Microdesk Reveals Top Trends For 2016 That Will Shape The AECO Industry

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Microdesk, a leading provider of business and technology consulting services for the design and construction industry, today shares its predictions for the top trends that will shape the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry in 2016. Microdesk surveyed its executive management and consulting experts, technology partners, and clients to gain their insights on the coming year. As a result, they have identified three major trends that will impact the AECO industry in the coming year and beyond.

(1)   The Millennial Movement: The increasing presence of the "next generation" in the workplace will continue to have broad-sweeping impacts across the industry. Already this group is beginning to play a more prominent role in identifying useful technologies and processes used within their organizations, on projects, and more broadly throughout the environments in which we live, work and play. As a result, Millennials will be responsible for driving earlier adoption of new technologies, a shift in project workflow processes and increased collaboration.

"Millennials will be the primary drivers of change in the AECO industry," says Peter Marchese, Senior Technical Evangelist at Microdesk. "Millennials have taken an extreme interest in learning new technologies and improving the 'standard' design process. As a result, we will see improved processes and more integrated products through the emergence of mobile apps and an increase in cloud-sharing technologies, social media, and use of virtual reality."

(2)   BIM Goes Global: As global markets continue to adopt BIM, an increased focus on setting standards for BIM implementation will accelerate world-wide adoption. This shift is already underway: the U.K. has proposed a BIM mandate by 2016; the Middle East has over $50 billion in BIM-related rail projects proposed; Dubai has a BIM mandate for large building and infrastructure; Brazil now ranks third behind the US and Sweden in University development using BIM; and France has established the "Le Plan Transition Numerique dans le Batiment" to help determine BIM standards passed off by the Ministry of Dwellings, which includes developing 500,000 houses using BIM by 2017.

"It's highly likely that the implementation of BIM technologies and processes will happen much more rapidly outside the U.S.," says Sarah Causey, Sr. Solution Specialist at Microdesk. "The global market is embracing BIM at an increased pace in comparison to the U.S. Additionally, many U.S. firms are working on a global scale; therefore, these organizations are able to export lessons learned in the U.S. abroad. We're seeing it with firms like KPF, HOK, 10 Design, and others. Further, the U.S. continues to grapple with funding major infrastructure projects, whereas other nations – even developing countries - are committed to building their infrastructure."

(3)   The Emergence of "O": Owner / Operators will soon be the primary drivers of BIM. While the benefits of BIM in the design-to-construction phase are now well-documented, the value post-construction has been less quantifiable. Thanks to significant improvements in the technology and a higher level of knowledge when it comes to understanding how to leverage the outputs of BIM, the Owners and Facilities Management disciplines are now able to see tangible ROI. As a result, they are more broadly adopting BIM technology and processes and will take the drivers' seat when it comes to making decisions regarding use of BIM on projects.

"The quantifiable benefits of BIM for the design and construction industries—increased efficiencies and reduced costs—have become much more obvious over the past few years," says Michael DeLacey, President of Microdesk. "Going beyond design and construction, Owners and Facilities Managers are also realizing the benefits of having a data-rich model being a part of the project deliverable, which can be leveraged as a highly intelligent resource for facilities management. Looking ahead to 2016, as these time and cost-saving benefits continue to be seen, we will see the Owners and Facilities Managers increasingly drive BIM forward, requesting BIM from the very start of the design process in order to see the benefits throughout the entire project lifecycle."

Microdesk will be showcasing these trends at booth #252 at Autodesk University, which takes place December 1-3 at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Attendees can participate in the dialogue by submitting a video recording of their predictions. Videos will be posted to Microdesk's Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube throughout the week and viewers will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites. The winner will receive a UAV.

For additional information regarding Microdesk, please visit http://www.microdesk.com/.

About Microdesk 
Microdesk is a design technology consultancy that combines the leading software tools from Autodesk, IBM, Bluebeam, and Panzura, with the latest methods, including Building Information Modeling and Virtual Design & Construction, to help firms successfully plan, design, build and operate land and buildings. Microdesk is a member of the Autodesk and ESRI Developer Networks, a leading Autodesk and Bluebeam partner, and operates Autodesk and Google Authorized Training Centers. Microdesk has 11 offices nationwide, located in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Chicago and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.microdesk.com.

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Media Contacts: 
Stacy Lucier
Microdesk
415-350-0161
[email protected]

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