Typical Stages Involved in MEP Coordination

One of the most integral practices undertaken in the pre-construction phase, MEP (M&E) coordination demands special attention from all the AEC professionals involved in a project. This process . . .

6 May 2020

Shalini John

How Is the Homebuilding Industry Beating Covid-19?

According to industry sources, the Covid-19 lockdown in many countries, especially in the West, are seeing more visitors online, on homebuilding sites, than ever before. How could . . .

29 April 2020

Manoj Singh

How Structural Engineering Affects Building Services Coordination

‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ a wise African once said. Well, it takes several teams of professionals to raise a building, and like the squabbles of family members, intense but well meaning, structural engineers . . .

24 April 2020

Shalini John

How Do MEP Consultants & MEP Contractors Differ?

The short answer is that an MEP consultant provides a spatially organised design that meets the intended needs of the customer’s site. An MEP contractor makes sure that construction adheres to the intended . . .

22 April 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

Top 5 MEP Strategies for Sustainable Building Design

‘Getting in tune with nature’ is a ringing chorus around the world during the growing clamour for practical measures against climate change, virulently contagious diseases and out-of-control carbon emissions . . .

16 April 2020

Nitesh Panchal

Why MEP Component Manufacturers Should Adopt Revit Family Creation

Behind every building constructed for optimum human comfort is an efficient building services system. Ideally, this system, also known as an MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) system . . .

8 April 2020

Manoj Singh

Why Outsourcing Revit Drawings Makes Perfect Sense

In a constantly changing world, the methodologies and technologies of creating buildings are keeping pace with other lifestyle changes as efficiently as possible. As architects progress to creating virtual building . . .

30 March 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

How Building Services Design Consultants Must Factor in Sustainability

Who’s the big bad wolf when it comes to using natural resources? The construction industry. Construction is responsible for approximately 36% of global energy use and 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions . . .

3 March 2020

Shalini John

The Rise of MEP Risers as a DfMA Deliverable

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) has been weaving a spell in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry for some time, and it has been especially potent . . .

26 February 2020

Apurva Jain

Effect of CFD Analysis on Car Park Ventilation

It’s generally a stuffy area to begin with. There’s something vaguely claustrophobic and mildly unpleasant about underground or basement car parks. Imagine how scary a fire would be in such car parks . . .

19 February 2020

Nitesh Panchal

Why ‘Packaged’ Rooms & Bathroom Pods Are Popular DfMA Deliverables

Making life a little easier is a win-win for everyone, especially in the complex arena of construction, which has several players. Prefabrication has been a beacon of light . . .

13 February 2020

Manoj Singh

How Relevant Are Retail Design Drawings for Vehicle Showrooms

Those pristine, gleaming vehicles showcased in spacious, luxurious surroundings almost always draw a gasp of awe or at the very least a lengthy pause of longing. That didn’t just happen . . .

27 January 2020

Apurva Jain

How CFD Analysis Can Make Buildings Greener

The ‘green’ mantra in construction is no longer just a chant by new-age bohemian-type architects and engineers. Green buildings are becoming a necessity in many countries and an increasing number of building regulation . . .

20 January 2020

Kuldeep Bwail

20 Technological AEC Influencers of 2020

Where are we now in terms of technological influencers in the construction world? In 2020, the AEC industry is sure to exploit the following influencers, both in terms of software and technologies . . .

13 January 2020

Shalini John

Critical Considerations When New to BIM Outsourcing

It can be a case of ‘too much of a good thing’ for firms in the construction industry. Businesses may find themselves with one or several interesting projects in hand, but completing . . .

30 December 2019

Nitesh Panchal

DfMA – Why MEP Contractors Should Consider It

When something makes your life easier, why not use it? Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a building construction practice that involves integrating factory-built building components or modules . . .

23 December 2019

Apurva Jain

The Importance of Hangers & Brackets in MEP Installation

It’s beyond debate. The importance of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems and their components in the construction industry are critical. How these components and systems are placed or fastened . . .

9 December 2019

Manoj Singh

DfMA – A Solution for On-site Skills Shortages

There’s a great deal going on in the global AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry, much of which is influenced by current events, including the uncertainty regarding . . .

28 November 2019

Hitesh Panchal

The Secret to Functional Families – Revit MEP

People often console one another by saying every family is dysfunctional, but in the world of MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineering, a family is certainly a functional entity. As BIM (Building Information Modelling) . . .

14 November 2019

Shalini John

The Importance of Interior Modelling and Detailing for Hotels

Relaxation, entertainment, wining and dining, the hotel experience includes all of these and more. Customer experience, though, is driven by the ambience, the personality and the brand characteristics . . .

7 October 2019

Kuldeep Bwail

How Contractor’s Design Portion (CDP) Fits into the Construction Process

Every link in the chain of the construction process is vital. One such link is the contractor’s design portion (CDP). The CDP comes into play when consultants on a construction project do not or cannot provide BIM . . .

23 September 2019

Shalini John

Advantages of Underfloor Air Distribution in MEP Design

It happens all the time. In any commercial environment with an open-plan office space, some people just need more cool air and others in the same space bundle up with winter wear, or battle . . .

9 September 2019

Apurva Jain

How Can Shade Analysis Work for Buildings in Australia?

In Australia, temperatures have climbed to over 50°C (122°F) on occasion and dipped to well below 0°C (32°F). Building design needs to consider the effect of shade on any building in Australia . . .

19 August 2019

Shalini John

Key Considerations for Retail Design of Restaurants

The customer is always right, and that’s why customer experience drives profits in any retail outlet. This is especially true in restaurants, frequented by those who want to relax, socialise, strategise and dine . . .

2 July 2019

Kuldeep Bwail

Key Considerations of Building Bracing Plans

Bracing plans determine where to place the components of a bracing system to withstand wind loads and seismic pressure. Qualified, experienced and accurate partners are needed to provide architectural design . . .

17 June 2019

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – Designing HVAC for Modern Offices

We spend a considerable part of our day within modern offices. It’s important that we are comfortable during this time so that we can be both productive and at peace. The quality, temperature and humidity levels of inside air must be optimised to suit the majority of the occupants . . .

16 June 2019

Shalini John

Architectural Design Process for UK Retail

Retail spaces strive to entice customers and make a sale. Clever design techniques and well researched planning help achieve these goals. To enable accurate design, the different architectural . . .

6 May 2019

Shalini John

How Revit 3D Modelling Improved Virtual Building Design

Imagine seeing your new home designs, a large shopping complex or even a cluster of apartment buildings in precise detail. Difficult to visualise it? Not anymore. It’s no longer difficult to imagine . . .

22 April 2019

Kuldeep Bwail

How Future HVAC Systems Must Adapt to Climate Change

The winter of 2017 saw Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate in the desert country of the United Arab Emirates, experience unprecedented snowfall and Dubai . . .

28 March 2019

Manoj Singh

Infographic – Different Features of UK & US Home Design

Specific climates experienced year-round, space limitations and the cost of materials influence home design options in the US and UK. Fundamental differences of UK and US home design occur within homes and include . . .

18 March 2019

Shalini John

Benefits of VDC Services from India

Many innovations have been adopted in the new world of modern construction in Western countries, but it is in the field of virtual building design that novel concepts have become virtually the norm. Virtual design . . .

4 March 2019

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – Common UK and US Architectural Home Design Styles

Speaking English isn’t the only thing the United Kingdom and the United States of America have in common. Both countries also feature aesthetically appealing houses constructed according to regulated and modernised . . .

26 February 2019

Shalini John

Planning & Documentation for Hospital Fire Design

There are some parts of hospitals that have a higher risk of fire. These areas need special treatment. They should be well segregated from the other parts of the hospital and have dedicated fire suppression systems, such as wet . . .

4 February 2019

Shalini John

What to Consider in Hospital Fire System Design

Hydraulic systems of waste facilities and transformers are places where fires could start easily due to fuels and lubricants being subjected to high temperatures. Water spray systems can be triggered hydraulically, pneumatically or . . .

7 January 2019

Rony Fernandes

Why 3D Benefits Retail Design

Retail drives our world today – our homes, what we have at home, where we work, how we get to work, what we wear and where and how we spend our leisure. The scope of retail design, therefore, is of paramount importance . . .

22 December 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

UK, US Houses – Similarities and Differences

Besides a common language, the United Kingdom and the United States have another common trait. They include urbanised population centres that require efficient, precise home design . . .

10 December 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

Widening Opportunities with Revit Family Models

Construction design practices have come a long way. Tasks enabled by updated software have contributed significantly to the progress of design practices. Increasingly seen as best suited for construction . . .

27 November 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

Key Features of Sustainable Architecture

Green design is also known as sustainable development, eco-design, eco-friendly architecture, and some even throw the term ‘arcology’ around. Whatever it’s called, sustainable architecture promotes nature . . .

31 October 2018

Shalini John

MEP Prefabrication – Process and BenefitsManufacturing Plant

One of the most impactful advances in construction is the ease, popularity and successful implementation of prefabrication in many disciplines of construction, but none more impressive than in building services or the MEP . . .

27 September 2018

Manoj Singh

How BIM Adds Value to Retail Design

Intense competition in the retail industry drives increased levels of performance across the board, and a key impetus to success in this industry is the visual appeal and functionality of retail outlets . . .

25 September 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

Infographic – Prefabrication in MEP Systems

Prefabrication in MEP systems is the practice of manufacturing/assembling components of building services in a factory or other manufacturing site and transporting complete assemblies of MEP components . . .

21 August 2018

Rony Fernandes

Outsourcing Now a Better Fit for UK Homebuilders

Whether it’s the home of your dreams or shelter from the elements, the housing industry in the United Kingdom has weathered its share of storms. Amid the inclement climate of Brexit, poor construction, scarcity . . .

25 July 2018

Manoj Singh

Architectural Rendering Preferences

Increasingly, architects, artists and designers can now flesh out a design with a range of 3D architectural rendering services. Preferences in residential architectural renderings . . .

12 July 2018

Manoj Singh

Impact of Virtual Design & Construction in Renovation / Redevelopment

Across the world today, more than half the population resides in urban enclaves. The world’s population is estimated to reach 6 billion by 2045. Planning for growth, infrastructure . . .

7 June 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

Adding the Right Design Resource for Australian Housing Design

Think of Australia and you think of the outdoors, the ‘bush’, the ‘outback’, open land and open skies. Love of the outdoors and entertaining is entrenched in the Australian identity and reflected in the basic . . .

17 May 2018

Manoj Singh

Advantages of Partnering with Top BIM Companies in India

Firms in Western nations are increasingly working with Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology in the AEC industry, and have found effective methods of managing this technology to suit time . . .

10 May 2018

Nitesh Panchal

How Important is Revit Family Modelling for the AEC Industry?

Popular author Dan Brown once said, ‘Knowledge is a tool, and like all tools, its impact is in the hands of the user’. Similarly, Revit-based parametric BIM (Building Information Modelling) tools have had a significant impact . . .

24 April 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

VDC Helps Analyse Project Life Cycle Before Construction

When considering the practice of general construction, its two-tiered process quickly becomes evident, simply put – design followed by implementation. The efficient implementation of a construction project . . .

12 April 2018

Shalini John

Streamlining Architectural Design with BIM Modelling

Efficient architectural design is instrumental in setting the tone and DNA of a building, defining what makes it unique. The entire design process involves detailed data and designs, changes and modifications . . .

12 April 2018

Shalini John

How Value Engineering Plays an Important Role in MEP Coordination

Industry lingo is representative of some of the major advances in the processes and gains associated with construction. One such term that finds increasing popularity is value engineering. So, what is value engineering and how does it benefit the . . .

5 March 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

How the Hospitality Industry Benefits from Prefabrication

From functionality to attractiveness to technological modernity, the hospitality industry has witnessed steady progression in all areas. For some guests, the hotel bathroom is of paramount interest . . .

23 February 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

ArchiCAD or Revit for Homebuilding Models & Drawings?

Two stalwarts seem to tower over the rest of the available software platforms in the homebuilding industry, ArchiCAD by Graphisoft and Revit by Autodesk . . .

20 February 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

What Is BIM Modelling?

Building Information Modelling, or BIM Modelling, has been the buzz word in the AEC industry for some time. It’s been known to facilitate unmatched opportunities for increased productivity and significant . . .

23 January 2018

Kuldeep Bwail

Selecting MEP Design Partners in India

MEP (M&E) design, or mechanical, electrical and plumbing design, arguably the most essential component of construction design for comfortable living, involves a slew of vitally important services . . .

19 December 2017

Kuldeep Bwail

10 Reasons to Deploy DfMA

One of the most fundamental aspects of construction is design. So, what is the design process in the construction industry ultimately geared toward? The short answer is: creating a building . . .

10 November 2017

Kuldeep Bwail

A Look at Software Used for Architectural Rendering

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in the architectural environment, the ‘cover’ or final photo-realistic image needs to be both accurate in reflecting design concepts and dimensions . . .

28 September 2017

Shalini John

Can Home Designers Benefit from Global Design Outsourcing?

Designing a home is a deeply personal and conceptually technical exercise – personal for the homeowner and technical for the home designer and homebuilders. As in any design process . . .

26 July 2017

Kuldeep Bwail

XS CAD – An Introduction and Overview

The construction sector is under constant pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget to achieve increased levels of profitability. The last few years has seen significant investment . . .

25 July 2017

Kuldeep Bwail

Should You use BIM 360 or Collaboration For Revit Projects?

BIM 360 Team, which is now part of BIM 360 family and was formerly known as A360, and Collaboration for Revit, more commonly abbreviated to C4R, are essentially collaboration tools that are used by various stakeholders . . .

23 June 2017

Kuldeep Bwail

MEP Fabrication Modelling Challenges

It’s important to maintain the momentum while moving two steps forward with advances in the construction industry. Pushback may occur at times, and the challenges faced by MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) fabrication . . .

25 October 2016

Kuldeep Bwail

XS CAD Limited – Corporate Profile

XS CAD is a UK and India based BIM services provider. We provide BIM, CAD and design services to building services engineers and installers, retailers, home builders and architects. We are an ISO 9001 quality . . .

23 October 2016

Kuldeep Bwail

Why MEP Contractors Change MEP Design Models

In the MEP environment, a building’s MEP designs are initially developed at high level and then detailed to make them clash free and installation ready. MEP designers/consultants play a significant . . .

29 September 2016

Kuldeep Bwail

Why the Lowest-cost Outsourcing Supplier May Not Be the Most Cost-effective

Retail brands know all about quality and consumer products that endure, precisely why consumers are willing to dole out the extra bucks. This is true for outsourced services as well. More economical . . .

29 April 2016

Rony Fernandes

Why Architectural Design Development Phase becomes More Challenging than Schematic and Contract Phase?

The schematic and contract phases are the stepping stones of just about any project, be it retail or otherwise. These are valuable phases as they set the architectural intent, the visual style and suggest one structural . . .

10 February 2016

Kuldeep Bwail

3D MEP Coordination-Top 5 outsourcing challenges and best practices

In the AEC (architectural, engineering and construction) industry, there is an expectation to deliver projects faster and at lower cost to clients. This pressure translates into challenges . . .

23 September 2015

Kuldeep Bwail

Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner for Revit and BIM Services

Making the right choice has never been easy, but with a little bit of research and dedication, it doesn’t have to be too difficult. As Revit 3D BIM modelling/ Revit BIM services are becoming increasingly prevalent . . .

16 April 2015

Kuldeep Bwail

How BIM for Retail Positively Impacts Time to Market

In the retail facility construction sector, time to market plays a decisive role in project success. Whilst employing building information modelling (BIM) tools has clear advantages over traditional CAD-based . . .

17 March 2015

Kuldeep Bwail

Outsourcing vs. Completing Retail Designs In-House

When planning store refurbishment exercises or when opening new stores major retailers across the world face tough decisions about their design process and whether to handle all (or a part of) the retail . . .

22 December 2014

Kuldeep Bwail

BIM-Enabled IPD: A Win-Win for Owners and Project Stakeholders

The building and construction industry is faced with a multitude of challenges in areas, ranging from design planning, construction administration and budgeting, to scheduling and facilities management . . .

11 November 2014

Kuldeep Bwail

4D BIM: A Boon for General Contractors

In the AEC industry, the timely and cost-effective completion of projects is the sole aim of general contractors, also referred to as main contractors in the UK. In most cases, general contractors . . .

2 June 2014

Kuldeep Bwail

BIM: More Than Just an Extension of 3D CAD

In the AEC industry, the advent of building information modelling (BIM) concept was viewed by many as an evolution to better 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) techniques. Very few saw it as an interdisciplinary . . .

7 April 2014

Kuldeep Bwail

BIM-led Prefabrication: An Effective Way Forward for Healthcare MEP Projects

Designing and planning for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for healthcare facilities brings with it a set of daunting challenges for the entire MEP (M&E) . . .

Articles

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28 September 2023

Apurva Jain