Ignite recognised the opportunity for continued improvement and to be proactive towards the future of work across its practice while keeping its people-first “craft of architecture” ethos.

So, the firm decided to deploy Autodesk Forma to the firm to “supercharge” their approach to early design production and make informed decisions during all phases of design with outcomes and sustainability in mind.

Ignite used the software in a project, which required Ignite to resolve a major wind tunnel problem at an industrial park in the south of Auckland.

“The industrial park contains several good quality buildings, but the placement of the buildings promoted strong wind tunnels, making it an uncomfortable and cold environment,” said Ignite group technology manager Jeremy Benseman.

“Our team tapped Forma’s analytics tools to conduct proper wind analysis and digitally visualise a solution without needing to engage third parties or wait for engineers to conduct physical studies of the space.”

Forma also gives Ignite the ability to assess a broad range of environmental factors through visualisations, including solar analysis, daylight potential and microclimate, allowing it to deliver project designs that optimise the experience for people, and reducing environmental impact of those designs.

“Partnering with Autodesk meant we could marry technology with our people-first approach to architecture,” said Benseman. “We encourage a lot of hand-drawing, but can now balance our craft with the fast-paced nature of our industry as it becomes more digital and we expand our digitally-native workforce.”

Ignite has also shifted to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for full project management, which connects Ignite’s workflows, teams, and data at every stage of construction design and delivery.

Ignite’s architects can now collaborate with third parties and subcontractors leveraging up-to-date BIM-based 3D models and project information that is updated in real time.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also contributing to Ignite’s future of work. The company has introduced capabilities for ideation and image generation alongside design elements and aims to work with Autodesk to build deeper analytics for projects to identify greater efficiencies, improve cost management, and reduce project risk.

AI is rising fast in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector; the 2024 State of Design and Make Report found 77% of organisations agree AI will enhance their industry, and 67% agree it will be essential across the board in two to three years.

Sustainability also plays an important role to Ignite’s evolution.

It has delivered multiple Green Star rated buildings, and having recently achieved Toitū Carbon Reduce Certification.

“We are in the middle of our sustainability journey and are assessing the processes and tools we need to take offerings to clients that reduce impact on the environment, minimise carbon emissions, and avoid waste,” said Benseman.

“The power of Forma, for example, gives us live analysis into factors such as embodied carbon emissions to factor into the early design process. Making decisions up front, before construction work commences, allows us to have a major influence on the built environment.”

“Our State of Design and Make Report revealed that 65% of AECO companies regard themselves as digitally mature. Ignite is a perfect example of digital maturity, with its ongoing digitalisation culminating in both internal productivity gains as well as stronger and more sustainable outcomes for its clients,” said Autodesk senior regional director for ANZ Andy Cunningham.

“The relationship the firm has built between its in-house experts and technology has not only resulted in award-winning project designs, but given it a framework on which it can further evolve as digital capabilities, especially AI, make strides.”