COX at BILT ANZ 2024: Leading the Way in Design Technology
[Left to right] Sharon Zhang, Katina Vlandis, Ashley Beckett, Adam Cocciardi, Beatriz Lorente, Alex Gorecki, Dorian Smart
At COX, staying at the forefront of design technology is crucial to delivering innovative and efficient architectural solutions for our clients. As the architecture industry continues to evolve, the annual BILT ANZ conference has established itself as a premier platform for exploring advancements in digital tools and workflows. With its reputation for attracting industry leaders and showcasing emerging technologies, BILT ANZ 2024 provided an invaluable opportunity for COX to engage with the latest trends and refine its expertise.
Our participation at this year’s event went beyond attending sessions; it was about actively contributing to knowledge exchange in the industry. With representatives from nearly every COX studio, including three speakers, our involvement underscored our commitment to embracing digital technologies and refining how we work. By engaging with industry leaders in emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Engineering, Virtual Design and Construction, and Virtual Reality, we gained valuable insights into the future of our field, ensuring that COX remains at the forefront of providing exceptional design solutions.
Insights from the Team
Adam Cocciardi, BIM Coordinator – Interiors and Dorian Smart, Studio BIM Lead
Adam and Dorian presented on Revit workflows and model performance, but their key takeaway from the event focused on the necessity of continuously evolving the way we work in response to rapid technological advancements. They observed that architecture and design are increasingly driven by data, and it is essential for designers to embrace data-driven methodologies. Moreover, they highlighted the importance of fostering curiosity and encouraging team members to stay engaged with new technologies. Helping others get on board with digital tools can significantly influence the overall success of adopting innovations across teams and studios.
Katina Vlandis, Architect
Katina highlighted how leveraging Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) can drastically improve collaboration between architects, consultants, and other stakeholders. The ability to integrate APIs simplifies communication and enhances construction efficiency. She also stressed the importance of tracking skills and upskilling through data-driven staff development, ensuring COX stays ahead of technological advancements. Katina was inspired by Women in BIM initiatives at the conference, finding support and mentorship within the community that encourages pushing boundaries in digital innovation.
Alex Gorecki, Associate
For Alex, BILT offered insight into emerging trends, particularly in how model management and collaboration are evolving. Autodesk Construction Cloud’s (ACC) role in improving interdisciplinary collaboration and its clash detection capabilities stood out. He was also struck by the increasing role of AI in architecture, particularly in automating design tasks. Alex believes AI will reshape BIM, and staying ahead of these trends is crucial for COX. Sessions such as “BIM the Nordic Way” and “Optimising Documentation through Automation” showed that coordinated 3D models and standardised processes are the future of project documentation.
Sharon Zhang, BIM Manager
Sharon found practical solutions for improving BIM workflows and project management at BILT. She notes that tools such as Virtual Reality and Reality Capture, are becoming integral to modern architectural practices. Sharon’s key takeaway was the importance of staying ahead of digital trends to streamline processes and improve team collaboration. The insights she gained have already influenced her approach to managing projects at COX, optimising outcomes through digital tools.
Beatriz Lorente, Project Leader
Beatriz’s experience was marked by a focus on refining workflows and enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration. She found that unifying digital tools across teams is critical for delivering projects on time and within budget. Data-driven insights are also playing an increasingly important role in design decision-making, allowing for more responsive strategies in both aesthetics and functionality. Beatriz found inspiration in the Women in BIM initiative, which emphasised the importance of diversity in the digital space and encouraged her to take a more active role in promoting this within COX.
Our team’s experience at BILT ANZ 2024 highlights the importance of staying curious and embracing new technologies like BIM and AI to remain at the forefront of the industry. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and data-driven design, we can continue to deliver innovative, efficient solutions for our clients while leading the way in architectural advancements.