This innovative design partnership saves clients’ time and costs—here’s how

In the design process, details inevitably change. Big or small, these alterations can cost everyone extra time and money if they aren’t communicated clearly. Perkins&Will’s asked:

“Is it possible to exchange model and design data directly with fabricators so they better understand our intent?”

To answer this question Perkins&Will partnered with fabricator A. Zahner Company (Zahner) to establish a digitally-centered workflow that mitigates the unavoidable risk of an ever-changing design.

Together we developed a cloud-enabled 3D modeling workflow that reduces design revisions and achieves higher-quality results for our clients. Dubbed the “Dynamic Design and Feasibility Workflow,” this process is centered on workspaces and tools shared by the teams, as well as regular reviews of both Perkins&Will’s and Zahner’s work. By adopting this process both teams realize increased efficiency and more design confidence, along with precise cost estimates and accurate production schedules.

This site explores the genesis and results of the partnership between Perkins&Will and Zahner, as well as step-by-step instructions and the software assets you need to implement our Dynamic Design and Feasibility Workflow yourself.