Unfortunately, however, design offices don’t typically have extensive field experience nor are they even expected to perform field coordination at the same level as the trades – as they shouldn’t, it’s not what they do best. Expertise in the field is what general contractors and the trades bring to every project. For large-scale commercial projects, FCD can act as a liaison between the design and construction teams to provide a proven technology-based approach to coordination. Say goodbye to overlaying drawings on light tables or even in computer programs such as Bluebeam.

Full Circle Design has adopted the use of three-dimensional computer-based technologies to coordinate and streamline the pre-construction and construction phases for complex building projects. Embracing Building Information Modeling (BIM) over 17 years ago and coupling that knowledge with current Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) software tools, has allowed FCD to further expand its contribution to the industries of design and construction.

FCD can manage models exported from various trades and 3D software applications (such as MiTek, AutoSPRINK, AutoCAD MEP or Autodesk Revit to name a few), and compile them into a single, three-dimensional coordination model. Implementing clash detection and visualization tools within Autodesk’s Navisworks Manage software, FCD can lead pre-construction teams through a series of coordination meetings to resolve conflicts in building systems virtually, on screen, all before a single piece of soil is disturbed. There is no doubt, this takes additional upfront time and expense to build, coordinate and manage the ever-dynamic pieces of a very intricate puzzle, but the benefits are priceless in terms of the potential reduction in costly changes and scheduling delays.