From Blueprint to Byte

By PARKER ALLEN

The design industry is experiencing a profound shift as digital tools reshape traditional workflows and introduce new possibilities. In a recent webinar entitled "Digitization in the Design Practice," hosted by Business of Light, key industry leaders discussed the implications of digital technologies on design firms, from improving margins to fostering creativity.

The expert panel included Rachel Fitzgerald, Principal, Discipline Lead, Lighting at Stantec; Jay Wratten, Senior VP and Digital Lead at WSP USA, and Samuel Mikhail, Managing Director at 4 Ideal Design and NYSID’s MPSM Program Director. David Ghatan, President of CM Kling + Associates, served as the moderator.

Defining the Digital Practice

Samuel Mikhail set the stage from the outset, reminding the audience, “Your digital journey begins the second you hold an iPad or sit in front of a computer.” From software suites like Adobe and Microsoft to more specialized platforms such as AGi32 and LightStanza, these tools form the backbone of a digital practice.

The question that each firm must answer is the extent to which the myriad of tools on offer will be utilized, and how they will go about successfully implementing these tools into their design practice.

Gone are the days of receiving blueprints in the mail. The pen and the pencil have been replaced by the stylus. Rachel Fitzgerald recounted Stantec’s shift from a two-dimensional AutoCAD world to the 3D realm incorporating BIM (Building Information Modeling) and Revit. This transition wasn’t without its challenges, she noted, but ultimately, this shift in their workflow has unlocked greater creativity and problem-solving potential early in the design process, rather than reactivity during construction

Importantly, digitization is more than just using specific advanced tools – it’s about adopting an entire ecosystem of interconnected software that requires a carefully managed transition. “I think you reach a tipping point, and you have to rip the band-aid off,” explained Fitzgerald.

The challenge for firms is to adapt quickly while ensuring that all collaborators are aligned

The Human Element: Bridging Generations

One challenge to be navigated is the generational divide in adopting digital practices. The key to a successful digital transition is balancing the experience of senior staff with the digital fluency of younger designers. The younger generation is often more adept with digital tools, but senior staff bring critical insights from their years of practice. Finding a way to integrate both groups is crucial for firms looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Wratten noted that many decision-makers within firms are less familiar with digital technologies than those on the “front lines,” and so firms find themselves being driven from the “back of the bus.” This can hinder innovation, as these companies may fail to fully explore the capabilities of their digital toolsets. The solution is to foster environments where new ideas are encouraged and integrated into daily practice.

Standards and Flexibility

Establishing digital standards is another critical aspect of running a successful digital practice. Mikhail pointed out that developing comprehensive BIM standards, coupled with staff training and project mentoring, form the core of any digital strategy.

However, no two projects are the same, and each requires a tailored approach, making adaptability just as important as standardization

Tools and the Future

The next topic on the menu was the ever-evolving nature of digital tools. Currently, Autodesk dominates the market, but even within that single suite are a host of programs, similar to Apple’s app store, offering advanced design capabilities. Mikhail advised, “You have to figure out what are the software programs that are going to best fit your needs. Identify your need first, and then go shopping. No window shopping!”

And no conversation can be complete without at least a mention of artificial intelligence, which is becoming a key part of many designers’ toolkits. For now, the use cases primarily center around the creation of realistic concept renderings that help clients visualize lighting's impact. But as the power of AI continues to increase, so will the possibilities it unlocks.

The future holds immense potential for new digital tools, but firms must decide where to invest their resources. It’s all about return on investment—determining which tools will truly enhance a designer’s abilities and contribute to better project outcomes

The Digital Ecosystem

Digitization in design is not just about adopting new tools— it’s about creating a digital ecosystem that integrates various technologies into a cohesive workflow. Whether it’s improving efficiencies with BIM, fostering creativity through 3D visualization, or preparing for the next wave of AI innovations, design firms must leverage an ever-increasing menu of digital tools to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency, striking a balance between technology and human expertise.

The firms that can successfully navigate this landscape will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving digital world.