Leveraging BIM Technology

We use Autodesk® Revit® Building Information Modeling (BIM) to design & coordinate projects for many of our clients. BIM is an intelligent 3D model that allows the team to better visualize a design, resulting in improved coordination and decision making.

For each brand, we create a complete 3D library of all prototypical components (shelving fixtures, gondolas, furniture, equipment, signage, and finishes). Then we overlay them onto the proposed store layout. It is rendered to create a full 3D-model of the entire space, allowing both the design team and the client to visualize the proposed new store prior to construction.

This technology is even more valuable when working within existing spaces where constraints are more challenging. Using BIM, first take information from our comprehensive building survey to create a complete model of the entire building shell. This allows us to coordinate existing columns, beams, joists, walls, etc., with the proposed new store design.

We then insert the 3D store layout followed by the supporting electrical, mechanical, and sprinkler systems. This all comes together to create a fully-detailed model of the entire new store space, allowing the team to visualize and resolve any potential conflicts before drawings are finalized. This means fewer coordination issues, resulting in fewer questions and conflicts during construction — saving time and money for our clients.

BIM is also used to analyze building performance and find ways to save energy. Making even the slightest change to a light fixture or mechanical unit can have a major economic impact across a fleet of stores.

With BIM, we help our clients identify potential savings by running energy models to determine ROI. BIM is critical in our design of sustainable LEED stores which maximize energy savings while improving customer experience.