PPM now offering Archicad As-Built Models
A New BIM Deliverable to Support your Residential Remodel Projects
If you’re an architect specializing in residential remodels, and you love collaborating and designing in intuitive, easy-to-use BIM software, our newest service offering has launched with you in mind! PPM is proud to announce Archicad as our latest residential As-Built deliverable! While we’ll continue offering Revit, this software addition gives you and your team versatility no matter your BIM preference. We know this isn’t the great Coke versus Pepsi debate, but we don’t want to be that lunch spot that makes you sip your second choice. We care about your preferences and are happy to stock two great BIM options brought to you by popular demand! Whether you prefer the simple and intuitive Archicad or the robust capabilities of Revit, you can now choose your 3D As-Built model that best meets your needs.
19 years ago, we entered into business to help architects ensure their As-Built plans were accurate, precise, and truly Worry Free prior to every remodel. Our objective was and still is to provide peace of mind knowing everyone working from the plans (architects, contractors, etc.) can make important decisions based on accurate measurements. Since 2002, we’ve evolved from the years of hand measuring, sketching, and AutoCAD drafting to adopting technology that would bring a new level of efficiency, accuracy, and versatility to our clients. In 2017 we introduced 3D laser scanning, in 2019 we introduced 3D Revit (BIM) modeling to our services, and today, we’re thrilled to announce Archicad!
The PPM Approach to Launching Archicad
We know that being a great partner means listening closely to our clients’ needs. A few months ago, we surveyed a sample of our recurring architects to get a better idea of the remodel software they use and to learn how we can provide more value. Through the generous feedback, we learned there’s a growing adoption of Archicad in the architectural community. This insight set our team on a mission to bring Archicad As-Built BIM models to our portfolio of services.
Revit expert, Blake Newey, of our Salt Lake City Production office spearheaded the initiative. He researched, took endless hours of coursework, and worked closely with a residential architect who works heavily in Archicad to design a product that is most useful to the architecture market. Along with his team, Blake has set processes and standards for modeling in this new platform, and we are thrilled to bring this offering to market today!
“Our main objective in this launch was to make sure all of our models meet the standards that clients have come to expect from all PPM deliverables. We wanted to ensure we met the needs of every client, and bringing ArchiCAD on board gives us another opportunity to provide Gold Standard service to even more clients.“ shares Newey.
Two BIM As-Built Options To Fit Your Preferences
Here’s The Scoop on Archicad vs. Revit
If you’re new to Archicad and curious how it differs from Revit, or you work in AutoCAD, but are interested in BIM in general, this will give you a little insight into the different features Archicad and Revit provide to help you make the best decision for your project.
| Archicad by Graphisoft | Revit by Autodesk | |
| Conceptual Design | Archicad takes a simple, push/pull modeling approach to get to the mass form/conceptual design. Simpler and easier to master than Revit, it has all of the features an architect needs: push/pull modeling, instant and customizable geometry, and a smart multiple extrusion tool. It offers a more intuitive approach to the conceptual design phase. | Preferred for complex models. Can connect different files into one, large complex file. Allows you to create conceptual masses and adaptive geometries that then integrate into the project environment. The different components or “families” as they’re called in Revit are nested into the BIM project environment where you can manipulate projects into parametric components or sub-components. |
| Visualization | Wide range of capabilities with a suite of visual styles. Lacks the ability to customize specific elements the way Revit does. | Ability to fine tune visualizations and ability to change an exact line. Can make changes on a global level or view-specific level. Overall, offers a wider range of control and manipulation capabilities. |
| Rendering (same for both software) | Powerful rendering engine. Photo-realistic renderings for interior and exterior. Wide range of tools for fine-tuning. | Powerful rendering engine. Photo-realistic renderings for interior and exterior. Wide range of tools for fine-tuning. |
| MEP and Construction | Can use the easy-to-use MEP Modeler Add-On that allows for creation and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic networks within the building design. This Add-On integrates well with standard software. | Wide set of tools for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction professionals including design tools for HVAC, electrical and plumbing design, as well as the entirety of digital products that are able to create complex layouts and models as well as generating supporting documents. |
| Plugins | Cinerender and Grasshopper are powerful plugins that give Archicad the edge it needs to compete with Revit. | Can utilize plugins, but Revit has more built-in capabilities than ArchiCAD. |
Most BIM users who have experience with both programs agree that Archicad tends to be more intuitive and user-friendly with plugins to extend its capabilities, while Revit is a more robust, yet more complex offering more capabilities without additional plugins (albeit the extended learning curve). Like any competitive software, we know our clients have set preferences, and we’re thrilled to offer the versatility your team needs to begin working with our files from the time of delivery.
We look forward to serving more architects in more efficient ways in the coming years with new service offerings. Have suggestions? Let your voice be heard. You can share your ideas here.
And, as always, quotes are quick and easy through our online quote request web form – now with an option for Archicad!
About PPM
At PPM, our goal is to help set you and your project up for success from the start. While we are dedicated to tried-and-true process and deliver consistently accurate plans, success is not just in the numbers – it’s a feeling of trust, confidence, ownership and teamwork. Our team is committed to Core Values that drive our business and our clients’ success. We’re here to support you every step of the way.