Back to Blog
Case Study

How a Large Firm Reduced Project Time by 40%

A real-world case study showing how automation tools transformed a major architectural firm's workflow and project delivery times.

December 20, 2024
12 min read
Case Study, Automation, ROI

When a leading architectural firm with over 200 employees faced increasing project complexity and tighter deadlines, they turned to BIM automation to transform their workflow. This case study examines their journey, the challenges they overcame, and the remarkable results they achieved.

The Challenge

The firm was struggling with several critical issues that were impacting their bottom line and team morale:

  • Projects were consistently running 20-30% over budget due to rework
  • Manual MEP coordination was taking 40+ hours per project
  • Team members were spending excessive time on repetitive tasks
  • Difficulty attracting and retaining talent due to burnout

The Solution

After evaluating multiple options, the firm implemented a comprehensive automation strategy using Constructive's BIM automation tools. The implementation included:

Auto Sprinkler

Automated fire sprinkler placement reduced coordination time by 75%.

Smart Hanger

Intelligent hanger placement eliminated manual calculations.

Dim and Tag

Automated dimensioning saved 15+ hours per project.

The Results

Within six months of implementation, the firm saw dramatic improvements across all metrics:

40%
Reduction in Project Time
75%
Less Time on MEP Coordination
$2.4M
Annual Cost Savings

Beyond the numbers, the firm experienced qualitative improvements: team members reported higher job satisfaction, the ability to take on more projects without increasing headcount, and improved work-life balance. The automation tools also reduced errors, leading to fewer RFIs and change orders.

Implementation Process

Success didn't happen overnight. The firm followed a structured approach:

  1. 1
    Pilot Project Started with one project to prove the concept and build team confidence
  2. 2
    Team Training Comprehensive training program with ongoing support and best practices
  3. 3
    Rollout Gradual expansion to all projects with continuous improvement based on feedback

Key Takeaways

This case study demonstrates that strategic investment in BIM automation can deliver exceptional returns. The firm's success wasn't just about the tools—it was about changing workflows, empowering teams, and focusing human expertise on high-value tasks.

For firms considering similar initiatives, the message is clear: automation isn't a luxury—it's a competitive necessity in today's market.