Excitech has been involved in providing solutions to the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) market since 1985.

We have significant experience in implementing the CAD strategy and best practices for large companies and in large collaborative projects; from the initial definition through to implementation and management.

We have worked with many small and medium sized businesses to help them to use a range of CAD tools to increase their efficiency and to remain competitive.

The Single Model Environment
(Building Information Modelling)

Looking to the future, many companies are realising the benefits of developing a "single model" of individual building projects within their CAD environment. This allows them to generate working drawings from the model - plans, sections and elevations - and to coordinate the construction in a 3D environment.

The model is then developed and refined over the life of the building, not only through the design and construction phases but also into the management phase. This leads to an increased level of data re-use and resolution of design issues at a much earlier stage (preferably before they get to site!).

Recent developments in software have allowed building geometry to be represented by intelligent "objects", making the goal of a single model environment all the more attainable. For example, instead of drawing a wall as a series of lines and inserting a graphic symbol to represent a door, this new technology allows users to draw walls directly and to insert a door, which will automatically create a structural opening in the wall. More importantly perhaps, the structure can be modified with a couple of mouse clicks to change the wall construction or to change the design of the door to a different style.

Autodesk's AutoCAD Architectural Desktop is currently the cornerstone of this new technology and is being implemented in many companies worldwide. Based on and including all of the functionality of AutoCAD, this product provides a powerful set of tools designed to cover the complete building design process from concept stage through to final scheduling and documentation.

Two of the key products which complement AutoCAD Architectural Desktop are 3D Studio VIZ and NavisWorks. 3D Studio VIZ allows companies to take the 3D model generated in Architectural Desktop, to add materials, lights and additional detail and then to produce high quality visualisations and animated walkthroughs - persuading and convincing clients of the effectiveness of the design. NavisWorks provides an interactive 3D environment in which 3D geometry from a range of different sources can be reviewed by navigating through even very large models at a guaranteed speed. An option is also available in the NavisWorks suite to investigate clashes between different components of the building model - to identify problems at the earliest design stage and potentially provide a major cost saving.

There is a wide range of additional design products that are available for the built environment market. Please contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help you to implement the most appropriate AEC solutions within your company.